In this weeks news snippets there’s a high demand for local tomatoes, a sailor encounters a whale, a sure sign of summer and more.

High Demand for Local Toms

At a wholesale packing station out in ơmköy, on the main road to Antalya, they are despatching an average of 25 container trucks each day loaded with tomatoes. 

The main season for tomatoes (in terms of vast quantities coming from tunnels) is now nearing its end, but the price has risen to between 70 kr and 1TL per kilo as the exporters strive to meet demand from Russia, Ukraine and Moldovia. 

Whale Encounter

A 13-metre Mediterranean Whale was spotted out in Fethiye Bay this week. 

A member of Alanya Sailing Club was delighted to encounter the large fish basking on the surface, took photos and got his fifteen minutes on the national news agencies when he returned to shore. 

Apparently this whale can stay underwater for up to forty minutes when it surfaces to get oxygen – and our man was there to record the event.

Earlier this year a stranded whale was successfully rescued when it came in to Fethiye harbour.

Let’s hope this one stay’s out at sea.

Hosing, hosing, hosing

There was a definite sign of summer this week as they’ve started washing out Amintas’ tomb. 

The rock-face tomb overlooking Fethiye apparently smells when the temperature heats up so local firemen schlep up the steps with a hose and wash it out. 

The smell is down to litter left by tourists (says Museum Director) although we think stray cats also play a part. 

When will they hang the lace curtains we wonder?

Quaker Shaker

And if you thought the earth moved for you on Friday around 5pm, there was an earthquake centred in the sea between Antalya and Kaş that was recorded as a 5.6 in Fethiye. 

On the same day a temperature of 44 was recorded in downtown Fethiye – the highest so far this season.

Some locals link high temperatures with earthquakes so if they are right we could have a few more this summer.

Nomad Tents Exported

The ever-enterprising Enver Yal夣305;n who runs the Yörük Museum in Kargı village is now exporting his nomad tents to Europe. 

He just despatched his first order to Austria and is confident of more business coming in – so next time you are in the Alps look out for black goatskin tents! 

By the way Enver’s wife apparently does a stonking traditional breakfast, highly recommended by several readers.