Октябрь в Портофино October in Portofino

The Portofino Hotel did not disappoint us. In October, we were the only representatives of Russia in this hotel (only at the reception knew about this). True, we did not particularly stand out from the “environment” around us. The attitude of other guests was friendly, until the third day the bartender decided to clarify where we came from. (For some reason, everyone decided that we were Poles). We had to admit - from Russia. Interestingly, the attitude of the whole hotel has changed towards us. From friendly, it became emphatically politely detached. We concluded that they do not like our tourists here. It was a little annoying to go up to the fifth floor, because the elevator was turned off, but on the other hand there was a gorgeous view from the balcony of the mountains, the city and the neighboring hotel. A couple of days before our departure, it (the elevator) was still turned on, and we realized how quiet and good we lived. Before that, we were awakened by the Muezzin's recitative and the cry of roosters (6:30). The elevator began to be used much earlier. No. 412 is located next to the elevator shaft. Our room had a shower without a curtain. Fan was present. From toilet. supplies soap and toilet paper. All plumbing worked properly, everything is clean. Cleaned regularly, but we did not litter. We were fed simply delicious. From the drinks in the bar: rakia (aniseed vodka), dry white wine (high-quality), red wine (didn’t like it), beer (didn’t like it, but all foreigners drank it in large quantities), gin appeared two days before departure. I was surprised by the prices for alcoholic beverages in supermarkets and shops in Icmeler and Marmaris (from 14 lira - a little expensive). But we found everything we needed in the area of ​ ​ the old city, not far from the fortress. We spent one day in Icmeler itself. Went to all the beaches. The best in the area where there are no hotels, on the isthmus. For $ 4: two sunbeds + umbrella + tea and cakes + for the whole day. The cleanest sea, sand, air. But the sea is uninteresting, swimming is boring. I liked walking around Marmaris: the embankment, the old town area, the fortress (we had free admission, very beautiful views), an indoor market. There were bars on the street during the day and in the evening, so I can’t say anything interesting about it. From Odeon-tour we went Ephesus-Pomukale (cost $140 per person). In general, I liked everything. Especially bathing in mineral springs. But our guide Abdurakhman obviously went too far with shopping centers. There were three on each of the two days. Irritated by the prices. Leather products are more expensive than in Germany. Onyx products are several times more expensive than Moscow ones, ceramic products in the shopping center where they are supposedly produced are much more expensive than in Icmeler and Marmaris in the market (I asked the price in the market in advance, because I was interested in ceramics). As a result, the sightseeing objects themselves were spent: Ephesus - 2 hours, Pamukale + Hieropolis 2 hours. 40 minutes. Abdurakhman broadcast information on Ephesus one to one with a guidebook. And somewhere in a hurry. This was his last tour group. Tired, go, for the season all. And we would have another hour to wander through the ruins, to join the history. We, in fact, went to Turkey for this. From local tour. agencies (Roman, next to the hotel) went to the hammam. We were done in 1 hour. 30 instead of the promised 3 hours. Hammam of the Rasa bach hotel: they offered to undress to swimwear, 10 minutes sauna, 15 minutes washed and rinsed on a warm stone, 20 minutes. – relaxation with tea (for two cups 6 lira), 20 min. massage with fragrant oil. And that's it. They told me to get dressed. The minibus driver took us to the hotel where we were picked up. All pleasure $30 for two. In Ephesus-Pamukala, therefore, we went with our tour operator, despite the fact that the local tour operator had a cost of $ 108 per person. I really liked the boat trip around the bays of the Aegean Sea. They took it on the corner of the beach closest to Portofino for 15 lira per person. From 10:00 to 17:00 with lunch in a beautiful place. It was sunny but not hot. Out of 25 people, we and 2-3 other couples swam. The rest just lay on the deck - sunbathing. Aeroflot-Don clearly fulfilled all of its flight obligations. Departure from Sheremetyevo was delayed by only 40 minutes. The flight took place as usual. Everything was fine. I was struck by the emptiness and sterile cleanliness of Dalaman Airport. By the way, this sterility at first struck in all public toilets. But since we spent all the time on excursions, we quickly got used to it. Upon returning to Moscow, I had to wean.