Contents:
   Calendar
   Classifieds
   The Garden of Eden
   Cherry Cake
   Travel-Watch
   Readers' Recommendations
   Q & A
   Discounts
   Useful Information

Dear Reader,

Welcome to issue 13. This issue we've got a great feature from reader Ursula, who recalls Bodrum in 1988.

With summer in full swing and the markets full of delicious fruit, make sure you check out the Fresh Cherry Cake recipe. And if you've got a good use for anything that's abundant at the moment, then send the recipe to us.

David Good - Editor

• Yalıkavak Market - (map)
  Bitez Market - (map)
  Güllük Market
  
  
• Bodrum Children's Library - 10am-5pm, Bitez (more information...)
  
  
• Alcoholics Anonymous - 5pm, Bodrum (more information...)
  

• Bodrum Market - (map)
  Konacık Market - (map)
  Çiftlik Köyü Market
  
  
• Quiz Night - from 8pm, Turgutreis (more information...)
  
  
• Latin Night in Gümbet
  At Legends Bar Gümbet:

  Salsa, Cha Cha and Bachata Live performance by professional dance team Female percussion player Free dance lessons on the night Free entrance Normal bar prices From 10.30pm onwards everybody welcome!

  Contact: Mes or Baris,info@legendsbargumbet.com, 0252 319 58 06 
  Location: Adnan Menderes Cad No 4/D (map)

• Turgutreis Market
  
  
• Bodrum Children's Library - 10am-5pm, Bitez (more information...)
  
  
• Free Book Exchange - 11am, Bodrum (more information...)
  
  
• Fashion Shoot - Children's Model Casting
  
  I am a fashion shoot producer and I am doing a children's model casting on 20 June from 10-11.30 am at Patika Crèche. I did a great casting last week for the kids of Patika but now extending it to younger and older children. A knowledge of English is preferred as most photographers speak English.
  
  Potential clients which I am hoping will come to Bodrum include Marks and Spencer, Next, Asda, and Tesco. If you would like your child to attend please come to see us at Patika, where we'll take a quick reference along with contact details for parents.
  
  Contact:Clare Gunes, delightproduction@gmail.com, 05435252537
  Location: Patika Crèche Ortakent

• Kızılağaç Market - (map)
  Bitez Flea Market - (map)
  Gümbet Market - (map)
  
  
• Sunday Service - Bodrum International Grace Church (more information...)
  
  
• Sunday Funday - 3pm onwards, Gümbet (more information...)
  

• Türkbükü Market
  
  
• Alcoholics Anonymous - 5pm, Bodrum (more information...)
  

• Bodrum Market - Textiles only (map)
  Gölköy Market - Morning only
  
  
• Yoga Yalıkavak - 9.30am-11am, Yalıkavak (more information...)
  
  
• Mother and Baby Toddler Group - 10am-12.30am, Bitez (more information...)
  
  
• Dot's Coffee Morning - 12.30pm-3pm, Konacık (more information...)
  

• Ortakent Market - (map)
  Gümüslük Market
  Gündoğan Market - (map)
  
  
• Yoga Yalıkavak - 9.30am-11am, Yalıkavak (more information...)
  
  
• Turkish Language School - Bitez (more information...)
  

• Yalıkavak Market - (map)
  Bitez Market - (map)
  Güllük Market
  
  
• Alcoholics Anonymous - 5pm, Bodrum (more information...)
  
  
• Bodrum Children's Library - 10am-5pm, Bitez (more information...)
  

• Bodrum Market - (map)
  Konacık Market - (map)
  Çiftlik Köyü Market
  
  
• Quiz Night - from 8pm, Turgutreis (more information...)
  
  
• Latin Night in Gümbet - From 10.30pm, Gümbet (more information...)

• Turgutreis Market
  
  
• Bodrum Children's Library - 10am-5pm, Bitez (more information...)
  
  

• Kızılağaç Market - (map)
  Bitez Flea Market - (map)
  Gümbet Market - (map)
  
  
• Sunday Service - Bodrum International Grace Church (more information...)
  
  
• Sunday Funday - 3pm onwards, Gümbet (more information...)
  

• Türkbükü Market
  
  
• Alcoholics Anonymous - 5pm, Bodrum (more information...)
  

• Bodrum Market - Textiles only (map)
  
  
• Yoga Yalıkavak - 9.30am-11am, Yalıkavak (more information...)
  
  
• Mother and Baby Toddler Group - 10am-12.30am, Bitez (more information...)
  
