Everything didn't go according to plan.

As this is sometimes the case… we plan and plan and have everything all set but due to the unforeseen, things do tend to fall apart. And, that’s exactly what happened to us on Saturday.

It was a hard enough decision for me to choose between going to the ancient city of Troy (Yes, Troy is in Turkey and yes, it does actually exist… the same Troy with the Trojan horse, the same one where Helen lived) or Pamukkale knows for its white rocks that look like cotton with Thermal springs. Both equal distance from Izmir but in opposite directions... and with just one weekend left, I could do either one! I’d have loved to do both, but as a team we agreed Pamukkale had more to see.

We left bright and early at 7:30am and an hour away from the city the car we rented was overheating. So, we pulled over to the side of the highway, the rental guy sent a tow truck for the car.. But of course he forgot about us! Thanks to Çağrı, we found our way back to the city. If you’re imagining the 9 of us hitch hiking back or getting a lift from one of the passers-by; while I’d like to say that’s how we did it, the truth is Çağrı called a luxury bus to come pick us up.

I have to admit I was disappointed, but then there are always things to do in Izmir so I can’t say I didn't have a good day otherwise. As soon as I got back, I ran to the pier and got on the first ferry to the otherside where I indulged in some serious retail therapy, had Turkish Pizza and some chocolate.

When I got back to the hotel, Illiana and I decided we needed Calamari. Eating out in Izmir is never go grab dinner and head back… So, like the locals we first walked down to Passport and sat by the sea sipping our Turkish coffee and talking about all things girl related! Then we walked down to the Kordon to choose the seafood restaurant we were going to eat at; once we picked a place, being 8:30pm a table outside was impossible, so we told the restaurant we’d be back in an hour.

During that hour we walked down to the busy Alsancak area had lots of Turkish delight and some more Turkish coffee. By the time we got back the restaurant was still busy, but to humor our request for outside seating they did bring a table from inside and place it on the sidewalk… so outside was literally outside, among the badem (almond) vendors and the horse carriages and the rush of people walking by Kordon. And the Calamari was excellent!