Have you ever strolled through our fine resort early in the morning; ‘early’ as well before 7. a.m.? Not that I am suggesting you should turn this exercise into a daily routine, yet you would be surprised how many of our fellow residents are out and about town at that otherwise perceived as untimely hour. Let me share with you my impressions from such an extended walk middle of last month, August.

Apologies for the overuse of the ‘I’ in this contribution; normally writers should refrain from turning into an ‘I-narrator’ as literature studies classify such a style, Robinson Crusoe a case in point. But here we go, I really wanted to make my point…

It was an unplanned activity born out of necessity but soon turned into something totally captivating. Actually – the day had started even earlier at Izmir airport; the comfortable shuttle coach had departed outside arrivals at 4.30 a.m. It is very practical that our resort is directly connected with the airport by means of an affordable link when compared to more costly alternatives.

As the sun was just about to rise no better way to greet a new day than with a cup, or two, of Turkish tea. Hence the first people to be in good company with so early were the coach drivers having their break and the staff at the teahouse. And not just one teahouse – one after the other all of them would open their doors to thirsty travellers.

Luggage no worries the decision was made to embark on a tour as the appointment for picking up my keys was still some time away. I did what I had done countless times before yet always at more reasonable times of the day: exit the coach station, cross the boulevard and head into town passing the cemetery. Next encounter: hoping not to overdo the issue of tea-breaks right opposite the cemetery is a fine coffee shop which many years in the past had inspired me to write an entire article for our newspaper about how Turkish tea is prepared besides taking in the atmosphere and what makes drinking tea so special over here, it is one of the most cherished national leisure pursuits.

Closer to our town hall busy folk were emptying the rubbish bins, a friendly ‘günaydin’ or ‘good morning’ was exchanged. Granted: with temperatures soon to rise this is public work which must be done sooner rather than later during the day.

The ensuing window shopping without the usual jam-packed pavements and even on this short stretch of street made one thing obvious if it ever needed to: we benefit from living in a town with a centre where from a shopper’s perspective everything one ever desires can easily be sourced.

And then of course the big moment: reaching the waterfront. Having completed the very same walk sixteen years ago for the first time it has lost nothing of its appeal, has lost nothing of its ‘wow’ effect. And now it was getting busy, sort of. I was greeted by joggers of various ages, by women and men. Halfway up to the marina a whole group of residents were exercising expertly coached by their very own trainer. Perhaps a regular morning thing? Perhaps a resident’s association?

Some people were already hopping into the sea for a swim. I witnessed this in other Turkish towns as well; the waters may be somewhat chilly, but the sea is almost empty and totally calm. It is as if a whole ocean belongs to oneself. Highly recommendable indeed.

Turning right towards one of our state-of-the-art hospitals and passing some of our resort’s top class hotels staff were already cleaning their outdoor pools as a new (holiday) was just about to begin. Tables were neatly laid out and some guests enjoyed an early bird breakfast.

The last part of my promenade was up the hill turning right here, left there until reaching a road I had crossed quite a lot in the past, too. A restaurant and shop selling local organic produce, a small but nevertheless well-stocked supermarket, and of course the side street completely covered with lush green trees and their leaves, a heavenly sight. Even so early during the day it was getting hot and cooling yourself for a few minutes, resting, is unbelievably refreshing so to speak.

Next came collecting the keys – in most other tourism destinations and at 8 a.m. it would rather be a kind of feeling ones way to reception, eyes hardly open, just about full awake and making it as quick as possible. Here no such luck, and luck meant proverbially: a smiling face welcomed me and inquired about my trip, and at once offered me something to drink. You may have guessed it – a cup of freshly brewed Turkish tea. Finally leaving the subject of beverages behind as I was ready to unwind, take a shower and at around 11 a.m. headed back down the slopes into town.

Kusadasi is contagious, the people are amazing, the scenery is breath-taking, the quality of food and drink outstanding, the shops displaying their items as if we walk down 5th Avenue. But being on location in Kusadasi why miss 5th Avenue, all our dear American readers rest assured no offence taken;our boulevards are simply as trendy!

The reason for devoting a full page to one walk is that it allows us to reflect upon many issues whilst being on the street, or shall we say pavements. By the way, the topic of pavements and how to navigate our resort if ‘being on wheels’ will form part of a future contribution to The Ege Eye. Walking clears the mind, and at the same time lets us view familiar sights with a new perspective. Granted, walking up all the way from the waterfront to where I stay should not be attempted middle of the day as this is nothing to be accomplished whilst temperatures climb to 40 degrees Celsius, please be extra careful. And returning later that day one could hail a cab or take the minibus anyways.

Yet just this once walking all the way was a treat in the truest sense of the word – Kusadasi at 6.30 a.m. already shows off its most welcoming side. Have a wonderful late summer season, enjoy!

You Must Login For Comment