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Dear Reader,

Welcome to the third Bodrum Bulletin, and we're proud to say that we now have 399 subscribers! Do you want to know how you're all distributed across the peninsula? If so, click HERE to see some interesting stats.

A big new section this issue, and we need your help with it... Readers' Recommendations. Please take a look at the introduction below, and get recommending! - with your help we can make this an invaluable resource for all our readers - especially those new to the peninsula.

So how many friends have you told about the newsletter? Please continue to enjoy it, but don't forget to forward it to your friends and ask them to subscribe.

And please don't forget, that this is a free community newsletter - so help us make it better - if you have anything to contribute, we're only an email away!

David Good - Editor

Join our Facebook page and network with other readers

Submit an event or a classified advert for FREE

• Yoga Yalikavak - 9.30-11am, Yalikavak (more information...)

• Free Book Exchange - 11am, Bodrum (more information...)
  
  
• Yard Sale - 12.00-15.00pm, Bitez
  
  We are moving and have to get rid of lots of gear...
  Clothes, tools, fans, household goods, casper pc, bric a brac etc...
  
  Directions: from main road Konacik heading from Bitez junction to Konacik, Tansas on your left hand side, follow dual carriageway until you see Hakan Ambalaj almost opp. Tansas, turn right and follow road to the bottom (approx. 800 metres). On your left you will see a large banner advertising VILLA FOR RENT turn left at this small junction and we are the second large black metal gates on your right.
  
  Location: Caputlu Melengec Sokak No 43, Bitez (map)
  Contact: Anna Erdamar, annaerdamar@gmail.com, 0533 271 00 65 

• Sunday Funday - 3pm onwards, Gümbet
  This week's special:
  Lentil soup followed by beef or chicken casserole served with rice, chips and salad - Only 10TL per person.
  (more information...)

• Dot's Coffee Morning - 10.30am-12.30pm, Konacik - (more information...)

• Yoga Yalikavak - 9.30am-11am, Yalikavak (more information...)
  
  
• Turkish Language School - Bitez
  Open to all levels - 2 hour lessons 20YTL
  Contact: 05349826208
  
  
• Charity Quiz Night - at Uncle Festers, Gümbet (more information...)

• Bodrum Children's Library - 9.30am-5.30pm, Bitez (more information...)

• Yoga Yalikavak - 9.30am-11am, Yalikavak (more information...)

• Bodrum Children's Library - 10am-4pm, Bitez (more information...)
  Now open Saturdays and Thursdays for the month of February
  
  
• Turgutreis Charity Fayre - from 12pm, Turgutreis
  
  A charity Fayre to raise funds to feed local street dogs in the Turgutreis area is to be held 7th February. It will be held at "The Local Pub", Turgutreis from 12 Midday.
  
  If anyone wants to contribute any items feel free to contact me.
  
  Please come along and show your support for this good cause.
  
  Location: The Local Pub, Turgutreis  
  Contact: Mandy Usher, mandyush@hotmail.com, 05376593258

• Sunday Funday - 3pm onwards, Gümbet
  This week's special:
  Vegetable soup followed by roast beef or chicken with Yorkshire pudding, Roast and mashed potatoes, sprouts and carrots with gravy.
  Only 15TL per person.
  (more information...)

• H A P - Home Accident Prevention Emergency First Aid at Home Seminar - 10.00am, Bodrum
  
  Following the success of our first seminar, we're pleased to look at another very important topic - Home accident prevention.
  
  During this free of charge seminar, refreshments will be served and one of you will be the lucky winner of a standard check up.
  
  For further information please contact us on the details below.
  
  Location: Özel Bodrum Hastanesi, Bodrum
  Contact: Deniz Gökova, d.gokova@ozelbodrumhastanesi.com, 0252 313 65 66/444

• Dot's Coffee Morning - 10.30am-12.30pm, Konacik (more information...)
  

• Yoga Yalikavak - 9.30am-11am, Yalikavak (more information...)
  
  
• Turkish Language School - Bitez (more information...)
  
  
• Charity Quiz Night at Uncle Festers, Gümbet (more information...)

• Bodrum Children's Library - 9.30am-5.30pm, Bitez (more information...)

