Kusadasi - metropolis

Serafina
Rob & Sarah Bell
Wed 5 Aug 2009 10:30
37:52.3N 27:15.7E

Tuesday 4th August

Strange swell running into the bay last night, which made for a poor night's
rest.

Glorious morning however, but no sign of any wind at all!

We had decided that we were moving on today and heading south to Kusadasi
which by all accounts marks the start of the resorts and the 'real Turkey'
of all the summer holiday brochures.

Said goodbye to David and Jill on Souris Rose, who frankly thought we were
mad to head off to a marina when the weather was set fair. This did make us
think again, but we need to be closer to Bodrun for various reasons and so
we headed off as planned.

Real August summer's day. Blazing unrelenting sunshine and barely a breath
of wind. Managed less than one hour's proper sailing on the entire 40 mile
trip.

As we arrived, it became very obvious that were re-entering the tourist
world as opposed to the 'off the beaten track' where we have been a lot
lately. The main clue was the presence of 5 cruise ships clustered around
the shipping terminal! Seems this is the best place to make a trip to
Ephesus which doubtless we will be doing ourselves as well.

We were ushered into the large Setur Marina and Sarah reversed Serafina
perfectly into a very small berth next to a yacht exactly half our size. So
far we have only had time to wander round the marina itself, but the report
is VERY favourable. Swimming pool (costs less than £2 per person for the
day), excellent laundry (self service, 'home'[?] and Service wash). Good
chandlery, loads of bars and cafes and several very smart restaurants all on
site. Workshops and various small businesses specialising in pretty much
everything 'boaty' in one way or another. Book exchange, very clean and tidy
site (grass mowing and paths swept daily). Finally of course, a large Migros
supermarket. Best marina we have come across to date and although the
security seems a little light, there are clouds of security staff and marina
staff around day and night. Also whisper it quietly, but the nearest minaret
sounds to be miles away!