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.