  
• Dot's Coffee Morning - 12.30pm-3pm, Konacık (more information...)
  

• Ortakent Market - (map)
  Gümüslük Market
  Gündoğan Market - (map)
  
  
• Yoga Yalıkavak - 9.30am-11am, Yalıkavak (more information...)
  
  
• Turkish Language School - Bitez (more information...)
  

• 5th Annual Dog Beauty Show - from 5pm, Turgutreis
  
  

  Come along for a fun evening with your dog! There are four different weight group categories, and the winners of each category will receive an award from Hill's Science Diet, and will be entered into the contest for the best dog of the competition. The winner of which will receive as a reward a trip to Paris for 2 people. All dogs over 4 months can be entered, competition registration is free The competition starts at 5pm, with live music from Hakan Girit at 9.30pm.

  For more information, the program and for registration of your dog, contact us via the details below.
  
  Application deadline is Friday, July 3rd 2009.
  
  Location: Countryranch, Turgutreis (map)
  Contact: yarisma@irismaritime.com, 0252 382 56 54, www.countryranch.com

Book Fair - Thank You!

A big thank you so much to everyone who helped and supported the event last Saturday. We raised a respectable 674TL. I am planning the next one some time in September, and I look forward to seeing you then.

Contact: Linda Bennett, linda@lindabennett.net, 0533 493 90 07

Turgutreis Animal Benefit - Thank You!

Thank you for all who attended and helped out at the first Turgutreis Animal Benefit. The event was a great success and we raised over 1,047TL, which goes directly to helping animals on the peninsula.

We also feel that we raised awareness and the profile of the shelter - the Mayor has already promised to build a permanent puppy play area!

If you didn't manage to come to the event, or would like to find out more about how to get involved, please contact me via the details below.

Thanks again to everyone who came and of course to those who helped in any way.

Contact: Jayne, jaynedkenney@aol.com, 0252 382 25 87, 0535 333 07 48

Want to learn Turkish?

If you would like to speak Turkish without it being a nightmare or improve your speaking skills contact me. 2 positions open for a beginner class.

Görüsmek üzere:)

Contact:  Çimen Sevanç, cimensev@yahoo.com, 0537 626 41 09
Çimen Has Been Recommended by our Readers - Add your Recommendation now!

Azelea Sitesi - Request for Management Tender

The Committee of Azelea Sitesi, Yalıkavak, 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 September 2009 to August 2010.

Azelea Sitesi was built in 2005 and consists of 23 villas, surrounded by communal gardens, a 250 square metre swimming pool and a children's pool. Buildings make up only about 30% of the complex and the rest is communal areas, pool, walkways, car park etc.

Any interested companies should email the committee to register their interest to me via the contact details below.

Tender specifications will then be sent out, to be completed and returned to the committee/site manager at Azelea Sitesi by the end of June 2009.

Contact: Jack Davies, jackinturkey@gmail.com, 0536 399 47 04

Private Homes Needed for Photo Shoot Locations

I am a fashion shoot producer who is now looking for private homes to use as locations for fashion shoots for UK clients.

Great rates are paid per day (usually 8am-6pm). Ideally houses should be light, airy, a decent size, ideally with a pool (infinity is great), or something a little different and quirky!

I work with lots of UK clients and photographers and am now putting a website together in order for shoots to commence on the peninsula. If you would like to rent your house for a fashion shoot please contact me.

Contact:Clare Gunes, delightproduction@gmail.com, 05435252537

For Sale: Professional Astronomical Telescope

Cost £1000 new. Includes motor drives and tripod. Very powerful. Can see the craters on the moon and rings on Saturn for example. Located in Gündogan. For more information contact me.

Contact: Linda, klhinmorayshire@hotmail.com, 0537 631 84 16

English Lessons

I live in Bodrum and I give English lessons. Please call me for detailed information.

Contact: Asuman, asumanunlu35@hotmail.com, 0532 621 12 56  

Zorro M Club

English & Turkish karaoke every Tuesday and Saturday. 1000s of songs to choose from, a wide selection of Turkish songs too. A brilliant night to be had by all the family. Contact: Zahit or Michelle, miczah@hotmail.com, 0537 494 50 73 Location: Zorro M Club, Yalıkavak

For Rent: Bitez Villa

For long term rent I have a two bedroom house with two bathrooms in Bitez Yalı Sitesi. Fully furnished with all mod-cons. £350 per month. Contact me for more details and photos

Contact: Tina, tinatails@hotmail.com
Location: Bitez

Repeat Classifieds:

• Luxury Homemade Cakes Made to Order for any Occasion
  (more information...)
  
