A stray comment in a conversation between myself and @jedau led to a statement from me that I would never visit Turkey again. But why?
Some years ago myself and the good lady stepped out on to the blistering hot tarmac of the Dalaman Airport in Turkey.
Being Scottish we marvelled at the dusty heat for a moment fighting the urge to moan that it was too hot. We travelled to our resort a short distance away then set about having a splendid time.
There was the odd niggle.
One of the most striking niggles was the horny waiters. It seemed like every time I left the good lady to visit the toilet I would come back and have to swat away swarms of them buzzing about her like flies around a cows arse.
Still that was only a minor downpoint, the main event was yet to come.
One day we went on a jaunt to the castle of Suleyman the Magnificent. I am a huge fan of castles and couldn't wait. We set off on foot.
The traffic in the local resort was quite heavy. It was a tad frightening trying to negotiate the local roads. Traffic lights did not seem to impede the fast moving stream of cars and the local buses which were called Dolmuses.
When I first saw a Dolmus I was reminded of the mystery machine from the Scooby Doo cartoons. They were about the same size only with windows and usually crammed with folk. Amusing little things I thought. Of course, that was then.
We came to a particularly busy road. There were lots of tourists waiting nervously to cross like gazelles staring at a crocodile infested river. Eventually there was a gap. We all headed across en masse. The good lady was holding my hand but was jostled by someone. Her hand slipped from mine.
There was a huge bang, then a meaty slapping noise.
Everything went quiet. I turned, and looked for the good lady who had been right behind me. She wasn't there. Instead there was a Dolmus practically touching me with a big dent in the bonnet.
I looked around, alarmed. Where was she?
About twenty feet away I saw her flip-flop. A few feet from that was the good lady sprawled on the ground, quite still.
A crowd began to gather and the noise came rushing back in.
I ran over panicking. I had to bodily throw several gawkers out of the way. There was blood pouring from her head. I couldn't believe what was happening. I checked her breathing. The crowd pressed in again. I stood and bellowed like an enraged bull for everyone to fuck off and for someone to call an ambulance.
I took off my shirt and attempted to gently staunch the bleeding.
Two ambulances pulled up. A crew of paramedics ran toward me. Then another crew. They got to where we were and I was hugely relieved. Thank god. Help had arrived.
The paramedics started arguing with each other, it looked like over who would get first dibs on her. I shouted, What the fuck? Fucking help her!
When stressed my urbane gentility takes a backward step.
One of the paramedic crews seemed to win and they quickly strapped her to a spinal board and threw her into the back of one of the ambulances.
A short rattling journey later and we were in hospital.
She regained consciousness as they were sowing a gash on her head closed. Not the best time. I comforted her before an armed policeman beckoned me from the door.
I went over. and greeted him. It's always nice to see someone in authority when you are in shock. Isn't it?
He glared at me.
Passports.
I was taken a little aback.
Pardon?
Need your passports. Now.
I explained they were in the hotel and I was a little busy right now. He stepped back, glowered at me and rested his hand menacingly on the gun at his hip.
Passports now or you come with me.
I looked for assistance. There was none to be had. They started wheeling my missus out of the room. One nurse stopped and said she was fine. Just bruised and badly cut on the head. I went to follow.
The policeman slapped a hand on my chest and put his face close to mine.
Passports. Now.
I need to be with my wife. I shouted. Another policeman appeared. The two of them had a quick discussion before both turning to me. The newer policeman spoke.
We need to see your passports or you will have to come with us to the station. Sorry but your wife can wait. She is ok they have said.
I gave in. The last thing I wanted was to spend a night in the cells apart from my wife at this time for the grievous offense of loving someone.
I told her I was being forced out and would be back as soon as I could.
I hurried back to the hotel (it was actually very close to the hospital) got the passports and ran back.
The room they had moved my wife to was empty. She was gone. Only a bloodied sheet on the bed where she had lain. I think I was close to having a heart attack at this point. What had happened? It was like a tragic scene from a movie. Fortunately then I heard her voice.
In here.
They had moved her into another room with a man who was lying snoring.
I gave her a gentle hug then told her I would be a second, I had to get the passports to the policemen. The policeman in question I found smoking a cigarette near the front door. Quickly I trotted over.
Here they are.
He looked perplexed. Then annoyed at the proffered passports in my hand. He dismissed me with a poo-poo'ing kind of gesture.
Don't you need to see the passports? You said I would end up in the pokey if you didn't?
He picked his nose then inspected the results of the picking on the end of his finger.