• Valentine's Night - at Tempo Restaurant And Bar, Gümbet
  Choice Of 4, three course set menus (prices per couple)

  • Set Menu 1
    Soup Of The Day
    Any Chicken Dish Served with Rice, Chips and Salad
    Vienetta Ice Cream Served with Chocolate Covered Strawberries
    Only 28TL per couple
    
  • Set Menu 2
    Soup Of The Day
    Any Fish Served with Chips and Salad
    Vienetta Ice Cream Served with Chocolate Covered Strawberries
    Only 30TL per couple
    
  • Set Menu 3
    Soup Of The Day
    Any Kebap Served with Rice, Chips and Salad
    Vienetta Ice Cream Served with Chocolate Covered Strawberries
    Only 32TL per couple
    
  • Set Menu 4
    Soup Of The Day
    Any Steak Served with Rice, Chips and Salad
    Vienetta Ice Cream Served with Chocolate Covered Strawberries
    Only 38TL per couple

We will also have a raffle, quiz and a "Mr. and Mrs." competition, and Karaoke (Love Songs Only).

Free Welcome Cocktail.

Book now by email, phone or just call in anytime.

Location: Tempo Restaurant and Bar, Gümbet
Contact: Sandra or Ibo, sandra_25_25_@hotmail.com, 0252 319 47 84, 0539 957 01 07

• Valentine's Night at Uncle Festers
  BIG FANCY DRESS PARTY. Fantastic first prize for the best costume; a 22k gold coin.
  
  Set menu: Chicken Soup followed by fillet steak with pepper or mushroom sauce. ONLY 16.50TL.
  
  Fun and games all night!
  
  Location: Uncle Festers, Gümbet
  Contact: Baykan, baykan_48@hotmail.com, 0252 319 46 87, 0542 592 36 92  
  

• Bodrum Hash House Harriers

  A Bodrum Kennel of H3 will hold their first event on the weekend of March 6 to 8.
  
  What is H3? Check it out at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hash_House_Harriers
  
  Interested in joining us, or want more information?
  
  Location: Parkim Ayaz Hotel, Gümbet
  Contact: Colin Crabbe, colin.crabbe@hotmail.com, 0252 3944 046, 0543 589 11 18 or Martin, abelmartinj@yahoo.co.uk, 0252 396 70 61, 0533 567 33 77

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Textile Arts & Crafts Courses

At Bettina's ATELIER-Gallery you can find unusual handicrafts and textile arts. A spectrum of various handicraft courses invites you to discover your own creativity.

Grown ups as well as children can participate and you are given experienced and artistic guidance while working in a very relaxing atmosphere with mostly classical music.

The courses take place during the whole year and are as follows:

• Patchwork
• Paper making
• Collages with paper
• Printing on fabric

Concerning your choice of the technique a course may take one day up to 4 days. Contact us for more information, and reservations.

Location: Galeria Aparts, Karakaya Sok. 22, Bodrum 
Contact: Bettina Franckenberg, 0252 369 25 04, 0537 580 67 39, info@bftk.net, www.bftk.net

Alexander Hills Sitesi - Request for Management Tender

The Committee of Alexander Hills Sitesi, Yalikavak, Bodrum, are currently seeking experienced site management companies who may wish to tender a price for the management of the site for a 12 month contract from July 2009 to July 2010.

Alexander Hills was built in 2006 and consists of 136 apartments, in blocks of 4, with communal garden, a 250 square metre swimming pool, children's pool, children's play park, mini golf, poolside café/bar/social area (privately owned).

Buildings make up only 40% of the complex and the rest is communal areas, parkland, pool, walkways etc.

Any interested companies should email the committee to register their interest to alexhillscommittee@yahoo.com

Tender specifications will be sent out at the start of April 2009 to be completed and returned to the committee by the end of April 2009.

Location: Alexander Hills Sitesi, Yalikavak,
Contact: alexhillscommittee@yahoo.com

Flight Tickets for Sale

2x Gatwick to Bodrum 27th April, 2009, return 15th May 2009 with Aegean
Asking £130 each plus the £20 name change fee.

1x Gatwick to Bodrum 3rd July, 2009, return 31st July, 2009 with Aegean.
Asking £140 plus the £20 name change fee.

Contact:Paul, stellapaul@talktalk.net

Kids it's your turn at Özel Bodrum Hastanesi

Don't suffer the pain and sore throats any longer!

Using the latest 'bloodless' surgery techniques we perform a tonsillectomy and removal of your adenoid. Same day surgery means you can go home and play on the same day. You have holiday now and time to recover.

Special price offer valid during the semester period.

For any kind of request, contact us using the details below.