  
• Petition for the Clarification of the Buying Process for Foreigners in Turkey
  (more information...)
  
  
• Traditional Stone-House apartments for Rent
  (more information...)
  
  
• Personalised Greetings Cards
  (more information...)
  
  
• Textile Arts & Crafts Courses
  (more information...)
  
  
• Yoga Classes with Melek - All Levels
    (more information...)
  
  
• House for Rent: Gümüşlük
  (more information...)

Our feature this issue comes from Ursula and is an extract from Orchids for Aphrodite, An Aegean Odyssey (www.aegeanodyssey.co.uk).

In 1988 we crossed the Aegean in a small yacht to arrive in Bodrum when it was still relatively untouched by mass tourism. The following extracts from my book Orchids for Aphrodite describe my impressions on arriving in Turkey for the first time.

Ahead lay the Levant – what we trusted was the sprawl of Ancient Halicarnassus. On spotting the squat towers of its landmark castle, I let out a shout of triumph. (No one had warned me how hard it is to see through wavering binoculars.) Whistling down wind, we made for the islet of Kara Ada before angling for Bodrum’s concealed harbour entrance. Since a new breakwater was under construction, the convention described in the Pilot of lining up on the mosque no longer held good.  Dropping the mainsail, we steered instead for a red crane. Beyond it, a banner bade us: “WELCOME TO TURKEY”.

Allocated a berth and handed a lazy line from the central mooring chain in the marina, we were informed that we must purchase a Turkish courtesy flag, (we had been warned not to buy one in Greece where they were not made in accordance with the exacting Turkish standards), and that a stay of one month would entitle us to a reduction of 30 per cent on a marina contract.

Our path to the Health Department (whose request was for a De-Ratting Certificate) lay through the Farmers’ Market, a munificent Garden of Eden heaped with those fruits described by a traveller of 1760 as “not easily eaten with moderation”. The stalls were a stupendous sight. While oranges and lemons were cascaded into one shopping bag and boot-black shiny aubergines, celeriac and fat leeks were poured into the other, hands were placed on our shoulders... Click HERE to continue reading...

Previous Features:

• Aphrodisias and More
• The Magical Reality of Spring
• A Hidden Village Near Bodrum
• Ephesus & Pamukkale by Car
• Istanbul to Bodrum by Coach
• Car Depreciation in Turkey
• The Price of Food
• A Touch of Bodrum in Montreal
• Car Rental and Airport Transfer Report
• Our Facebook Page
• The Sausage King
• Life Coaching

The summer season brings an abundance of delicious fresh cherries to the markets around the peninsula, and what better to use them in but a fresh cherry cake, courtesy of The Torba Cook.

Ingredients: 225 gm stoned fresh cherries 2 tablespoon flour 250 gm flour 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or flavour with vanilla or lemon zest) 160ml oil 2 eggs 200gm sugar 250ml milk

Method:

1. Set oven to 170 degrees
2. Toss cherries in the smaller quantity of flour.
3. Grease a 9" cake tin.
4. Stir together the flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon/vanilla/zest and sugar.
5. Add oil and eggs and enough milk to make a soft dropping mixture.
6. Fold in cherries.
7. Put in tin and bake for approx 60 minutes until a knife comes out clean.

Previous Recipes:

• Bean Hotpot
• Vegetable Rice Cake
• ANZAC Biscuits (Turkish Style)
• 5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
• French Onion Soup
• Quick Lemon Curd
• Wild Boar
• 3 Courses for 10TL
• Cassoulette

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Flight Update - 16th June, 2009

Flight information gathered on the 16th June, 2009 from skyscanner.net and flypgs.com (Stansted). Information for direct flights from Doncaster Sheffield, Exeter, and Luton were unavailable, please visit http://flights.thomson.co.uk to view prices.

Aegean Flights release Summer 2010 (Onur Air) Flights. Click HERE for more details.

Bodrum Milas: Live Arrivals - For Milas Airport International arrivals, click HERE.

For more information or booking, please contact: info@bodrumtour.com

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The full directory Readers' Recommendation Directory on the website currently has over 30 businesses, click HERE to view it, or click on "Directory" on the top menu of the website.

Note, however that you need to be logged into the website to view the detail pages. If you are having problems logging in, please click HERE.