I don't need them. Go.
What? I skulked off back to the missus trying my best not to kick random objects in anger.
In her room was a large fellow with a jolly moustache. When I entered he looked furtive and put a pen and piece of paper to the side.
Who're you?
I was in no mood to be polite. The good lady motioned at me weakly.
He says I have to sign the paper but it's not in English.
What? Give me that.
I took the paper from the man and indeed, it was all in another language with a box at the bottom that was obviously meant for her signature.
I waved it at him,
What the fuck is this fucking nonsense?
It is a statement, to describe the incident.
Stated the jolly Santa type.
We are not signing anything that is not in fucking english. Ok.
You have to sign it.
I took a photo of the document with my phone. Jolly moustache man became a bit alarmed and tried to snatch the paper but he was too late.
By now I had had enough. I just wanted to spend some time with the good lady and was not in the mood for such fuckery. I handed him back the document.
Here, we're not signing. Fuck off... Please.
Later I spoke to a friendly person at the hotel who read the document for me. It was a statement absolving the bus company for any responsibility. Pfft.
Two days later the missus got out of hospital. We booked flights home immediately and it was only when we were in the air that I breathed out the madness of the last few days.
I kept thinking over and over...
I am never coming back here!
So, that, in a long winded way is why I will never visit Turkey again. Please note, I mean no offense to any Turkians. It's a lovely country, I just had a shit time.
Ahh shit :( I ... I don't know what to say. I'm sorry you have to relive that, dude. And by my urging, too! Ugh. Sorry about that :( No laughter here like I promised before.
Man, the traffic situation there kind of reminds me of, well, here. I want to say that what happened to your good lady is an uncommon sight, but I fear that it's quite a daily occurrence here. Heck, I've seen a couple of them firsthand who didn't walk away from the injury.
Even with those policemen, it's the same thing here. It's strange how similar those situations are. I can't say the same about battling ambulances though, as there are a lack of responders here. Ugh!
I'm just thankful that your wife powered through. If anything, I hope that reliving it only reminds you guys how strong your union is and even in the face of adversity, you will always manage to pull through together. The silver lining of it is that you weren't with your daughter when that happened. I truly believe that life balances itself out, and while it's extremely unfortunate that you had to go through that horrific experience, now you're blessed with good fortune and a healthy family. I would've never thought that behind your smile lies this event. Of all the words I could've chosen to use, I had to use "Turk" so sorry about that, brother.
Bromanjo! You never have to apologise!! I thank you for your kind words!
I don't mind writing and reliving it. Life's great tapestry I composed of many threads and each one make up the weave thatb makes us who we are :0)
Besides, it had a relatively happy ending. So all good!!!
Cheers for your comment brudadda! It is much appreciated!
Yes! I'm glad you feel that way as well. I believe in the same thing, dude! And that is why our threads have met, I think. When you told me it was a bad experience, I never imagined it would be that horrific! If I was in your place, I would never ever go back to Turkey again. I think no one has the right to be offended about that kind of decision after reading your tale.
If they were offended then I would challenge them!!! To the death, a stripped naked and covered in jam death match!!
Hehe, I believe the same dude, there is always a reason people click!!
And I shall be near the turnbuckle, waiting on the wings for you to tag me in!! I have bread in hand, and I'm not afraid to use it!!
Really? Here I thought only machines make that noise. Oh my Glob! Are you saying that we have already been swapped out with an android analog and we don't know it yet??
Isn't it just typical that we wouldn't know!!
A classic sci-fi twist if there ever was one for sure!
That sucks balls. You did get an epic story out of it, though.
The maddest of filthy balls to be sucked on that one!
It is an epic tale now that there was a happy ending :O)
I guess I understand why you wrote that you won't get back to such a place
I won't either specially if I have such an experience like yours
poor Mama Boom!
She was a bit delicate for a while!!
Yup, don't ever go there!!
WTF????
Fucking police are shits EVERYWHERE!
And also WTF is a DOLMUS???
Exactly!!! Hahahha, I love this comment. Yes they are! Utter shits!!!
MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
I can't say I blame you. Bloody hell, that was stressing me out and I wasn't even there. I hope all are well now.
Gotta love when bureaucracy meets small minded pettiness. Get your passports or else. Okay, don't need them now (translation - just wanted to mess you around).
All is splendidly well now. It was a remarkable escape.
It was utter messing around of the highest order. Not much you can say to a man with a gun and a uniform!!
That's good to hear.
