Monday, February 9, 2015

Hello from Tomorrowland

The Mediterranean surf
My old boss, Mickey, brought his wife Karen along with him on this trip, and she and I walked along the beach yesterday together. I am writing this to you from Tuesday morning, the day that the conference begins, but where you are right now it's still Monday evening. Talk about a creature of habit: I woke up this morning at 4:00am and struggled to stay asleep until 5:00am, although it's really ten hours earlier at home. I figured why fight it, just get up and start my day. So this post will be a little bit early, but who cares?
Last night's dinner
Yesterday Karen and several other people, including Mickey (my old boss) went into town to explore, and I took the opportunity to stay behind and rest up. I am almost back to my normal habits, but I needed to take a nap and not be walking around town, so I did exactly that. I got into my nightie in the middle of the day and actually fell asleep. Then I went swimming in the indoor pool, which was simply wonderful! I was the only person in the Olympic-sized pool and I swam and swam. Today while I'm working, Karen is going to use the pool.

About last night's dinner: we all sat together after they returned from town and I asked the waiter if he would bring me a plate of the best local food. Lo and behold, here comes the chef, and the dishes above are what he brought me. The right-hand side is an eggplant dish that was wonderful, and on the larger plate is a dill yogurt, some dolmas, hummus and some unidentified tasty red stuff.
A sample of the sweets
Although there are hot dishes in the buffet line, the amazing variety of foods to choose from simply boggled my mind. I had to show you the sweets they offer, and this is just a sampling. Breads, fruits, and olives and various spreads just go on and on. And that's not even the hot food. You can get just about anything you desire. This morning I will have a simple breakfast of vegetables and eggs, with some of these cheeses:
So far I like the Turkish feta the best
There are so many to choose from, and you just can't eat it all at once. There are soft and hard cheeses galore, and with some good dark bread, and some olive tapenade, I will be in heaven. And then the conference will begin, and I'll be working. Hopefully I'll be able to do the job I knew so well, and it will come back just like riding a bike. Fortunately Mickey also has another person who will be taking notes, so I'm not going to be the only recorder as I used to be.

Three and a half days of conference work, then we have a half day on Friday to do whatever we wish. Karen is going to treat me to a Turkish sauna and massage in the hotel's spa. I will probably really need it afterwards!
:-)

30 comments:

  1. And in spite of all the challenges you are having a great time. Yes sometimes we have to go to sleep in the middle of the day but that's all right. Since you're up now , enjoy the conference.

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  2. My mouth is salivating looking at all the goodies you show us. I am pleased you found food you like – I thought you would. One of the things I miss the most from Turkey is rose petal jam. I can’t find it here but I remember having it at my grandmother’s house in Istanbul. I hope you will tell us more about what you eat.

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  3. It looks as if you are in a beautiful spot! Enjoy!

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  4. Glad you made it okay. Looks like they are feeding you very well. Enjoy your time in Turkey! I've heard it's a fabulous country.

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  5. Look at you getting your feet wet! Well it doesn't look like you will starve to death there. You will do just fine...it will be like riding a bike...think positive! :)

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  6. It looks and sounds fabulous there!
    Still Monday night, we just returned home late from many more miles and yet another basketball game (an exciting last minute win for our twin out there on the varsity court!)
    Calling it a night here... Have a great day, DJan!

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  7. Good morning! looks great so far. I would love to go on a beach walk where it's not stormy.
    We are supposed to dry out for a few days beginning tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday). By Friday it might be up to 60, so I guess i could go for that beach walk!
    Unlike you, I would have trouble staying away from that array of sweets!

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  8. Turkish food. Mmm turkish food. Love it.
    Have a wonderful, wonderful time. And enjoy your 'bike riding'. Cyber hugs.

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  9. Enjoy all the moments DJan. Loved your post this morning and welcome to European time 😀

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  10. That sauna and massage sounds heavenly!!!
    Enjoy your time...eating all those luscious foods would be one way!! lol

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  11. Hello to my time zone. The food looks delicious and those beaches are made for walking.

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  12. Ooh, all those treats look scrumptious and I would be sampling a good bit of em I think. Your trip sounds wonderful, strolling on the beach, becoming your old boss's right hand for a bit and then some fun. I like the idea of the massage and sauna after a long day. Have fun.

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  13. Glad you made great choice for your breakfast. Those sweets are so irresitable. Have a wonderful time.

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  14. Not fair being exhausted when your time is limited. So glad you were able to get in some beach and pool time. Looks like you had the beach to yourself also. Perfect. The food looks yummy but I would be craving the sauna and massage.
    Keep enjoying. Am looking forward to more.

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  15. Good luck with the work part of your adventure!

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  16. Looks all very nice. I guess I forgot this was a work trip, thinking it was all pleasure.

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  17. Thanks so much for the food photos. I wondered what would appeal to you.
    So what is the topic of your conference?
    Also, how safe is it over there? Any refugees or other signs of the war?

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  18. Your impressions are interesting as always. Thanks for taking the time to entertain those of us who wish they were anywhere except stuck in winter weather. Delicious food photos. It seems like an unusual place to hold a conference. Wishing you well.

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  19. so glad you will have a bit of relaxation in there - well, at least at the start and end of your duties. :) and good food in between!

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  20. Those cheeses look fabulous. Hope you have a great time at the conference. I'd be really looking forward to that massage.

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  21. ha. you have some fun to look forward to there in the end...but it look like you will be eating good in the mean time.....enjoy your time away...i know you will enjoy it...

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  22. Everything looks and sounds wonderful. That beach is just so beautiful. Hope you get to walk during your days there since you are accustomed to being so active. Sounds like the indoor pool was made for YOU.

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  23. So glad you listened to your body and took your nap. Looks like you will have an interesting time trying all kinds of new foods. I'm happy they have another recorder. Less stressful for you. And nice you are not the only lady on the trip, too! So exciting!! Enjoy the spa!! :)

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  24. I need my naps too. I can see you're having a fabulous time. The food looks amazing. This trip looks really luxurious.

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  25. Wow that's quite the spread. Good for you for asking for the local yummies.. too many people look for what's familiar instead. Keep on enjoying.. hopefully, you'll enjoy the work also.

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  26. I'm hungry just looking at this fantastic spread of food!

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  27. You are an adventurous eater. I didn't see any plain vanilla food in all that giant spread of food!

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  28. Woohoo! You got to use the pool! :o) Glad to hear it!

    And damn that food looks GOOD!

    Hugs!

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  29. A nice nap and then a swim is a great way to recharge, Good for you!

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