Sunday Service... Yanıklar, Türkiye: A Boozy BBQ!

A day spent by the river? Oh, I do think! At first I was undecided because we only had one Sunday, I half wanted to eat myself stupid at the market. Doing the right thing, we were not ready for that day of everything! Things got crazy, yes they did! From the crystal clear waters of that river way to the endless BBQ we had for lunch, it was full packed! Yanilkar, what's cooking? 

After waking up from a rather disturbed dream, I stood undecided whether a day at the river was for me? Yes, I actually had to think about it because I half wanted to eat everything at the Sunday market and then lounge by the pool for the rest of the day. Honestly, what was I actually thinking? Had I lost my damn mind? Yes! As we all bundled ourselves into that familiar transfer van, it was going to be a day of firsts for us all. Driving the short distance to Günlükbasi, a nearby neighbourhood. From Günlükbasi, we joined the convoy of cars as we made our way to that mystery location. As our van merged onto the airport road for Dalaman. we all thought, where were we actually heading? It was soon apparent that Yaniklar would be our base for the day, home to slower pace, we had been told about this stretch of undisturbed river. My Niece and Nephew were especially excited, everything was new to them as it was their first foreign holiday! But really, how further would we need to drive? Yaniklar, why you so shy? Let's get it! 

The landscape changed with every mile clocked on the meter, from mountains to farmland it was an absolute treat to capture those views! As the road narrowed, it was official that we had left modernity, that was fine with me! Yes, we saw a mosque or two, it looked as if life operated simply around those Yaniklar corners. Why did we have to go back to England? That week in the sun was whizzing past so fast, in essence those views were everything and more. Thinking back to 2020, forget being in the house locked down, accepting that riverside day invitation was the right thing to do! We passed a trout farm? No, really we did! That bizarre sight had me checking my GPS on my phone, surely we would be arriving at our destination soon? Trust and believe, soaking in those roadside Yaniklar views had me feeling enriched, I want to stay in some semi-remote Turkish location in the future! Already, we had said goodbye to the WiFi, locking out that modern life for the day sounded correct to all of us! Enough now? Let's quit this journey, quick! 

Settling down beside the riverside had me feeling relaxed, once I found my seat in the water with a gin mixed drink poured, then it was time to relax! My Niece and Nephew were busy with Cookie the dog, they were living their best lives! We all found our rhythm, the sun blazed on down but the river felt super chilled, like really cold! Listening to the waters flow past was like a song bird singing in the trees, other families had pitched up with their tables, chairs and barbecues. The location felt almost like a secret, hidden from the everyday noise of the nearby towns and holiday resorts, it was nice! Baby, you ought to already know that my Duty Free was free flowing with the liquor getting me there quicker! Already, ideas of a 'Rollin' On The River' blog were being formulated in my head, quick-time! Another handful of ice, please? Those riverside settings felt right! Being a Sunday, it was clear to see that others were also living their best lives, some were swimming in the river whilst others were relaxing to the max! Pour it up!

Listen here really quick! I did not take kindly to being pulled into the water, it felt icy cold! My Niece had my back, she went over the person who disturbed my vibe, telling them that it wasn't nice to do that! Go on! Backed by a 4 year old! That's my Niece with the confidence to stand up for her Uncle! The pace of the river was swift, it had some serious current and because of that I wasn't going anywhere near it. Well after being pulled into the water I didn't really have much of a choice, the gin made that splash seem more dramatic than it actually was! Moving our table from within the river, it was placed under the shade so we wouldn't be directly in the suns glare. Lunch was a cooking, sure the barbecue was being tended to, I was getting hungry! So far, the day had flowed right just like the river at Yaniklar continued to. Taking the time to take my photos throughout the day, it was such a lovely place to photograph, how lucky were we all to experience that super chilled environment. Suitably sozzled, I think another drink called me! 

Lunch served pure protein! Loving that meaty situation, I respectfully tried body parts from that chosen cooked meat. I wasn't fussy, I wanted to make up for not having my kokoreç fix! There was literally meat in every single direction, making the most of that freshly cooked meal, I ate my fair share of deliciousness! Kicking back, those kids were still playing and making their own fun along the riverside, they were having the best time! Conversations and jokes were being made at the table, honestly it was such a good day and that wasn't the drink talking! Keeping things on a level, we had literally finished our lunch then out of nowhere drama popped right off! Going from 0 to 100% in a few seconds, that heated altercation had certain consequences! I sat there in my seat, frozen and stunned by what foolishness played out in real-time. One guy looked like he would need medical attention because his injury looked serious! As soon as it had started it had finished, thankfully their carry on eased with immediate effect. Madness, eh? Oh!

With the shock of the situation subsiding, the family who had unexpectedly pitched up next to us ran into their own trouble. They hadn't long arrived before the riverside scuffle had popped off, a young boy of about 7 years of age ran into a little trouble due to the whole situation. My Sister jumped up faster than you could have said 'he needs sugar' to administer him with some fizzy pop! He came back around and before he could gain full awareness of his location, his party had packed up and returned the space around our pitch to us once again. From out of nowhere a guy approached our table with my favourite Turkish sweet treat, I had to buy some! Bartering for a container of 'Tulumba' I tried to get him down to 90 Lira for the box but my Brother stepped in and said 100 Lira would suffice! I wanted that bargain but the price! Yes, those sweet treats tasted amazing and lasted for the rest of the holiday! With the day done, it was time for us to make our way back to Çalış. Sure, that riverside day sure served up views, nature and drama! 

Yaniklar Already Done Had Herses! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure