A few more weeks in Fethiye, and it’s starting to feel less like a new destination and more like a place we actually live. Our routines are more solid now, but we’re still finding plenty of ways to explore and keep things interesting.
We’ve continued our Saturday tradition of joining the weekly 5K at Şehit Fethi Bey Park. It’s become something we genuinely look forward to—not just for the run itself, but for the familiar faces and sense of community that comes with it. We have also been doing calisthenics at the park after the run. In addition to walking there and back on a nice early morning 45-minute (each way) stroll. I tried my hand at rollerblading there one day. The cheap rollerblades we bought for Henry were not good, so it was a struggle, but I made it in one piece.
Michael rented a car for a couple of days, and we took a trip out to Tlos and Saklıkent National Park. Tlos was incredible—ruins layered into the hills with sweeping views that made it easy to imagine what life might have been like there centuries ago. After that, we headed to Saklıkent, planning to hike through the gorge. But nature had other plans—the water levels were too high to go in safely. Instead, we stayed near the entrance, letting the kids splash around at the edge while we relaxed and took it all in. It wasn’t what we expected, but it still ended up being a really good day.
We have been mixing things up a bit more. One day, we decided to go bowling—simple, a little chaotic with the kids, but a lot of fun. We also found an art class that the kids are enjoying. The moms went to the movies to see The Devil Wears Prada 2. We’ve also managed to carve out a bit of adult time. One evening, the parents escaped to a rooftop bar for dinner and drinks, where we met other traveling couples. It’s funny how quickly connections form when you’re all living a similar life on the road—everyone has an interesting story.
Back in town, we made a few return visits to our favorite local celebrity—Pablo Escobar the cat at Eski Ev Pub & Kitchen. Somehow, it felt necessary. The kids were especially excited, like they were catching up with an old friend. Michael finally caught the simit guy. He walks around with fresh simit (bread) on his head, yelling up and down the streets. Also, our water guy delivered 13 5-gallon water jugs on his motorbike. That was fun to watch.
Another highlight was a trip to İztuzu Beach, where we visited the Dalyan Turtle Rescue Centre (DEKAMER). We learned about the work they’re doing to rehabilitate injured sea turtles and protect nesting grounds along the coast. Afterward, we spent the afternoon on the beach, which is as pristine as everyone says—wide, quiet, and perfect for a long, slow day of relaxing, playing, and exploring.
Life here has settled into a rhythm that feels both easy and full. There’s a balance between routine and discovery that’s hard to explain but really nice to live with. Fethiye has been good to us, but it is getting close to being time to move on.
