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Introduction:

On a crisp October morning in 2023, five mates from South Shields—myself, Amir, Kamal, Kohinoor, and Nazmul—set off on what promised to be an unforgettable holiday to Antalya. This trip was our much-anticipated escape, packed with excitement, camaraderie, and a healthy dose of mischief. Shakir and Milon, originally part of our crew, had to bow out at the last minute due to personal commitments, leaving the rest of us to carry the torch.

The Journey Begins:

Our adventure began with the dawn's first light. Nazmul, our designated driver and proud owner of a well-travelled VW Sharan, started picking us up from our homes. By the time we collected Amir at 7:30 AM and refuelled the car, it was 7:45 AM. With everyone aboard, we set off from South Shields, our home on the North East coast of England, known for its stunning coastline and rich shipbuilding history. We were headed to Manchester Airport, ready for our adventure, with the tunes of our favourite classic Bollywood songs playing in the background.

Pit Stop at Skelton Lake:

Around 9:15 AM, we made our first pit stop at Skelton Lake services, just outside Leeds. The air was filled with the smell of fresh pastries and the buzz of travellers. We cheekily brought out our own cakes and croissants—homemade and smuggled in from South Shields. The sight of us lads huddled around a table, munching on our secret stash, drew a few amused glances. We washed it down with hot coffee from the service station, laughing at our little heist before hitting the road again.

Arrival at Manchester Airport:

Back on the road, we reached Manchester Airport around 1 PM. The meet-and-greet service whisked away Nazmul’s Sharan, leaving us to saunter through the bustling terminal with ease. Manchester, a city famed for its musical heritage and industrial revolution history, was alive with the hustle and bustle of travellers. Check-in was a breeze, and before long, we were settled into our seats, ready for takeoff.

Touchdown in Antalya:

We touched down in Antalya at 8 PM, greeted by a warm Mediterranean breeze. Antalya, a city with roots dating back to ancient Greece, welcomed us with its blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. My heart raced as we cleared customs, my stash of paan and shupari tucked away with a mix of excitement and fear. I’d heard whispers about its illegality in Turkey, but we sailed through without a hitch, the sounds of Turkish chatter and the smell of spices in the air.

A Culinary Welcome:

Upon arrival at the Grand Park Lara hotel, our home base for the trip, we were eager to dive into the 24-hour restaurant. The spread was a feast for the eyes—buffet tables laden with an array of dishes that catered to all tastes. We sampled a bit of everything, filling our plates and our stomachs, though we did wish for a bit more spice to suit our North Eastern palates. The hotel, situated right on the beach, boasted two swimming pools and several buildings, providing a luxurious backdrop for our adventures.

Evening Wanderings:

With bellies full and curiosity piqued, we ventured out to explore the local scene. The streets were alive with vendors selling a variety of excursions—from scuba diving and quad biking to paragliding and white water rafting. The air was filled with the sound of haggling and the scent of grilled kebabs. One particularly friendly vendor caught Kohinoor’s eye with an electric bike. Before we knew it, Kohinoor was zipping down a side street, much to our surprise. You see, Kohinoor doesn’t drive a car, but apparently, bikes are fair game. After a few tense minutes, he emerged from the shadows, grinning from ear to ear.

Conversations and Cultural Exchanges:

Amir, ever the social butterfly, made sure no vendor went unchatted. Back home, Amir’s reputation as a chatterbox is well-earned, and here, he was in his element. His booming voice echoed along the road, engaging every vendor with tales from South Shields. Our meanderings led us to a busy restaurant where we spotted Ahmed, one of the friendliest vendors we’d met. We joined him for Turkish tea, and as the night wore on, a friendly debate ensued over the bill. Ahmed insisted on treating us, but Amir wouldn’t hear of it and insisted on paying—a whole £1 per cup, which we later learned was quite steep for locals. Ahmed explained that if he had paid, it would have been more like 25p each. A valuable lesson in local customs, even if it did cost us a few extra quid.

Tech Enthusiasm Turned Lethargy:

Before setting off on this adventure, I had packed my trusty Nikon DSLR and DJI drone, brimming with excitement after watching countless YouTube videos for inspiration. I envisioned capturing stunning aerial shots of the Antalya coastline and vibrant street scenes. However, as the day wore on, the idea of lugging out my gear seemed less appealing compared to soaking in the experiences firsthand. Thus, the DSLR and drone remained tucked away in my luggage, waiting for their moment that never came.

Night’s End:

As the night drew to a close, we ambled back to the hotel, our heads buzzing with the day’s events. Kohinoor and I shared a room—thankfully with separate bedrooms. A bit of personal space was a welcome luxury after a day filled with adventures. As I lay in bed, the sounds of Antalya’s occasional traffic drifted through the open window, promising more excitement and memories in the days to come.

Outro:

As we settled in for the night, the excitement of our first day in Antalya still buzzing in our minds, we couldn’t help but anticipate what the next day would bring. With our adventurous spirits and a packed itinerary, we knew more unforgettable moments were just around the corner.

Stay tuned for Day Two of our Antalya caper, where the fun, laughter, and unexpected surprises continue! Trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

So there you have it, a taste of our Antalya adventure – full of laughs, detours, and a touch of drama, just the way we like it. More tales to come, my canny readers. Until then, stay cushty!

Keep your eyes peeled, and join us on this thrilling journey!