No, in that situation you have very little control. Pity he felt the need to push that fact as hard as he could, but what can you do? You both got through, that's the main thing.
Maybe The Outer Hebrides aren't looking so bad for a holiday after all.
Ah the sweet outer Hebrides! I love all of the Scottish islands. If only it didn't cost more to holiday in Scotland's than it does overseas!!
I would love to see the Scottish Islands. As for the cost, sounds like the same thing here. I can holiday in Bali (which is a 6 hour flight away, as well as being in Indonesia) cheaper than a local holiday here in my own state of Victoria. In fact, I could probably get to Thailand cheaper.
Yeah, we are the same. Sometime we cost a holiday here and then compare it with overseas and can get to and stay in Europe much more cheaply than staying in Britain. Shocking stuff!
Love the tone in your writing! Had a great laugh and it is 2:40 am! Sounds like you weren't very impressed with the Turkish police. Shouldn't they be chasing the driver of the bus that hit your wife and asking him for identification?
You would really think that that should have been the focus!!
Thank you very much for the compliment! I like to raise a smile :0)
I started by laughing my ass off when I read
One of the most striking niggles was the horny waiters. It seemed like every time I left the good lady to visit the toilet I would come back and have to swat away swarms of them buzzing about her like flies around a cows arse.and then I reached where the accident happened and the whole fun was over for me ...Turkey is a great place with many good people but there are many weird and heartless people trying to steal from foreigners and no really good help from the police. I am so glad that you and your beautiful lady made it home safe...I will drink a cold beer on your behalf...Oh boy!!!Cheers mate! Not my normal funny post but I thought I would explain my blanket ban on visiting there ever again!!
I do undersand you...one bad experience can spoil the whole show...better go where you will be more comfortable
I will stick with the sunnier parts of europe till I can afford to go farther afield!
Good point, I agree.
damn that document line haha : Here, we're not signing. Fuck off... Please.
i made a gift for you my friend @meesterboom i hope you would like it :)
It's very good, I may use it! Thank you!
i would feel great if you use it :)
Then I may ;0)
offcourse u may can :D
your welcome my friend :)
Jesus, what an awful story! Unfortunately, I've had similar incidents when I was on vacation in Turkey. Corrupted and aggressive cops, thiefs, dangerous traffic,..
It's a lovely country, with very beautiful landscapes and a lot of friendly people too, but unfortunately the bad memories are far stronger than the good...
I'm happy to read that in the end everything worked out fine and the good lady recovered well. Now, I wouldn't compare her to a cows arse again, for your health's sake ;)
Ha, I never even thought for a second but I kinda did compare her to a cows arse!! Yikes. This will be one I don't show her ever!!
It is a beautiful country. Totally agree, but as you say, the bad outweighs the good! Never again!
This started out funny and I was laughing as you always manage to let me laugh, but wow then it turned into a real nightmare. I don't blame you. If you want to travel again choose South Africa my beautiful country. But in any case, thank you for my daily dose of "laughing therapy" with a quick follow up of a thriller which I also believe is good for the nerves as you are so stressed when you watch or read that afterward it is a great relief and you relax totally. Thank you Dr. Meesterboom. ;-)
You are most welcome and thank you for reading!!!
It was a horror and no mistake. You know, South Africa is definitely on my to do list of smashing places to visit. It looks awesome and I know so many folk who have been and say the same. :0)
This you mention occurs in many parts of the world, has lost respect for the human being, gives the impression that they do not want tourists in their countries, but on the other hand they are flooded with promotions of old people offering the services of their countries, Training the public servants, perhaps the tourism department want to do things right, but the rest of humanity of the place, do not know, do not want or not trained to give a good service to the tourist.
In my country Argentina, in the last years is talking about this topic, there is a training organization for people living in tourism areas, I think it is a lot missing, but at least it is a good start, in this respect, Uruguay is Better than us.
I am very sorry for what you had to spend dear friend @ meesterboom, I would never visit a place like this in your place.
I wish you a great day.
Thanks @jlufer! It is definitely a thing that people who deal with tourists should have some manner of empathy or training. If they want people to visit that is!
Sounds awful! I live in Africa. I can recognise a lot of the shit. I'm sorry about your experience, but sharing it is helpful to others.
It is, a stark warning!
I have no doubt it happens everywhere but it was a bit stressful at the time
I'd be terrified!
I was, throughout the whole thing!!
I would've beaten both ambulance crews and taken one of their vehicles. That behavior would've brought out my inner Hulk, just too much to bear. Turks would've been flying, including the cop. Amazing that you kept your cool.
