Datça has changed considerably since my 2013 visit, but it’s still a beautiful coastal town with clean, crisp air and a healthy Mediterranean living environment. My apartment is in a good location for exploring with a view of the marina and gorgeous blue Aegean Sea. I’ll be in a daze for a while.
No English
Turkish business people are fast, intense, and sometimes impatient. Few in Datça speak fluent English, and they can be short and cross, when you don’t understand them. It’s interesting when – after indicating you don’t speak Turkish – people keep talking to you in their native language, awaiting a response in Turkish. I’ve also experienced this in other countries, and it’s slightly unnerving, but a lesson in patience and not taking things personally.
It’s presumptuous expecting English to be spoken everywhere, although in my travels, it’s by far the language most commonly used throughout the world. Doubt I’ll be learning Turkish any time soon. Sometimes translation apps help, but not always. Even if you have Internet access, it can be awkward accessing an app and speaking or typing into it, while someone is impatiently waiting for a response. I’ve caught myself still using a few Slovenian phrases from my last stop in Lübliyana – dobradan (good morning) and hvala (thank you) – that gets a raised eyebrow!
Ljubljana Slovenia to Datça
The trip from Ljubljana to Datça was tortuous… Flights were hideously overcrowded, and I almost missed the Istanbul – Bodrum connection. The walk between international and domestic terminals was easily a mile. I practically ran the last 10 minutes and barely made it before the boarding gate closed.
It’s still off season, so regular ferries between Bodrum and Datça aren’t running. I had no choice but to travel inland via a four-hour taxi ride along the peninsula.
After collecting my baggage and exiting the terminal, I saw a driver outside holding a card with my name written on it. He spoke no English. A friendly American / Turkish man helped translate, making sure the driver had the correct Datça address. Based on past experiences in foreign countries, I was leery of the long taxi ride, but there was no other option. I got inside the taxi, and we headed for Datça.
During the scenic drive, I marveled at coastal eye candy along the Datça Peninsula, including a brilliant Mediterranean sunset! The final drama was when (even with GPS) the driver became agitated when he couldn’t find my apartment. I was little help, especially in the dark. After we had gone around in circles for some time, I motioned him to pull over.
I exited the taxi and approached a kind-looking Turkish man walking along the street. Magically, he spoke perfect English and directed us to the right place. The taxi fee was paid in advance, so thankfully, there was no cash versus card conversation. If I visit Datça again, it may be a better option to fly into Dalaman Airport near Marmaris. It’s still a long drive, but when the ferries aren’t running, it’s a better connection than Milas-Bodrum Airport. I recall arriving via Dalaman during my 2013 visit.
eSim, WhatsApp, Internet
Yesterday, I purchased a Turkcell eSIM, but am confused about how the person who set it up (zero English) did it… I changed the name shown on messages from “secondary” :o) to Sue. Now that cellular data is working on my iPhone, mapping apps will help me find things and move around easily. Even if you find someone who speaks English, asking locals for directions isn’t a good idea, unless you’re fond of being frustrated.
Locals strictly use WhatsApp for everything, and if you don’t, you’re in trouble as far as communicating is concerned. People don’t respond to regular texts and emails, even in Turkish. The owner of my apartment is a serious businessman and handles things from afar. His elderly father lives nearby but speaks no English – another reminder to stop thinking someone else is going to help you – ha – it’s self-reliance 101!
I’ve had some trouble getting my blog editing / writing page working, and am unsure what the issue might be? Internet in the apartment is slow, but better than none. I’d be lost without it. If you’re reading this post – guess I figured it out!?!
Ramadan
In a brief memory lapse, I forgot about it being Ramadan – not as strict here as experienced in Amman Jordan during a 2023 visit, time flies!! There’s a neighborhood dog who howls at the call to worship from a nearby mosque. Even at 5:00 a.m., it’s funny.
I was curious as to why no one else was eating lunch yesterday. Then, I was embarrassed, after realizing it was Ramadan, and I was eating in broad daylight at a public café. They serve tourists all day, but in most Muslim countries, it’s considered rude to eat or drink in public during Ramadan daylight hours. Turkey is more liberal about it than other countries, probably because of their highly-valued tourist industry. Will try to limit my daylight meals to hidden, out-of-the-way places. There are plenty available.
Olives, Honey, Baklava
I went food shopping and found delicious Turkish green olives, olive oil, pine honey, acı biber salçası (hot pepper sauce), and baklava – all fresh from local Datça farms. This is a link to the Okan Özlü shop.
There’s a small baklava shop across the street from my apartment owned by a Turkish man who makes it himself. It’s the best I’ve tasted! Looking forward to Saturday Market for an interesting crowd and delicious fresh local fruit and vegetables.
More later…