Days 47 & 48 – What makes a trip unique? . . .

Now that we’ve been MOHOers for seven years and toured most EU countries, one question I’m often asked is, “Which is your favourite place?” The answer is simple, “The one I’m currently in!”

Today is no exception. We’re pitched up at Cunda Mocamp, on Cunda Island. (Pronounced Chunda). A two-night break, as we slowly head north towards our ‘out’ via Gallipoli. Fifty metres from the water’s edge and sharing the site with four Turkish couples, we virtually have the sea and sand to ourselves.

It’s good to take time out, from taking time out. So we do just that. Today’s temperature is reaching for the mid-thirties, so we reach for our towels and cozzies. Find out if we’re capable of melting. We wait for our bodies to generate their own heat haze, then, like a couple of blacksmith’s horseshoes, we sizzle as we hit the water.

We extend the afternoon’s relaxations into the evening. Give the Master Cheffette a night off. We become totally bemused by the music that’s playing. It’s all 1940s/50s, very Vera Lynn’nglish. We’re the only ones in the restaurant. “How old do you think we are? Have you put this playlist on especially for us?” “No, my girlfriend likes these songs.” “Is that speaker bluetooth connectable?” . . . An all time first – we eat in a restaurant with one of our own Spotify playlists playing.

Earlier, this morning’s leg stretch, via a coastal path that didn’t exist, takes us onto private land. Gulay & Hunkar meet and greet us with friendly faces. Interrupt their work. They own this 6,000 square metre olive grove. They have over one hundred trees to tend. Utilising natural methods each tree produces about a gallon of the finest olive oil in the area. Selling mainly to friends, we learn their sales don’t cover their costs. “Why do you do it?” – “It brings us peace”. Hunkar works in the glass industry, his wife Gulay a banker. During our friendly banter it seems Gulay may be the main invester!!.

Gulay and Hunkar are currently busy adjusting the landscape. Introducing a series of walls that they hope will help to retain more water. We wish them both every blessing in their endeavours.

We can visit every town and city. Explore every bit of nature. Delve into the history of a country. Photo this, photo that. Yet, it’s always the people we meet that bring a country to life. Expose its soul. Release its spirit. Just as Gulay and Hunkar did today.