Location: Özel Bodrum Hastanesi, Bodrum
Contact: Deniz Gökova, d.gokova@ozelbodrumhastanesi.com, 0252 313 65 66/444

Handyman - Mehmet Buzluk

If you need a plumber, new shower cabin, tiling, painting, mosquito screens, solar panels, general repairs, or refurbishments on your property try Mehmet Buzluk for a quote. He has been established on the Bodrum Peninsula for 8 years and has built his business by word of mouth and good reputation. He even cleans up after! Mehmet is also the service man for 3 large bathroom companies in Bodrum.

Note: His English is not great but he understands a fair amount. If you need help with translation you can call me on 0536 673 9709 (my name is Lisa).

Contact: Mehmet, hamfa.insaat@hotmail.com, 0532 337 08 58
ED: Have you used Mehmet's services? If so, let us know and we'll add him to the new Readers' Recommendations Directory

Trustworthy Builder and Handyman

If you need a reliable, trustworthy and efficient local man to do good quality building work (large or small) - plastering, painting, carpentry, ceramic tiles, pergolas, security bars or PVC windows etc. - I can either do the work, or organise it for you.  I am Turkish and can also speak English.  References can be given. 

Location: Bodrum
Contact: Unal, unaltadilat@hotmail.com, 0533 693 32 82
ED: Have you used Unal's services? If so, let us know and we'll add him to the new Readers' Recommendations Directory

Need a Handy Man?
All types of work carried out to high standards. Electrical work, garden lighting, security lights, etc. New home preparation a specialty; lights, shelving, pictures, curtain rails, blinds etc. Flat pack furniture assembled and installed, from a wardrobe to a complete kitchen. Household maintenance, plumbing, painting and decorating etc. No job too small – or too large! Hourly rates and reduced day rate for larger jobs.

Home Improvements?
Pergolas, patios, extensions, sliding glass panels, room refurbishments, bathrooms, balcony and patio conversions etc.

Removal Service
Our removal service is available again this winter. Expert dismantling and re-assembly of furniture, electrical equipment, lighting, white goods etc. where required. Help with packing also available, part or full house removals.

Contact: Peter, 0538 231 7047, peter@bodrumhomecare.com

ED: Have you used Peter's services? If so, let us know and we'll add him to the new Readers' Recommendations Directory

House for Rent - Central Bodrum

2 Bedrooms, 2 WC (one with bath), fireplace, parking space, terrace 750TL per month

Location: Bodrum - between the Marina and Migros
Contact: Lena, bbodlen@gmail.com, 0532 682 62 87

Home Made Pure Essential Oil Soap

Absolutely no chemicals and no artificial additives. 7TL for 100 grams.

Location: Gümüslük Cad. 342 Turgutreis   
Contact: Simurg Atölye, september61@gmail.com, 0252 394 43 87, 0539 229 43 70

Cranio Sacral Therapy

Good for balancing the nervous system; helpful among other things for depression, migraine headaches, hyperactive children, dry eyes... 70TL for a session, around ninety minutes.

Reiki Sessions and Classes. The therapist was the Reiki teacher of the famous Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Center in Kathmandu for the last few years.

Location: Kadikalesi
Contact: Elif Köksal Kendrick, elifkoksal@gmail.com, 0252 382 77 24, 0530 200 60 93 

Fridge Freezer for Sale

Beko 9330 NF No Frost fridge/freezer for sale as new - 400TL

Contact: audjojo47@hotmail.com

House for Rent - Unfurnished/Furnished

Triplex - 3 bedrooms, one en-suite, main bathroom, large salon, kitchen and dining room, downstairs toilet. Enclosed garden and parking area. House is within a sitesi but no site fees. Situated close to Bitez beach, handy for Bodrum and rest of peninsula.

Contact: audjojo47@hotmail.com, 0536 852 39 86

Siamese Kittens

We have three Seal Point siamese kittens, ready to go to new homes. One boy and two girls. House trained, used to other cats, dogs etc. Very fit and full of fun and mischief.  They are vaccinated, wormed and come with a veterinary certificate.

180TL each. Email me for more photos

Contact: Liz, cooke2003@hotmail.com, 0535 957 88 26

Repeat Classifieds:

• Yoga classes with Melek - All levels
  (more information...)
  
  
• Attractive Ground Floor Flat for Rent 380EUR/month Central Bodrum
  (more information...)

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OK, so you have a computer free of viruses, and temporary files. What next? Defragmentation.

