Gocek

Many years ago when we first visited Gocek (on a gulet of course), there was a single simple wooden jetty leading to a roundabout with one road leading along the seafront with a few shops and restaurants and one heading inland. At the end the of village (about 500 metres) was a Berber (Barber shop) where Norman had his very first Turkish shave. I admit, I bullied him into it. But once bitten he was smitten! Now he would never shave himself when in Turkey. Turkish men are very particular about their appearance, and wouldnt dream of shaving themselves. Its not simply a shave. The face is examined and the direction of the beard is determined before a good lathering with a traditional bristle brush full of soapy suds is applied. Then a new blade is fitted to a cut-throat razor and the skin is gently stretched and the beard is cut away. Once is sometimes not enough. The face the felt to make sure nothing has been missed. Then the nose and ears are checked for hairs. These are often burnt off using either a cigarette lighter or a cotton bud-swab dipped in meth`s and lit. It doesnt hurt apparently, unlike the alternative which is to use hot wax. (Pay back time eh ladies? Ha ha). Eyebrows and moustaches are trimmed and the back of the neck is shaved. Then a good wash followed by moisturizing cream and cologne. Its not finished yet. Next comes a head, neck, shoulder and arm massage. All this for less than £5, its even cheaper away from the main tourist areas. 

Our apartment in Gocek is lovely. Very modern and sleek. It is huge with a nice fitted kitchen, great bathroom and comfy sofas. The balcony overlooks the main shopping street. A great place to sit with a glass of wine and watch people taking their evening stroll. 

There are plenty of lovely restaurants in Gocek. But we keep heading for Cafe West, its friendly and has nice music. The portion sizes are a little too large yet again. The shops are a nice mix of posh-frocks, touristy trappings and all things boat related. You can buy anything from a length of rope to an entire boat. We dream a little of selling the cars and buying a boat!

Its a chill out three days to regain our land legs. Happy days.

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