Eventually it was time for a relief of the type that involves sitting down. In general, Turkey has very clean restrooms, Moslems being very cleanliness conscious. I managed to find the exception to the rule. The facility had four toilets. Two were of the old style. There are spots to place your feet, a hole in the ground and a water tap on the left side. The only thing missing is a place to sit. The mental picture that you are now forming is not a pretty one, especially if it involves me. When I was in Turkey in 1974, this type of toilet was standard. Last year, I saw only one out of the many that I visited. Turkey is much more modern than it was in the 70′s, but the modernization campaign apparently skipped my choice of lodging last night.
Luckily, the other two stalls had “Western” style toilets, the type that you are familiar with. One of these stalls had been the subject of an unfortunate incident involving a drunk Australian. The seat and tank had been ripped down and lay on the floor. It was unusable, except maybe for an Australian.
The remaining Western-style stall was occupied by a large, middle-aged British guy. I know this because the large window on the stalls’ door was completely missing, thereby allowing anybody nearby to stop by and say ‘howdy’ while the poor bloke was having a sitdown. A pal of the Brit stopped by to chat a bit to his captive audience. Eventually, the stall was vacant and I moved in. Thankfully I knew nobody there, and I was allowed to make peace with my bowels without having to discuss the weather with anyone.
Dusk came and it was “Happy Hour”. Australians and Kiwis came out of the woodwork for the 2-for-1 drink prices. The music was turned on. The music was turned up. The music was turned up to “11″. Song choices were pop hits, “Bye Bye Miss American Pie” was heard. I was surprised that the song lyrics stood up so well after all these years, it was a hit when I was tenth grade and Nixon was President. The Australians sang along, drinking more Efes beer, chain smoking as they do. I went and hid in my tool shed. I finished a delightful book, put in ear plugs and went to sleep.
As soon as I could pack I was out of there. I paid my hotel bill, a whopping $3.50. The morning Fez bus stopped by and gave me a ride into town (There is always a Fez bus coming though the circuit, one each day) and they were happy to give me a ride into town. I was armed with alternatives for lodging because I knew that Oludinez might be a place where I would want to stay over.
A taxi took me to the Aygul hotel, a place that I had learned about from the Internet. More my style, air conditioned ensuite rooms, flowering gardens throughout, wonderful large swimming pool, free breakfast buffet and a view of the ocean from my balcony. Cost per day is 7,000,000 Turkish Lira, otherwise known as $16.43.
This Internet connection is inside a bar, I am drinking cold Coca-Cola and typing away. To my left is the ocean, maybe 500 yards away. This is a shorts and Tevas day. I may go find some pistachio ice cream after lunch, take a taxi back to my hotel and nap.
Another fabulous day in Oludinez.
Not only is the water blue, but the Europeans that are here on package holidays seem to have left their bikini tops elsewhere. Tanned breasts are an everyday occurrence. I do not stare. Really I don’t. I am too busy writing these notes home to pay much attention. Honest.
Read all the adventures!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