New Recommendations:

• Healthcare
  • NEW: Dee Hassan - Massage Therapy
• Miscellaneous
  • NEW: The Corner Shop, Bodrum

We currently have requests for recommendations for the following businesses:

• a hamam
• a chiropractor
• a jeweller
• a florist
• a ferforge metal worker

Please note that recommendations will only be published when accompanied by a short testimonial of the business.

If you can help with these, or have a different business please contact us now!

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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.

I'm still working on a way to organise these a bit better on the website - so please bare with me! For the meantime, please use the website search facility (top right of every page) to help you find content.

New Questions:

Q47: Our property has mains water, but we've never registered with the Belediye to get an account number. What's the procedure, and is there a charge (even though we're already connected)?
A47: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q46: I am thinking of buying a 5m long, 70hp motor boat in Turkey. I have heard that there is an annual tax based on the size of the engine, and also that I need an 'operators licence' for a boat of this size. Does anyone know if this is correct, or where I can get more information?
A46: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q45: We already have a Turkish bank account and we use internet banking. How much can we transfer in one go from the UK to turkey?
A45: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q44: We are looking to drive our English car to Turkey, we currently understand that the car can stay in Turkey for a maximum of 6 months. Can someone explain whether this is 6 months in one year, or can you re-enter and stay for (for example) 11 months in one year?
A44: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q43: Does anyone know where I can buy vanilla pods or vanilla essence here in Bodrum? I have never noticed it in the Bazaar.
A43: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q42: Has anyone any idea how I would find a removal firm that would take a part load/load of various things from Bodrum to Ankara?
A42: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

New Answers:

Q41: We are looking at getting some of our garden covered with Bodrum Stone (Kayrak), does anyone know roughly how much this is per square metre (laid), and can anyone recommend someone who can do it?
A41: Assuming it's over flat ground you should pay no more than 40TL per square meter including all materials and fitting by a good tradesman. --David
EDITOR: Why not contact one of the recommended builders?
A41: Something to add? let us know!

Q40: Can someone tell us when the yearly property tax ("council tax"), is due, how do we know whether we need to pay it, and what we can do to pay it (can we pay online?).
A40.1: If you own your house, you have to pay annual property tax. We have to pay ours by the end of May every year. You will not be sent a bill or be told in advance how much it is. It is a scale fee depending on the (declared) value of the house but unlike the UK is very low. Probably 1-2% of UK council tax. I don't believe you can pay it on-line. We pay ours at the Belediye accounts office (same place as you pay water bills). If you don't have your previous year receipt, then take your TAPU or water bill with you. --Steve
A40.2: The tax you pay to the council is due by the end of May. You can pay it in two parts, by the end of May and by the end of November. Because it isn't a huge amount most people pay it all at once by the end of May. If you don't pay it before these dates you will have to pay a fine. When you have bought a house you must go to the council within a month and fill in a beyename with all your details and the houses details then they will tell you what you must pay. --Lyn
A40.3: They don't send a bill, just go to the Belediye and on the 1st floor there is a booth. Present them with your Belediye card and they will produce a bill. Usually payable in May but I paid mine in April this year. Tax is per person like the old poll tax. I have a 3 bedroom house and my tax was 33TL - bargain. If you don't pay they charge interest. --Lynne
A40.4: Council tax is due at the end of May and at the end of November. I have been told, that whoever is the owner of the property on December 1, is liable for all taxes not paid. And yes, Yalikavak residents can pay online at www.yalikavak.bel.tr/2007/scripts/default.asp, but you must have a password, which you can get at the Yalikavak Belediye. It is very easy to pay online, and you can use any major credit card. You can print the receipt online with reference number, and you can also print a statement of account and see all payments you have made to the Belediye, whether council tax, water, septic or whatever you have paid. Very easy and user-friendly. --Ole Olesen
A40: Something to add? let us know!

Q37: Does anyone know of a wool shop (for knitting materials) within walking distance of Oasis?
A37: Try Pomelan on Caferpaşa Caddesi (the main road coming from the military camp to the Gümbet junction). --Tomurcuk
A37: Something to add? let us know!

Q33: Can anyone advise where you can buy mosquito nets for over beds in the Bodrum area and how much they cost?
Q33.4: Tekzen in Konacık they are down stairs in the Garden section G. --Graham
A33: Something to add? let us know!

