Raw nerve
Having just seen the advert for "Pick up and drop off services" it hit a raw nerve.
The following couldn't have happened even in Qatar.
Bodrum airport picking up relatives at 1.30am Monday morning.
hauled in and cautioned by Tourist board (accompanied by police)for:
a) Working without a permit.
b) Possibly running a business.
c) Carrying 3 passengers one of whom is my wife (it's only a five seater).
d) Told that if I appear at any airport or tourist spot with other than me in the car, the car can be impounded for 3 months.
e) Told that no other airport in the world allows private cars to pick up or drop off at airports. (He obviously hasn't travelled)
I could understand it if I was even a regular at the airport but I have been there 5 times in 12 months!
Still waiting for a response from the leagal advisors at the Government department to a somewhat strong e-mail.
Diamondgirl, I didn't mention in the original post that the Tourist Board official told me that it was a new law that I was being cautioned under.
Either it's a sign of age or I was so brassed off up by the entire issue that I forgot to include it.
Dweller, what is the 'new law'? Not quite following.
Amazing what can be achieved using the Internet.
Heard today from the local paper that the "new" law has been suspended pending a government review.
Questions had also been asked in the UK (by forum members)of the Turkish Tourist Board and they had denied any knowledge of what was happening.
no kidding...7 heart attacks...?
from your avatar I thought that you look like the type who could be suseptible to high BP. Hope you have calmed down now...and I'm not kidding!
Thanks. Past watching blood pressure diamondgirl.
After 7 heart attacks and a double bypass it's a bit late ;)
Dweller, watch the blood pressure. Go and have a trditional Turkish bath/massage to relax you.
Sorry, clicked twice with frustration.
You must be joking.
I don't expect an immediate reply from te "legal advisors" but will pursue it to the death. They probably think "do nothing and it will go away". It's already gone to the press. I think ridicule is the best way of getting this sorted.
Oh forgive me hee hee-ing, dweller, but I think that is such a lovely story and am still smiling about it.
I can just picture the scenario. Surprise and indignation on your face and a car load of petrified 'newbies' to boot! (not IN boot).
I'm sure you will get an apology, it's just too silly for words and sounds like you got nabbed by one very bored security guard, or whatever he was!
Hmmm so picking up relatives is now considered having a "private transportation business? Wow.
for the offer but I am also a moderator on a Turkey wide Living forum with many members who are now "activated". Mine is not the only e-mail and some have involved the Consulate in Bodrum. Shouldn't be long before something "blows"!
Scared? No but the visitors were. It was their first time in the country.......Welcome to Turkey lol.
If you need a character reference there are 100s of people on QL who will vouch for you! Must have been scary though
for the typos!