So, with all the swimming, sunning, washing, combing, styling that was happening with Amelie's hair, she decided it was time to donate her hair to a Locks of Love. She loves the idea of helping people, and what could be more personal than donating her hair. So, while we were in Turkey, we went to a local salon, and with the help of a very friendly local Turk who also spoke superb English and was able to translate for us, we told the stylist what Amelie wanted to do. He was so touched by her generous spirit, that he wouldn't take any payment for his work. Amelie paid him her way.
After a little over a week with us, my Dad and Susan headed back home. A few days later, we took off on the most amazing adventure. We rented a different boat (The Endless, as in the endless blue ocean) for two nights and took off for the greek islands. And this boat? Oh. My. Goodness! It was amazing.
On our first day at sea, we headed to Kalymnos. Before we disembarked on the island, Ajay and the two girls jumped into the sea and explored a cave. The water was so amazingly turquoise.
The town of Kalymnos came to life when the sun went down. There was a local summer festival in full swing with music, greek dancing, food, and of course, little kids running around enjoying the cool mediterranean night.
We noticed that Kalymnos had been hit very hard by a depressed economy. We noticed a lot of abandoned houses on the hillside, and many abandoned shops and businesses. The fixer upper in me wanted to start buying them up and restoring them to their former glory. The only thing I couldn't figure out was who would be the buyer of my accomplishments in my theoretical new business. So, unfortunately I'll have to save that dream for another time.
We stayed on the Endless overnight in Kalymnos. The bed was glorious, the shower clean and pumping with plenty of hot water. The next day, very early, we heard the anchor being pulled up and we were off to Leros. While we were at sea, we enjoyed a fantastic Turkish breakfast, leisurely lounged until we arrived in the port of Leros.
Leros had a very different feel from Kalymnos. Leros was simply adorable. Brightly painted homes. Lovely shops. Seaside restaurants with tables on the beach. The picturesque off-the-beaten-path small, charming Greek island.
It was so lovely walking around, taking in the quaint seaside town.
After we had our fill of the town, we took off for the other side of the island aboard the Endless. Since there was still so much daylight, and the boat was equipped for some fun, the girls had a blast being pulled by the dingy on a huge inner tube.
As the sun went down, we went to explore this side of the island and came across the perfect spot for dinner.
After a wonderful evening of fresh seafood, rosé, and grappa, we retired to the Endless. What a perfect little trip within our trip!
The following day we headed back to Turkbuku via Bodrum. After unpacking and resting a night from our adventure, we spent time in the Yalikivak harbor, dining and taking in the beautiful sites.
In the coming days, Ajay's brother and friends arrived. The first stop was brunch at Maca Kizi, which should never be missed. We spent the entire day there, and into the night. Around 7pm, they kindly offered that we move downstairs to the bar, as they needed to set up for dinner.
As our month away came to a close, there were a few more things to do.....
Some poolside lounging at Bella Sombra.....
Some more family time.....
Let's not forget the reason for the trip (Ajay's 50th) and the AMAZING party Maya threw, including all our Turkish friends who joined us to celebrate at Miam...
And the saddest part...the tearful goodbye to the perfect sunrise to see us off.
