A Bouquet of Bouganvil
25 October 2012
Brian
Sunday October 21, 2012
Another perfect day on the water. (salt that is, as we had depleted our supply of fresh) After a leisurely morning at anchor we motored deeper into the bay around several small islands which were devoid of life, save the odd goat. Passing the luxurious Marti Marina where we had stayed with Barb & John a week ago, we proceeded to the Bouganvil Yacht Club, a restaurant with a dock which we had scoped out on our earlier visit. They provide free dockage along with electric and water, showers and wifi with the understanding that you frequent their restaurant. This suited us just fine as we are ready for a meal ashore. After lunch Penny, Irene and Brian went for a stroll of the town called Orhaniye, a loose collection of homes and small farms on the flats at the foot of the bay. We noted a “Kultural” Festival with music and planned to return to the community park later that evening. After a luxurious shower ashore we enjoyed the view from the cockpit. The weather had turned cool and long sleeves were in order for dinner, the first time they have been needed. Perhaps fall is coming after all. We elected not to dine on the jetty in front of Necessity but chose, instead an outdoor table near the restaurant. The chef met us and explained the mezes (cold appetizers) to the newbies and we selected 3 different dishes, roasted red pepper salsa, yoghurt salad, and roasted aubergine salad plus a spicy shrimp and mushroom. Rene enjoyed sea bass for her main and Hugh chose the red mullet. Penny & Brian relished the octopus. After dinner, with the threat of rain we retired to Necessity. Penny & Brian wandered down to the community park where a 4 piece band was entertaining a couple hundred locals. There were dances for men, some for women and a few where both danced together. The children were having a ball and it seemed the party had been going on all day. We watched for some time and on our way out, purchased a loaf of Pide, a bread baked in a pan which was made on site. There was indeed a few sprinkles of rain through the night but hardly enough to dampen the deck. Brian did not sleep on deck that night!
Brian on board Necessity, Orhaniye, Turkey