Ms Who

A WIT Day Out:

Sam our wonderful WIT Rep put a lot of hard work into organising the trip, getting discounted prices, car park subsidisations (is that a word??), and a free guide - the lovely “Umer”.

The sun was brightly shining as us ladies waited for the coaches and excitedly climbed aboard clutching our pennies for the planned shopping trip. Once settled in we were treated to a lovely cup of coffee while we listened to the dulcet tones of “Umer” and his patter on the Turks, The Greeks, the Ottoman Empire and the origins of the word “Meander”.

Hulya from La Figaro had generously donated prizes for a Raffle and we let Umer pick the numbers out. I have to say I am now extremely envious of the lady that won the pedicure. I know quite a few members who could have done with one of those the next day!

We docked in Izmir and wandered around the bazaar where I resisted a pair of yellow peep-toed stiletoes ala “Desperate Housewives” but did buy a DH Negligee set for the bargain price of 42 ytl purchased with my husbands credit card (he wont get to see me in it until I’ve lost a stone or two!)

Sam then rounded us up and told us that as it was a Sunday, and the coaches were not allowed along the harbour road, we were having a “stroll” to the American Quarter. “How far” some asked. 10 minutes was the answer from “Umer”. What we failed to remember is the difference between Greenwich Mean Time and Turkish Time. It certainly dawned on us some 40 minutes later though!

So there we were hiking along this red brick path, some in flip flops and some poor buggers in proper shoes. The cardies were being discarded by the minute and the smiles were getting weary and then the calls came…….. Every few minutes someone would call “Kym” and, as I couldn’t find a hole to hide down, I had to answer them as best I could and confess that I too had no idea where we were going! I felt so bad I would have gladly picked them up one by one and given them a piggy back. I kept thinking “It will all be alright when we get to the hyped-up American Quarter”……

40 minutes later we stood staring down an alleyway wedged between 2 shops with a few little stores carrying body building supplements……….

Could it get any worse? You betcha!

By hook, by crook or by threats of castration, I’m not sure which, Umer persuaded the smaller of the two coaches to pick us up and we all gratefully piled too many bodies on too few seats when someone uttered the words “where’s Maggie”. Little Maggie Pidd had disappeared…………..

Our little Turkish bus boy was dispatched and we all crossed our fingers….

When we arrived at Konak Port, all was well. Maggie had been rescued - along with 6 others! - and all were winging their way to us in a Taxi.

The ferry terminal was packed to the rafters, hundreds of people squeezing their way through the little ticket barriers. To help us stay together, Sam bought a large green balloon and tied it to her wrist and we followed like a bunch of school kids! Should we wait for the next ferry? No, not our ladies, they are made of stronger stuff!

I bypassed the ramp and pulled myself up on the side of the boat, adopted a stance by bracing one foot against the side of the boat and pulled a group of ladies up using the natural momentum of gravity and my left bicep (no wonder I'm aching today). We all made it and crossed the water, without event, but much laughter.

Apart from the disappointment of not finding Marks and Spencer, I think everyone enjoyed the shopping and some good bargains were had. The boat trip back was a hoot and my stomach was aching from much laughter in the company of the Tricketts and Co.

Safely ensconced on the coaches once again, I looked around at the sleepy faces and breathed a sigh of relief. Just a group of shopped out, knackered women and not the lynch mob I was dreading. Phew!

At home, I showed Murat my purchases. A lovely leather bag, a DH negligee and 2 pretty sets of underwear. “Put that one on” Murat said as he pointed to the lacy white and pink set. “Bugger off” was my reply and by 8pm, I was in me flannelette pyjamas and under the duvet, feet aching and thighs throbbing (easy tiger!).

Yes we had a few hiccups along the way but I thoroughly enjoyed myself and it was so nice to get to know some of our members better and have time for a proper chat.

I’m really looking forward our next trip to Sirinci. It’s a coach trip to the little village up a hill where the only walking we shall do is from wine tasting to wine tasting so surely nothing can go wrong..........

Attached Images

	Maggie Pidd.jpg (29.5 KB, 70 views)
	The Clock Tower.jpg (33.1 KB, 65 views)
	On the Boat.jpg (33.1 KB, 90 views)
	Sams Balloon.jpg (29.7 KB, 85 views)
	No place for Vanity.jpg (27.3 KB, 89 views)

Karyn UK

Sounds like a really fun trip!

Please make sure your ladies wear flat shoes to Sirince, the streets are flagstones and are pretty uneven and it is easy to sprain your ankle on them.

Enjoy the wine tasting.

Karyn

Montemaranne

How are the feet today Kym? Your trip sounds wonderful - I think we need a WIT group in Bodrum!

Ms Who

Thanks for the advice Karyn - Ive been before but it was one evening and I didnt walk around so no idea about the flagstones!

Feet are fine now Montemaranne :-) WIT in Bodrum would be great, perhaps you would like to set one up?

We have 2 further brances being set up, one in Kusadasi with Alison and Michelle at the helm (Forum members) and one in Marmaris. Only 2 rules to follow: No Real Estate and No alcohol (during the meetings that is!)

shirleyanntr

great stuff Kym...i think you are on to a winner.....wit winner. You will have to get a branch going in these parts..

Ms Who

We have a lovely helper in your area Shirley ;-) Do you think she would be interested in doing some research?

pebble

Kym, sounds like a lovely trip......

plymouthspur

Can't wait for the meeting next week and my name is deffo on the list for the wine tasting .........hic hic hic!!

roynjaqui

Sounds like you had a brilliant day out, wished I'd have been there. Have you anything planned for April? The wine tasting sounds good, just remember though you're supposed to spit it out...
Jackie