Tin Cup

We have returned from Turkey, and can confirm that any similarity to Torquay is very vague. We stayed in a giant all inclusive resort with in excess of 1000 rooms.

When we arrived there were probably 50 other people in occupancy and much of the hotel was still moth balled. The swim up rooms, for example, remained  closed all the time we were there. The outdoor swimming pools were available to use but a tad on the cold side, and the specialist restaurants needed at least eight bookings before they would open.

The occupancy rate was boosted, however, by the arrival of Syrianska FC, a Premiership team from Sweden, who were there for some pre-season training. there were about 40 players, some support staff and management, and what seemed like a coachload of supporters. They were well behaved, and worked hard most days, either training or using the leisure facilities in the hotel. The hotel staff had been advised to refuse any requests from the team for alcohol which made for some amusing moments.

Later in the week there was a medical conference and the participants filled all the remaining rooms, so it was interesting to see the hotel suddenly come to life with more staff, more facilities and certainly more people around.

My golf started well and deteriorated as the trip went on. Much like my experience in Cyprus some years ago, I did not play with any English people. My first game was with a Swedish couple, then a couple from Holland, three men from the Czech Republic and finally two Finn's and a Swiss.

The highlight was hitting the 18th at the PGA Sultan course in two, given there is water all down the right off the tee and  the second shot is about 180yds across the river, and then two putting for a par.

So that's my 60th birthday celebrations all completed , and I am now thrust into decorating the study which will go through a re-design process to reflect the needs of the leisurely life rather than a conference call dominated commercial one.

As soon as the weather picks up I can start on y shed!!