The fort of Fo
Clear waters for swimming and snorkeling
Now for the fish barbecue!
Other boats have moored in this bay for lunchtime
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In our final day in Izmir, we drive to catch an early ferry across the Izmir Bay, as we are heading north along the coast. The road is long and harassing as we get out of the surroundings of Izmir, along so many sets of traffic lights. As soon as we are off the main road however, the charm of the countryside appears once again, and makes the way to Foça a pleasant one. We drive down the hills towards the harbour, arriving too late for the daily boat cruises, but managing to arrange one with an old bearded man. He lets us have breakfast first, before we sail off to islands with him and his wife, as well as with a friend of theirs. They are a happy couple, having retired from teaching to enjoy this idyllic life - this makes us all the more fortunate to have found them and have the boat to ourselves. On our first stop, we jump in for a swim into the cool water. John and I head off with snorkelling equipment to see what lies in the seaweed, rocks and sand. I swim up and down to encounter the few local residents: a small flounder, sea cucumbers, starfish, urchins, then a small octopus hidden in some rocks, that I observe with John, as it assesses what it should do in my presence. Having marvelled at this little creature, I return to the boat ready to sail off. The top deck is ideally organised for us to dry and take in the sun while chatting and laughing, and we indulge until a halt in another bay for lunch. A little swim first, forced for some (the girls end up going overboard...), and then we gather at the table to treat ourselves to the fish the captain has just finished grilling at the back of the boat. To the sound of Elvis, we share the life these former teachers have now chosen for themselves, and appreciate how they enjoy the cruise themselves and are eager to share this pleasure, in a typical Turkish manner: try the sardines, have more tea... The afternoon offers us the same relaxed mood, as we have another swim and see the seal rocks, even if we fail to catch sight of any, as only 11 of 400 Mediterranean monk seals live there.
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Foca 