I walked from the door of the plane, through the white makeshift hallway and into the Dalaman Airport of Turkey. I pushed my sunglasses to the top of my head and readjusted my shoulder bag and took a deep breath.
Biting my lip, I glanced to the left, and then the right, looking for the location of the baggage claim. Interpreting the Turkish signs with the arrows and pictures, I finally found my way. I waited patiently while the carousel turned, depositing various pieces of luggage into the turnstile, and watched as locals and foreigners retrieved it.
I had never been to Turkey. Actually, I had never been anywhere. This summer abroad was a gift from my parents as a college graduation gift. Well, it was more of a 'your mother and I are separating, and it would be best if you weren't around to witness the drama' present. If they were gonna pay for the whole thing, why would I complain?
It was a little weird traveling on my own, but I knew I had to do it at some point and I was an adult at 22, but better sooner than later. Besides, I knew coming to Turkey was going to an adventure, and I wanted to take it for all it was worth.
"Ah ha!" I said, when I say my blue suitcase come around. I edged my way to the front of the group and grunted as I lifted it off the belt and set it on the ground. Thank god my mom bought me one with wheels!
Holding my head high, I marched to the exit and glanced around for a cab. I didn't have to look to far as a dark haired older gentlemen came towards me. He spoke in broken English, his accent thick and inviting.
"You go to hotel?" he asked. "Come. I take you."
"I'm going to the Marti Hotel in Icmeler." I said, hitching my shoulder bag higher. "Do you know where that is? How much to go there?"
"Yes, yes." The old man said, already putting my suitcase in the trunk. "I take you, I take you. Get in." He said, holding the door for me. I slid across the seat, and when the door closed, I let out my pent up breath. Well, here goes nothing.
A short drive later, the driver pulled up to the Marti Hotel and jumped out to help me from the car and to retrieve my luggage from the trunk. I stood in awe at the massive size and magnitude of the hotel. The stark white exterior were only offset by the red-brown color of the roof and the various huts surrounding the grounds. I smiled, knowing this was going to be the best summer ever.
I was jolted back to reality when the cab driver stood patiently waiting for the fare. I dug through my purse and withdrew several liras and included a tip, although I though it was a little high. He tipped his imaginary hat and drove off without giving a backwards glance.
Out of nowhere a bellhop appeared in a while shirt, and in better English than the cab driver, said, "Welcome to the Marti Hotel." He smiled and ushered me into the hotel's lobby. I glanced around the reception area and again was overcome with the beauty. I managed my way to the check in desk and smiling, gave my information.
"Merhaba!" I said cheerily, hoping I pronounced 'hello' in Turkish right. Thank god I studied my phrase book on the flight over. My best friend Katie had bought it for me a week before I left. I thought it was silly at first, but now I was glad to have it with me.
"Hos geldiniz!" the woman behind the counter replied with a smile. "Welcome to Marti Hotel. How can I help you?"
I was glad that the woman spoke English and began to relax. I knew that most of these hotels had English speaking staff, but I was still afraid of the communication barrier. Especially since I was here on my own. I smiled again, hoping at least I might meet some nice people to hang out with. Male preferable.
"I have reservations here under Nicole Stewart." I said, digging through my purse for the printout of my confirmation letter. "My parents booked a room for me for the next 2 weeks." I handed the woman the printed page when I had finally found it.
"Ah, yes!" she said. Her name tag read 'MARY', but for some reason I didn't think that was her real name. Although, I don't think many of the tourists would have been able to pronounce her real name anyway. "The housekeeping are finishing with your room now." She typed a few things into the computer and then smiled. "Let me go over some of the hotel information and services. If you have any questions, please let me know."
Mary pulled a brochure from under the desk and laid it on the counter for me. She pointed out the pools (both indoor and outdoor!), the hot tub, tennis court and the various bars, restaurants and snack places throughout the large complex. I was so overwhelmed, I had hardly noticed the bellhop returning for my luggage to escort me to my room.
Dazed, excited, and now hungry, I followed the bellhop to the elevators and to the 4th floor. We walked to the end of the hall and he opened the door to room 406.
"Nice room, eh?" he said, holding the door open for me. "Good view."
"Yes." I said, walking directly to the balcony. My room overlooked the ocean and the pool and was absolutely breathtaking. "Wow."
I heard the bellhop switch on the lights and listened absentmindedly as he explained how the shades and switches worked. When he cleared his throat, I turned and saw him waiting at the door. I rushed to the bed where I had tossed my purse, and retrieved a tip.
"Tesekkurler," he said, and closed the door behind him. I smiled to myself and unexpectedly yawned. Jet lag seemed to be setting in seeing as I had just flown from New York to 6 hours later. To me it was almost 3 am. I left the balcony doors open and laid down on the bed, not even bothering to turn down the pale yellow comforter.
When I opened my eyes into an evening dusk light, I had the momentary panic of 'where am I?' but it faded quickly as I heard the beat of drums and the sound of laughter. Stretching, I turned on the bedside lamp and sat up, pushing my blonde hair out of my eyes.
I got up and began to unpack, but lost interest after a few minutes. I found what I was planning on wearing for the evening, and decided that a shower was the better alternative to refolding and storing my clothes. There was a white robe folded neatly on the chaise chair, and I carried it and my bath accessories into the large bathroom.
I managed to work the shower head to the on position and after stripping off my travel clothes, stepped into the warm stream. The water pressure was excellent, and my scalp was tingling as the water washed away my old hairspray and gel. I stood for several minutes, enjoying the peace of the bathroom, listening to the water rush over my ears.
Eventually I began to wake up and after washing my hair with the tiny scented shampoos and rinsed with my brought from home raspberry scent. I stepped from the shower and dried off, and then brushed my hair straight. I put on the plush robe and padded back into the bedroom. I sat on the end of the bed, brush in hand and felt the feeling of excitement build.
"Here's to a great summer." I said out loud as I began to get dressed. I chose a blue floral skirt and white collared shirt and slipped on my white flip-flops. I added a touch of makeup and lip gloss, grabbed the room key and slipped it into my small purse.
I made my way down to the lobby and then out into the night air. I followed the sound of the drums and each beat drew me closer and made my heart pound faster. I turned the corner and found a party in full swing. Adults, kids and teens were eating, drinking and dancing under tiki torches. The pool was occupied by a few younger kids as their parents watched protectively from tables around perimeter.
"Iyi aksamlar! Would you care for dinner, miss?" A woman asked me. She held out a menu and motioned to an empty table by the bar. "Or perhaps a drink?"
"Thank you, but is it possible to sit at the bar?" I didn't feel like sitting at the table by myself tonight, and I found that if I sat at a bar, you make more friends, since people are always coming and going. She nodded and pointed the way. I thanked her and headed towards the wooden bar, covered in white lights and tiki torches. It wasn't too crowded and I found a seat in the middle, opening the menu the hostess had handed me.
I slid my eyes over the pages, glad to see one side in English. I glanced from one side to the other, trying to familiarize myself with some words. I was trying to decide on a light appetizer when I heard a male voice.
