I was so pleased to arrive in Sile and cruise through town checking out the location on the Black Sea coast. After stopping briefly to walk up to the windmill I backtracked to have lunch overlooking the headland. I was starting to relax and feel more at ease - this motorbike trip was starting to look and feel better. The weather was beautiful and sunny. I enjoyed lunch then found Fener Motel, close to town and barely a couple of minutes walk to the water's edge. It was and cheap and comfortable accommodation.
Outside Room 7 at Fener Motel - Sile
I took a room and sorted out my gear before making my way down to the beach while the sun was still fairly high in the sky.
I stood at the water's edge, dipped a foot and threw in my watch that tells the temperature - it was down to 12deg.C when I readied myself to run in. The water was shallow and I ran until the water level was just below some of the more sensitive parts and reconsidered. I turned and noticed two separate couples watching in anticipation of me plunging in. One of the women gestured to dive like a dolphin. It was cold, colder than swimming in the ocean off Shetland, and although I could still breath since I hadn't plunged beneath the surface I knew that would not be the case after I took the plunge. The woman onshore urged again ….. so I dived in, jumping straight back up to get my breath back.
I swam here - very briefly
My, oh my was it cold.
I had hoped, from the shore, that I would enjoy it more and swim for a bit. After a few more plunges I checked my watch on the way back and it was now reading 10deg.C. I was quickly out standing onshore with a massive smile on my face.
Aglayan Cafe and Beach Bar - post dip in the Black See
A little later I was back up the beach Efes and book in-hand relaxing at the Aglayan Cafe and Beach Bar.
Again I smiled - this is exactly why I want to ride my bike to places like this, to experience what is on offer and to enjoy. Again I smiled. It is coming together (although I still have too much stuff).
The night in Sile was cold and dinner outside was not the best choice - thankfully Fusa Restaurant provided a blanket.
Sile Lighthouse
9th April and the rain has come to Sile. I decided to stay another day at least and have spent the day inside utilising the Wi-Fi trying to get this website up-to-date and hopefully uploaded. It has been relaxing and working on the website, drinking a few Efes and having some pizza for lunch.
I have realised I need to plan a little better ahead of time and really could use a map for Turkey. I plan to head to Ankara tomorrow or the next day then Cappadocia after that. After Cappadocia I will head to the Mediterranean coastline - that's the plan at this stage anyway.
For dinner I tried to find Emre's recommended restaurant that is half in the ocean. There can't be two in town so the one right on the shore with a small bridge to more tables and chairs on the rocks out in the water had to be the one. Emre had suggested grilled turbot, although the season may be ending. No turbot available so some other lovely pan fried fish (I'm sure they called "Kalkan") did the job.
10th April - still raining and very windy in Sile. Wandered the streets of Sile and saw most of what is on offer (I think). Very quiet in most of the shops and the restaurants in particular - I was by myself for most of lunch so played Spiderbait and Transvision Vamp for all to hear.
Spent most of the afternoon trying to plan ahead for the next few days - Zonguldak, Ankara, Goreme (Cappadocia) is the plan.
Dinner was a little extravagant with Chris and Kate (two English school teachers who had been visiting a friend in Istanbul) having starters, mains and white wine. It was worth it for me to be sitting with a couple of extra people to talk to (although my mate Dobbo says my chat is very ordinary at best).
Hopeful that the weather clears for departure in the morning.