Antalya

Antalya is a apparently the fifth most populous city in the huge country of Turkey.  We had never heard of this city before - Istanbul and Akara, sure but not Antalya.  Even though our vacation was mostly just relax by the sea or pool we did hop a public bus one day and head into the city center.  As always, the getting there (and back) was half the fun (or frustration)  The bus ride took nearly an hour after several discussions from locals about how and where to buy tickets.  Antalya was one of the first places that I have been that accept all different world currencies.  US dollars were fine, Euros were fine and British Pounds were all fine.  We brought the first two, The Kitcheners brought the second two and we were covered. 

When we arrived into town it was mostly markets with vendors selling their wares.  There is something about a market when their colorful items are displayed in baskets that I just can't pass up.  I remember feeling the same way in Cuba with the cars.  I don't even like cars but I couldn't stop taking pictures.  I don't even like all the stuff they are selling but I can't stop taking pictures.  Strange, I know.

All 8 of us walked around, meandered through the markets, down to the port and up and back through the markets.  When it was about time to return to our hotel it started to rain.  Truth be told, that is why we chose this day to go into town as we knew a beach and pool are no fun in the rain.  But we didn't expect the rain that came

down nor the wind.  We all huddled into an already crowded bus stop waiting for our bus to pass.  Finally, it did. 
We made it back and spent the rest of the afternoon playing cards and games before dinner and then a Riemer kids vs. Kitchener kids game of bowling in the rather depressing resort "game room"  It is

funny that all 3 boys were clambering to go to the "arcade" all trip and when we finally went the adults were all depressed by it (dark, lame, old arcade room with everything from small little coin

operated carousel like the type outside of grocery stores in the 70's to a two lane bowling alley to computer operated games to real arcade video games) but something about this space was so utterly depressing.  Fine for a bowling match but not a place I'd like to hang out in.
Other than our Antalya day trip there wasn't really much else cultural about our trip.  We heard the "call to prayer" each morning at 6AM and sometimes the mid day one.  No one seemed to do anything different when this happened but we heard it.  We tried a few turkish dishes and learned to say "thank you" in Turkish.  But other than that it was simply a relaxing vacation. 

We struggle with the All Inclusive mentality - not only because we eat and drink more than we would otherwise and there isn't much culture in it but also watching the greediness of humanity - nearly always taking more than they can eat.  Walking through the restaurant and seeing tables with plates piled with left over food that inevitably goes into the garbage is heart breaking.  But there is something so nice about never having to worry about food or drink and if your kids will be hungry or full. The kids LOVE being able to order and eat anything and everything they want.  As of now, we are done with all inclusives... but we have said that before.  Like last time I guess we just need a bit of time to pass so we forget and then we will book another one in the not so distant future. 😏