Unanswered Questions:

Q25: I am looking to drive my Turkish car to England (and then back within the mandatory 6 months).
25.1: Do you need a residents permit to buy a new car and take it out of the country?
25.2: Will a green card insurance cover the car driving to England, or do you need international insurance?
25.3: Do you need a visa to leave the country with the car and how much do they cost for 6 months?
25.4: If you have done this journey which insurance company covered your car while you were in England?
A25: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q18: Does anyone know of someone willing to be a 'Leader' for a just-for-fun line dancing group?
A18: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Q15: Does anyone have seeds or cuttings of Chilean Jasmine (Mandevilla laxa) or M. splendens 'Alice du Pont' that they want to get rid of, or know where I can get some?
A15: Know the answer, or have any advice? let us know!

Old Questions:

Previously answered questions have now been archived to the Q & A section of the website:
http://www.bodrumbulletin.com/community/questions

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Here we list businesses which offer Bodrum Bulletin readers a discount.

• Car Rental/Airport Transfers:
  • Bodrum Tour (Onelli Tour/Rent-a-car) - up to 15% off (more information...)
• Restaurants & Bars:
  • Le Cafe Bodrum, Yalıkavak - 10% off (more information...)
    • FREE WiFi and authentic Italian coffee
  • Morgul Antik Restaurant, Yalıkavak - 10% off (more information...)
  • Teldolap Restaurant, Gümüslük - 10% off (more information...)
  • La Pasión, Bodrum - 10% off (more information...)
  • Our Secret Garden, Yalıkavak - 10% off (more information...)
  • Bombay Cottage, Gümbet - 10% off (more information...)
  • Gümbet Café Bar, Gümbet - 10% off (more information...)
• Other:
  • Tamarisk Watersports Centre - 10% off (more information...)
  • Natura Hotel, Lake Bafa - 35% off (more information...)
  • Bozdağ Ski Centre, Izmir - 10% off (more information...)
  • Teldolap Apartments, Gümüslük - 10% off (more information...)

If you would like to list any kind of business here, it's free - all we ask is that a discount is offered to our readers, contact us now!

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This issue we've got part 2 of our common (or useful) phrases and words that are often heard.

Archived Language Articles:

• Common Phrases - Part 1
• Crossword: Days, Months, and Seasons
• Crossword: Adjectives
• Crossword: Around the House
• Crossword: Meat & Seafood
  
• Crossword: Transport
• Crossword: Colours
  
• Crossword: Numbers - 1 to 20
  
• Crossword: Animals
• Crossword: Fruit & Vegetables

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Finance
GBP-TL Exchange Rate

GBP to TL Exchange Rate - 21st May 2009 to 17th June, 2009

GBP to TL Exchange Rate - 1st January 2009 to 17th June, 2009

30-Day Internet Interest Rates

Corrections or other rates? let us know!

Understanding Interest Rate Accounts in Turkey - Click here for a quick overview of e-Deposit accounts and how they work.

Miscellaneous

Annual Property Tax - Question 40 in the Q&A section above, serves as a reminder to us all that 2009 annual tax is (over)due. Follow the advice above and go to your local Belediye to make this year's payment.

Vehicle Tax - Don't forget that the second payment for 2009 is due from July 1st. We recommend that you pay this at the Bodrum tax office (tax paid online through a Turkish bank has a tendency to end up being paid to the Muğla tax office). To see how much you'll have to pay see the 2009 Vehicle Tax Calculator.

Paying your Electric Bills automatically from your Turkish Bank
Some of you will have noticed that in the Muğla region, Tedaş have now been semi-privatised, and are now Aydem. One of the most important changes is that billing is now monthly (rather than every 2 months). Aydem are also a lot more aggressive towards late payments of electric bills, and will cut off electricity once a bill is just one month overdue. To prevent this, and for a more efficient way to pay, simply take any electric bill to your Turkish bank and they will set up an automatic monthly payment, and you'll never have to worry about paying a bill again. Please consider this - especially if you do not live in your house all year round. It takes minutes and really is easy.

Paying your Phone Bills automatically from your Turkish Bank
As with your electric bill, if you'd like to set up an automatic monthly payment for your phone or internet service, simply take any bill to your Turkish bank who will setup an automatic monthly payment for you.

Cheaper calls from your Turk Telekom Land-Line - (more information...)

Migros Online Shopping - (more information...)

Translated TEDAŞ (Electric) Bill - View it HERE (courtesy of Fethiye-Times.org)

Translated Traffic Accident Form - View it HERE.

Car Prices - Check HERE for links to manufacturers' current (Turkish Lira) price lists.

Important Phone Numbers

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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