I think I was in shock!
OMG, I started out laughing, but that quickly turned to fear and anger on yours and your wife's behalf. That horrible incident would have ruined the entire vacation for me - don't blame you for not wanting to go back there. And I'm glad your wife is okay ....
Oh it totally ruined it. As the story was about what happened to her I also didn't mention the food poisoning I got on the day of the flights. It was awful too. Not a holiday to repeat!
Oh my goodness, you poor things! I'm so sorry you both went through that.
That sounds pretty horrific. Have had some nasty experiences traveling, but it's so much worse when it's someone close to you in trouble. Glad to hear you were both ok in the end.
The end is what matters as they say! Glad it's behind us!
Ah travel stories. You either have an awesome time and you get a good story or something really shit happens and you get a good story.
Glad it all worked out though.
And speaking of travel stories Aberdeen was truly awful on Monday when I arrived. Tuesday was a bit better. I'm in London now.
Was it? Aw, I hope the company was good?
London must be smashing :0)
Yes, the company was great. I very much enjoyed seeing all my old friends. And that is why I went - not the crappy Scottish summer.
London is better but there is still room for improvement :)
Off to the cricket tonight. I hope it doesn't drop to Arctic temps once the sun goes down.
Lol, it might seem Arctic to you, everyone else will be sweating and saying how amazing it is :0)
My girlfriend (back then) goes to see a flat for rent in London.
A Turkish landlord opens the door. He shows her into the rooms.
She eyes the place.
He eyes her, tells her he is British, can fix her up with a UK passport, and pay her a monthly allowance... lol
I hope your missus has fully recovered from that bang, @meesterboom!
Goodness me!! That is an arrangement I am sure she ran away from! A paid missus!! There is a word for that! lol
She has indeed mate cheers!
Yeah, as a male I can only dream about being offered such perks while looking for a flat, ha ha.
I’m glad your
wifiwife is doing fine :-)Hehe, yeah, us makes tend to look at it kinda differently lol
No so great a holiday! Sorry, you had a lousy time. Had some travel misadventures myself. The big lesson is never sign anything and demand a translator, one provided through an embassy would be a good choice.
My thoughts exactly. Never sign a damn thing!!!
i love reading your stuff ... you write it with such passion...lol...upvoted and resteemed
Thank you very much!
Wow, yeah, I can see how that would leave a bad taste in your mouth. Well, it was not high on the list, but I think it just move a few spots lower on my 'places to go.' When I go, I'll try to go with someone familiar with the terrain.
Somewhere with some familiarity is probably best!!
Jeez... What a scary story. My girl really likes the culture and I'm kind of leaning towards your point of view. We'll see..
Yeah, I didn't taste the culture much but it is Donnelly that had to be experienced. The visit, not getting clobbered by a mini bus!
Oh God, that's freaking awful, my urbane gentility left just reading about it happening to you! Yikes, I can't say I ever had Turkey near the top (or actually even on) my list of places to visit, but it certainly won't be there now.
Howie would be livid in a situation like that. In his younger days he probably would have been put in a cell after decking one of the nose picking dicks, er, policemen.
I think I was close to decking the nose picker. I kept thinking what the fuck you fucker!!
Especially for the fact that my urbane gentility was put to the side!!
That must have been so scary, I hope you got compensation for all that
Did we buggerry, thankfully the insurance covered the 8 grand hossy bill!!
You should have had a hefty payout?
Nah, we looked into it but the insurance only covered the hospital bills and the days in hospital. Because we had flights they didn't even pay us for the extra flights we booked. It was a sorry affair
It could have been so much worse, i can well imagine how shook You both were then to have that stupid policeman make things worse, not good at all
I know, I am surprised she survived relatively unscathed. Worst holiday ever
Scary situation, that bus company should have paid you. She is a very lucky lady :)
I was easily agitated over your ordeals especially because its a matter of life and death. However, I thank God that your wife survived. Please be more careful next time in some other place. Be precise before putting her in any adventure. Take care.
Oh yes, taking care is the utmost priority in future!
love you blog bro.resteem your post always
Cheers mate!
Oomph, what a nightmare man...
Ah it feels like ages ago. We laugh about it now!
That is the best to do. ;-)
It definitely is. Bad thoughts begone!!
;-)
-Excellent post thanks for sharing
I am a new steemians, maybe i should study first with you, regards know me
https://steemit.com/@movietrailar please follow me
I followed and upvoted.Would you like to follow and upvote me.