David's Diary: Saturday, July 4, 2003

Bodrum to Mersincik, Turkey

We spent a couple of days recovering from our big trip to Istanbul, stocking the boat with supplies, exploring the boat yard where we will be leaving Dragonsinger, and just hanging around in Bodrum. Bodrum is a major tourist resort, complete with numerous discos. We let Jocelyn and Nabiha stay out until 4:00 AM the other night so that they could go to one of the discos. They danced the night away and made friends with other visitors in the disco.

Dragonsinger and a Gulet in Mersincik

Today we are making a short passage to Mersincik. The wind is just right as we reach our way across the sea. It's a great time to let Nabiha have the wheel as she helms for the first time in her life. Conversation with Nabiha is an interesting exercise. Since she only speaks Arabic and French, Karalee and I have to communicate with Nabiha via Jocelyn. Jocelyn is kept busy helping Nabiha steer and relaying my instructions by translating them from English to French.

Nabiha and Sea Urchins

We arrive in Mersincik and anchor next to a Gulet. A Gulet is a Turkish charter boat. The only boatyard left in Turkey that can make the traditional Gulet is located right next to Bodrum. While the Gulets have a mast; all of the ones we have seen so far have been driven by their engine.

We go swimming and Nabiha harvests some sea urchins. She delights in showing Jocelyn, Kevin, and Allen how to pick out the meat of the sea urchin without getting poked by their sharp spines. Nabiha eats the meat raw and the kids are good about giving it a try. Karalee and I decline the delicacy -- perhaps we'll try it some other day.