If you ask "Who is the most experienced in Finike marina? Who knows this place the best?", the answer would unquestionably be Mr. Paspas. So let's get to know him a little bit.

Eda Selçuk, Setur Marinas Finike Front Office Representative

 

The history of Mr. Paspas in Finike Marina goes way back. Even Ms. Aylin, one of the people who know him best, is not fully informed about Paspas' past despite their 5-year friendship. One thing she knows is that Paspas has been living here for much longer than 5 years.

 

 

Desperate to learn a little more about Paspas, we listen to other boat owners in the marina. That is when we hear even more surprising things. Boat owners cannot decide whether Paspas has been here for 15 years or 17 years. The outcome of all this is that Paspas has become a symbol of the marina and an integral part of it over time.

 

As often happens in such situations, those who meet Paspas in different times call him by different names. Some call him "Little", while some call him "Bobby". But it is also true that Paspas (Mop) suits him better with his curly coat and cute expression.

 

 

Whether it is because he is used to being called by many names or because of his way of being, Paspas is a carefree and free-spirited dog. Nevertheless, he has been spending more time on Ms. Aylin's boat lately. One reason for this is that when he had gastric bleeding three years ago, Ms. Aylin took him on board and took care of him. Otherwise, there is hardly a boat that he passes by without saying good morning and without tasting the food served to him.

 

Paspas is patient and respectful, just like a sailor. He never barks. In fact, if he gets hurt while playing with children on the boats, he prefers to slip away instead of showing anger. Paspas knows even the oldest boat rules. For instance, he makes sure to sniff and greet other dogs that come to the marina. If he sees a cat, he pretends it does not exist and continues on his way without changing his attitude.

 

Another quality of Paspas is that he swims as well as a diver. That is exactly why, if you are ever in Finike Marina and you want to say hello to Paspas and you don't see him around, you should look out to sea. However, if it is Sunday, you should also take a look at the barbecue area.

 

Although Paspas has spent his whole life in Finike Marina, he has friends from all over the world. In fact, Danielle Ovenden, who is currently on a world tour, is writing a book about Paspas. It seems that Paspas' fame will soon go beyond Finike marina and spread all over the world.

 

Photographs: Eda Selçuk