Want your own email address?
Do you share an email address? Would you like your own personal address? Did you realise that it only takes 2 minutes to setup a Google webmail account that's yours forever? Follow my guide here to get one: Creating an Email Account - Gmail

More Articles:

• Problems with MSN/Live Messenger and SPAM?
  
• Virus Scanners
  
• Clean temporary files from your computer
  

If you'd like to know more, would like a certain topic covered, or have questions, please contact me at dngood@gmail.com

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As some of you have noticed in the last issue, we subtly promoted our new Facebook Page. This page is merely an enhanced Facebook 'group' which provides our readers a forum where they can meet other readers (virtually at least!). 'Fans' of our page can swap information, post photos of events, and much more.

To join the group, just click the image below, or click HERE.

If you're not yet a Facebook user, as long as you have an email address, the sign-up process is very easy:

1. Visit Facebook and click on "Register"
2. Before you sign up, you can "Take the Tour" or look for friends.
3. Fill in all the details on the registration page (your name, email address and birthday etc...)
4. Check your email, you should have a confirmation email from Facebook. Open this, and you'll see a confirmation link - just click that link to confirm your registration. NOTE: If you don't see it right away, check your spam or junk mail folder.
5. That's it - you can login on the main Facebook Web page
6. For further help, follow these links:
   • Take a look around
   • Update your profile
   • Find some friends.

Remember to stop by our page and say hello - who knows who you might meet.

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OK today we are gonna do things a little different, so what three course menu can I come up with for 10TL per person?

Think it cannot be done? - well think again, and by the way let's have some questions, anything to do with cookery and I will answer them in the next edition, if you can baffle me and I can't answer the question there will be a prize of a 20TL discount voucher from The Sausage King.

The following menu is for two people. If you are cooking for more, then guess what double up quantities! Anyhow have fun and please be careful with hot sugar. If you are in doubt email or phone me please.

Ingredients:

Home made tomato soup with crusty fresh bread
   1 small tin tomato puree
   1 tablespoon sugar
   3 tablespoons vinegar
   salt and pepper
   water
   1 loaf fresh crusty bread
Total cost 2.50TL

Grilled chicken breast served on a bed of caramelised onions, buttered spaghetti with crushed black pepper
   2 chicken breasts
   2 med onions
   200 grams dry spaghetti
   1 teaspoon cracked black pepper corns
   30 grams butter
Total cost 5.50TL

Turkish caramel oranges
   2 oranges
   100 grams sugar
   water
Total cost 1.50TL

Total 9.50TL

Method:

Tomato Soup
Tom soup - so simple, quick story, when I was at The Savoy we were the only 5 star kosher hotel so did a lot of Jewish functions. We even had a rabbi in the kitchen, anyhow he noticed that the tom soup had not been cooked in the kosher pan so refused to let it be served, had a shout from the Exec. Chef "where's Blood?" I went forward and he said "we need 500 portions of tom soup in 5 mins - do it!", so I did, they loved it and so will you.

OK pan of boiling water, add enough tom puree to thicken the soup to how you like it. Add sugar and vinegar, you are creating what is called a gastric, season to taste and serve. Easy eh?

Grilled Chicken with Caramelised Onions.
Season and grill chicken. Meanwhile slice onions and put in a pan, no oil nothing just the sliced onions and keep stirring on a medium heat. The natural sugars in the onion called fructose sugars will start to blacken and burn, this is good that is how they caramelise. Cook spaghetti in boiling water, add a drip of oil to water to stop it sticking, plus pinch of salt and stir every 2 mins. Cook for 12 mins and strain then add butter, salt and cracked pepper. Plonk it on a plate with the onions, slice the chicken into three and stick it on top of spag and serve.

Turkish Caramel Oranges
These are a great standby cos they will last in the fridge for 6 months no prob and the longer you leave em the better they get. Zest the oranges, then peel all the skin and pith off the oranges. In the meantime whack sugar and water (just enuff water to dissolve the sugar) on a high heat and boil. After about 6 mins the colour of the sugar will start to brown. Danger be bloody careful now, this is like molten lava and about the same temp, not. But it is bloody hot. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of water and swish the pan around please be careful this really is dangerous, then keep repeating process for about 25 times, this will cool the sugar and create a natural caramel add the orange zest and pour over the whole oranges. Voila.

Again please contact me if you are uncertain about boiling sugar, other than that enjoy and see you soon.

