Hot early this morning. A few of us into our strenuous exercise regimes early, lots of swimming from ship to rocky shore or checking out the closest private pontoons at the front of a couple of large homes. There are beach umbrellas and beach beds lined up in rows on every spot of beach in Kalkan, all for a fee. Ah, the delights of swimming from the boat!! Breakfast late, then Vicky and I headed for Kalkan marina by canoe - a leisurely half an hour, overtaken b...

Our private bay invaded by tourist boats, we headed across the water to the small Lycian city of Simena ( now called Kalekoy), which has been inhabited since 4BC! Various civilisations have made the most of the buildings hewn from rock - recycling. Part if the city is under water, with the odd stone coffin (sarcophagi) and bits of buildings creating navigation hazards for boats. The Fort, positioned with 360 degree views, gave prospective marauding invaders no ...

Impressive exercise regimes on deck this morning, followed by swimming from the side of the boat....notable exceptions could be shamed & named. The breakfast table groaned with fresh fruit - best fresh peaches, crepes straight from the pan, with 8 jams to choose from, spanokapitas, tomato, cucumber, creamy fingers of fetta, olives, tomato bound with scrambled egg..... Finally pulled up anchor and headed for a mooring close to Myra, 24 kms from Finike. Rock...

Overnight in Alp Pasa Hotel, Kaleci, Antalya - tucked in the rabbit warren of streets in the old town, near Hadrian's Gates, and mustering point for Cocho's highly experienced sailing crew, Garry, Vicky, Tony, Thea, Anthony, Louise and moi. All present & accounted for - the plot developing according to plan! A centuries old stone fortification, this part of the city is on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, with a protected marina, muddle of narrow str...

Istanbul! Skipped the 40euro taxi ride & morning traffic from airport to Sultanahmet, the old city, for a 4euro subway & tram trip with the locals. More adrenalin - where am I? Straight to the rooftop of the Burckin Suites (not Burckin Suits as the monogrammed linen & toiletries suggest), for breakfast overlooking the Blue Mosque, Hargia Sophia & the Bosphorous. Ahhh - sea breeze and 26 degrees, muddy blarvellous! Ripe stone fruits, strawberrie...