Lola's Turkish birthday

Poolside presents

On 27 July 2013, we celebrated Lola's 20th birthday in Turkey. We were all groggy first thing, having only arrived at the Binlik Hotel in Dalyan in the early hours of the morning. A post-breakfast nap helped revive us and by lunchtime we were ready to start celebrating, so we ordered some drinks and opened Lola's presents sitting by the pool. It was a great way to start the holiday.

Joe, Calum, me and Lola by the pool.

Me and Lola and a big pile of birthday presents.

Lola's presents - unwrapped.

A trip to the market

After opening Lola's presents, we strolled into Dalyan and went to the Saturday market. It was lively and colourful and full of 'genuine' fakes, but that didn't include the tea which we sampled from a nice stallholder. We also bought lots of authentic Turkish Delight.

 Lola and I sample Turkish fruit tea at the colourful market.

Pre-dinner cocktails

Before we went out for Lola's birthday meal, we had cocktails at the bar. That put us in the party mood!

 Joe enjoys a birthday cocktail.

 The birthday girl enjoys a cocktail too.

 I chose a passion fruit cocktail.

Birthday dinner at the Chef

We booked a table at a restaurant recommended by our holiday rep and it turned out to be a good choice. They specialised in Mexican rather than Turkish food, so that's what we had. It was delicious and the portions were huge which pleased Calum. 

Unbeknown to Lola, we'd organised for her birthday to be announced so she was given a special cocktail, complete with sparkler, and the staff sang Happy Birthday to her. She was a bit embarrassed at first but took it in good spirit, especially when everyone in the restaurant joined in singing Happy Birthday. It was all good fun and certainly made the evening more memorable.

 Lola and Calum and the Chef restaurant where we went for Lola's birthday dinner.

 Me and Joe at the restaurant.

 Lola gets a surprise birthday cocktail.

Lola also gets serenaded by the restaurant staff.

Madrid to London

Old friends

A visit from on old friend is always a pleasure. Joe and I have known Sue for over 30 years and hadn't seen her for over 10. So when she said she was coming to London and wanted to meet up, we were delighted. 

Sue has lived in Madrid for over 20 years but we originally met her when we all worked together in London at a sports promotion agency called McLaren Purvis Palmer. It was in Upper Street in Islington which was a great location and we had a lot of good times together. The office is now a posh Space NK Apothecary. So when we were deciding where to meet, Islington seemed like the perfect choice. 

Sue and I at Camden Passage in Islington

Antiques and retro clothes

Camden Passage has a fabulous antiques market where you can also find all kinds of bric a brac and wonderful retro clothes. We had a good look round, talking non-stop as we tried to catch up on each other's news - and there was plenty of it! 

Sue and Joe outside a shop at Camden Passage

Sue and Joe at Camden Passage market

French food

After looking round the market, we we walked along Upper Street and went to Joe's and my favourite French restaurant, Le Petite Auberge. As always the food was fantastic and we all enjoyed it. It was great to spend time with Sue and we've promised not to leave it so long until the next time we meet up. I feel a trip to Madrid coming ...

Sue and me at La Petite Auberge.

Sue and me in Upper Street