Contact: Greg (The Sausage King) info@thesausageking.co.uk, 0534 650 61 54 or 0536 571 60 70

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It probably hasn't escaped your attention that the Bodrum Peninsula is full of businesses - some good, some bad, and some really bad. So how do you know which ones to choose?...

Introducing... Readers' Recommendations. The idea is simple, readers recommend businesses to us. Each business recommendation must be accompanied by a 'testimonial' from a satisfied customer (i.e. you!), who is happy to be contacted for a reference.

All businesses will be considered - from plumbers, handymen, carpenters, cleaners and lawyers, to curtain shops, furniture suppliers, hairdressers, hamams, and language teachers, but please - no restaurants or bars for the moment!

Businesses will be listed on the Bodrum Bulletin website in an easy to use directory, together with their testimonial. Other readers will be able to add additional comments and rate the businesses too.

To recommend a business (or an individual) please follow this process:

1. Email us at editor@bodrumbulletin.com with:
   • Business Information (e.g. who they are, what they do)
   • Business Contact details
2. We will then contact you with information on how to place your testimonial via the Bodrum Bulletin website.

So if you've used someone recently for some work, or had good service at a shop, let everyone know about it - email us now!

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Many thanks to all of you who answered the open questions so far.

If you have a question about any aspect of life in Bodrum, let us know and we'll post it to this section as an open question. But here's the important bit - we need your help to answer the open questions; so please don't be embarrassed - send us your questions, and answers.

Questions and their answers can be viewed on the website at http://www.bodrumbulletin.com/community/questions

New Questions:

Q8: There is a ship that sails from Istanbul to Bodrum I believe once per week . It looks like a large old ship with big white sails but I believe is new and has only been sailing for  a couple of years. I have only seen it from a distance but am trying to find out what it is called so that I can book it. Does anyone know anything about the company that run it?
A8.1: I think this may be the "Star Clipper" boats - http://www.starclippers.com/, but as far as I know, they do not sail between Istanbul and Bodrum.
A8: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q9: Can anyone recommend an English speaking lawyer who is familiar with employment law?
A9: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!
ED: This is a good opportunity to use the new Recommended Directory - if someone can send a recommendation through with a testimonial, we'll add it to the website directory!

Q10: What costs are involved with obtaining a habitation certificate - I am being charged 1350TL for a property on Alexander Hills - is this normal?
A10: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q11: When is the best time of year to see the flamingoes in the Tuzla area?
A11: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

New Answers:

Q4: Does anyone know where in Bodrum I can get digital photos printed onto large canvases?
A4: Try "xeros" on Türkkuyu cad. - the street right from belediye up, just a few steps later on the left side. -- Bettina, http://www.bftk.net/

Q5: I seem to be paying very high sitesi fees compared to all my friends even though we live on similar size sites with the same facilities. How can I go about getting my fees reduced?
A5.1: Maybe the site is unfinished (no Iskan) so you are paying more for development of the site's infrastructure. What is the name of the complex? Is it a koop? -- Gren
A5.2: You need to look at the accounts and find out where money is being wasted. As an owner you have a right to see the accounts. You need also to look at the management plan to see if the board are being paid as well how much staff are being paid. -- Dawn, http://www.simplyvillamanagement.com/

Q6: Does anyone know the best way to clean a marble work surface?
A6: Water and lemon juice mixed to a paste with Bi-carbonate of soda.  -- Dennis (GrandadTurk)

Q7: Where can I get a CR2025 coin battery? (for kitchen scales)
A7.1: They were selling them in the big Bodrum Migros store a couple of months ago -- Steve
A7.2: KocTas have lots of coin batteries on sale by the tills

Old Questions:

Q1, Q2, and Q3 have now been archived to the Q & A section of the website:
http://www.bodrumbulletin.com/community/questions

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OK, time to grab a cup of tea and do a crossword. The twist is that with these crosswords, the clue is a Turkish word. Simply translate the word into English. For example, if the clue is "Merhaba", the answer is "Hello".

There is a small 'glitch' where some of the Turkish characters are not correctly displayed, but bear with us while we try and find a work-around.

All four puzzles this issue are simple vocabulary:

• Colours
  
• Numbers - 1 to 20
  
• Animals
  
• Fruit & Vegetables

Note that the crosswords are designed to be filled in online, but each page has a link to print versions if you prefer a printed version. Have fun!

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Found something you want to tell others about, or do you want to pass on some important information to others? Let us know now!

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