.

That's a shame to hear about your friends visit. Especially, when you go out on a limb and recommend a place to visit.

It reminds me of my first experience in Mexico..but after going several times I guess I just got use to it. But it has never been that extreme of harrassing. I think for the most part the Mexican people are pretty respectful. You say no and they understand. You don't have to repeat yourself a hundred times before they get it.

Then I visit Aruba, where no one on that island had the desceny to even speak to you. You would walk in a shop and not even a hello from the worker. That gave me a whole new appreciation for the Mexicans who some can't even speak our language. But what is the Dutches excuse....

I do think alot of people struggle and they probably get commission for sales and the people they can get in their stores in Turkey. So they take every means to do so. If they only realized that a simple "Let me know if there is anything I can help you with"..then stand back and let us shop. The aggressive and harrassing behavior is only going to make people NOT want to come back to Turkey.

Thanks for the tip about the airport prices, criminal if you ask me.

We should start an apology petition for aenigma's friends!!

You can forget Marmaris, even Icmeler, aks me and I will open your eyes. Just look at Marmaris, if you ask me it feels like a British Colony. Same in Icmeler.

Yes, I experienced the same thing in Marmaris and Bodrum. It is a bother. But after the first 'No", it get easier. Just keep your head straight and keep on walking.

I also try to avoid the larger resorts as well. I am surprised AEnigmamagnadea did not warn her friends about the hassle before they went as she explains in the 5th post that the resorts are well known for it. The prices in the airports are also well known.

Your replies to my posts are becoming rather predictable Bydand *yawn*

Yes, maybe I should have remembered to warn my friends about the airport prices, but actually I didn't know the problems in the resorts was so bad until everyone told too late!

Hahahaha yes you are right next time I will say...."ouh you must go to Turkey, but make sure you don't buy food and drink at the airport (even if your plane is delayed for 2 days) and don't ACTUALLY stay in any of the beach resorts or you will be hassled all day and if you have any women with you under 60, beware of waiters and barman....in fact, go to Spain!

From what you are all saying we should go to lesser known areas of Turkey in order to have a good holiday in Turkey. There is always an element of snobbery in the "oh god, you should never take a package holiday/go to the main resorts".

I don't take package holidays either, but I am not so snobby to dismiss package holiday tourists the way you all seem to. The fact is that 90% of available holiday accommodation is in these areas ONLY and going on a package holiday can be cheaper for most families.

Another fact is that tourists who visit these main resorts bring money to Turkey and keep business in these areas open.

Like it or not, 99% of visitors to Turkey visit these places and what they see and encounter in these resorts is how they will judge the whole country. It is time that some of the practices in these resorts were given an overhaul.