Fabulous Forty!

If you have heard of WAGS (Wives and Girlfriends of famous footballers) then you may understand me when I say I am a TWAG (Tourism Wives and Girlfriends). Being a TWAG means I hardly ever get to see my husband Ümit during the Summer Season. I mean he gets up at 07:30 and is gone by 08:00 am to buy the shopping each day. He goes to the grocers, bakery, fishmongers, deli, butchers, off license, ice shop (?!?) to get the fresh produce needed each day for the Dragon Boat Ölü Deniz, Turkey. After the trips (Sometimes 2 in a day) he is busy working and gets home late at night.

With this in mind, I realised if I wanted to spend my big 4-0 birthday with my husband it would have to be on the Dragon Boat. As luck would have it there was a sunset trip planned that evening. So a tiny plan was set into motion - I asked can I bring a couple of friends and maybe some tunes for him to play during the trip? Yes of course he said. But as anyone who knows me can vouch for, I had to make a massive playlist for the whole evening ;) I was hopeful but not sure he would play it though. (He did!)

A sunset party cruise on Dragon Boat Ölü Deniz in July can be very hot and very sweaty - this didn't stop me from donning a fabulous dress and caking the make up on! After all if you don't embrace the big 40 you may as well just cry!

I started to realise something was going on as we were getting ready to leave the house. My friends were acting weird - we were told to hurry! Get to the boat early! Then Wait! Don't go on the boat! It was a bit like a carry on film as I found out later all sorts of suprises were underway. Imagine a good friend running across the beach - cake in arms, helium balloons following behind and another friend trying to steer me away! Finally we could board the Dragon Boat and when I saw the effort the crew, Ümit and my lovely friends had made I was overwhelmed. Bear in mind they had literally just finished a day trip and managed to decorate the boat for me too!

It started as any other sunset trip - nice and relaxing, chillout tunes playing, people swimming, diving, using the slide. Not I though - couldn't ruin the make up this early on! However the delicious cocktails flowed - 'Sunset Scallywag' 'Sex on the Beach' 'Dragon Kiss' 'Blue Lagoon' 'Shipwreck' to name but a few we enjoyed!

A massive part of the Dragon Boat experience is the fantastic entertainment provided and Sasha the 'Pirate' relishes the role. He puts a smile on peoples faces and gives everyone a laugh with his belly dancing and silly acts, not to mention the jaw-dropping cliff dive he does during the day trip!(He is an experienced Circus member and has toured Turkey and abroad so is used to being center of attention!) On my birthday we had a special dance to Queen 'I want to break free'! Fabulous!

As the sun began to set more drinks flowed and many a picture was taken - everyone on the trip enjoyed the beautiful views. We had parked up near the famous Blue Cave and it truely was stunning.

After the sunset we enjoyed a delicious meal of chicken, spiced bulgar rice, mediterranean salad, Turkish mezes and bread. It was a good job too as it gave us a break from the drinking and I am sure helped me to not be hungover the next day!

As the party was starting and the groovy tunes played I was up and ready for a bop - but suddenly I was taken to the middle of the deck where a perfect cake (made by a good friend - yes one of the ones running across the beach earlier!) was waiting! Ümit made a brilliant speech and everyone sang along to Happy Birthday!

The evening continued to get even more fun with games, dancing and foam party! It was here that the make up was forgotten as I dived into the middle of the foam - on this night I was a Lovin' It Peeps (See previous blog) It was a busy trip with nearly everyone up dancing - an amazing night which I shall never forget.

I know probably lots of people choose to spend their 40th birthday perhaps on a spa weekend or at the theater but I'm afraid I may be 40 but I still feel 21! The party on Dragon Boat was the best night EVER! I cannot thank the crew enough for helping make it a great night - they must be so tired but are so consistent with the excellent service and always with a smile. The other customers on the boat that night were so good joining in and wishing me a happy birthday! My friends all made a huge effort and put up with my drunken behaviour - they are amazing! But my biggest thanks goes to my hard working husband Ümit who pulled out all the stops to give me a Fabulous Fortieth Birthday. I am so proud of him and his partner Turhan for making Dragon Boat Trips the amazing experience they are - Well Done Guys!!! Unbelievable Party xxxxxxxxxxxx