Two turkeys in Turkey - Bodrum.

Being that we didn't have any shore excursions pre booked, it was cool to take our time getting ready this morning. A bit of tight arse room washing of some clothes was in order and then it was off to a nice and relaxing breakfast.

The cruise itself is very calm and it is only ever on a rare moment that you notice the movement of the ship. We think that this is a really fun way to travel and would be a pretty cool with friends.

With an expected 38 degree day ahead of us, it was basically straight to the closest beach. Bodrum, Turkey is a well-known place for its beautiful scenery and beaches. The water was a little chilly, but like Kusadasi the previous day it was really clear. 10€ for two comfy sun lounges, an umbrella and two bottles of water thrown in...not too bad! Ok, so not as cheap as Thailand! But where is?

We left the beach with some hesitation, but we really thought it best to meander the city centre to see what else was around. Slow movements in the heat were essential for the day's survival. We know that Melbourne is often this hot, but people are usually inside in the air conditioning and not out walking the streets. It was ok though and didn't seem as hot as the days we've visited the different ruins with blistering heat and no shade. At least we could find refuge in a restaurant!

Lunch was once again a delectable affair! We have been spoilt for choice, making our way around the continent. Now technically whilst in this part of Turkey we are now in Asia. Our tour guide from Kusadasi (Suzan) said that Turkey has one small part that is deemed to be in Europe. The majority of the country however, is situated in Asia. Today, by the way, we both ate an Iskander kebab. Something we suggest you try if you get the opportunity! We were asked if we were managers on the ship!!! Great to see our lanyards working their magic once again! Woot!

After lunch we strolled around the shops and made our way to the local castle. We were very hot at this stage, so entering the castle and looking around wasn't overly enticing. Simultaneously we decided to head back for pool time. Too hot to contemplate much else!

Just before we got back onto the ship, we spotted the lady we affectionately know as Magda. If you know the movie Something About Mary, then you would know the lady we mean! We tried for the paparazzi type photo, but could only manage the back of her. We will try out luck again before the end of the cruise, but time is running out. All for the good of the blog. We miss you Silver K Man!

Rich: Ok, so some of you may be aware of Tanya's competitive nature. She needs to ease up on correcting people and allow the trivia master to do their job. Lauren Burley: you were right when you told Tan that she was never allowed to play Trivial Pursuit anymore and that she could only assume the role as quiz mistress!

Tan: PS we took home the win today at the 70 / 80s music trivia!! Woot! Hahahaha, go Team RaT! Now my turn for a dig....Richard my darling fiancé, you need to watch where you're walking and stop standing on the backs of my shoes. So funny! Except today I may have had a hissy fit. Fair enough - I thought he broke my new Heineken thongs that I scored in a Florence nightclub.

It was formal night again tonight, so we headed back to our room after the trivia and a drink to get ready. We headed out just before 8pm to go to the 70s street party. This was basically a performance by the entertainment staff in the atrium area. It's called Centrum and is based around the middle of the ship where the internal balconies all meet. This allows for lots of viewing vantage points. They even called up Dancing Nan to dance with the crew. Go Dancing Nan!

Rich: They were throwing out flashing silicon rings and the 'competitive one' did a seagull like grab at the disco ring taking the steal right in front of Dancing Nan...sorry Dancing Nan! She really wanted that ring! I have seen this seagull like grab at four consecutive weddings where she got the bouquet on each occasion. Freak!

Out to dinner and it was 5 star treatment once again! We love the staff there. Our meals were pretty damn good. There are always about 8 - 10 choices for both entrée and main. After din din we headed for the casino and played for quite a while but lost $25. We've met lots of great people and have enjoyed our time.

Gambling is strictly a holiday only activity. Marg and Dan, we told you that you guys needed to come! Still 3.5 weeks to go, meet us in Venice on Friday please and smash round with us for the remaining time. We dare you! Dan, you're always up for a challenge! That offer is open to all comers, btw.