Marmaris

After all that sun-burning on the 12 Islands Tour, I wanted a little break.  I felt like going somewhere that wasn't nearly as good as Dalyan.  Hey, why not Marmaris?  It's a flashy place that I've always found completely awful.  So I hopped on a bus and I was there in a short time, thanks to the improvements they've made in the previously extremely hazardous road leading there.

Here's the Ataturk statue looking kind of Lenin-esque.  As you can see, the day was sunny and bright.  Not pictured throughout: all the tremendously out-of-shape British tourists walking around shirtless.  You're welcome.  I gotta tell you, there's just something really weird about seeing a group of pudgy middle-aged guys eating lunch at a dockside restaurant not wearing shirts.  Not only is it unsightly, it just seems kind of unwholesome.  The Turks seem to put up with it, so who am I to judge?  After a while, you just get used to averting your eyes.

OK, so last time I was here, they were still working on their meydan.  Now it's finished.  Here are some joyous statue-people.  Obviously, they haven't seen the British yet.  No, they are evidently overjoyed that the meydan is finished.  

Just a little ways away are specially-trained spitting fish.   

And next to them is a water feature that wouldn't get laughed out of Las Vegas.  It has nothing to do with Marmaris; it's just there.  Children seem to like it.  Not pictured: a child liking it. 

Along the docks is a statue of an octopus.  I'm not sure why this particular octopus deserved to be bronzed, but I'm sure he was either quite brave or wise or he learned how to speak Turkish or something.  Or maybe he did something to hurt the Greeks.  Take your pick.  

A little further on is a fountain with really creepy children doing children-y things.  There's some Ataturk quote on the side about how important children are.  As much as I admire Ataturk, I have to say: well, duh.  Without children, who will wait upon me in my old age?   

You know, when I was here two years ago, the second I stepped off the bus, I wanted to leave.  But this time, I actually comprehended Marmaris' appeal a bit more.  Sure, it's a haven for Eurotrash and sundry other undesirables who are hectored by Turkey's most obnoxious retailers, but it's got its prettier areas - like this one.

It also receives larger ships.  I think this one produced most of the shirtless British.

Here's a view across the harbor.  These are all excursion ships that bring hordes to Dalyan's lovely Turtle Beach.  The good news is that the hordes don't stay for long.  

Anyhow, after a few hours and a little immoderate sweating, I went back to Dalyan, glad that I made the trip, but also happy to return.  But don't get me wrong, I'd rather do just about anything than spend more than an afternoon in Marmaris.