Trip to Turkey - Part 2

Monday was a day to stay closer to home. We went to the Monday market so that Wendi could get some produce.

That afternoon following a rain storm, I got to jump in a puddle with Elijah - there is something about jumping in a puddle with a 2 year old that is just good for the soul. I love that Wendi is the type of mom that lets her kids jump in puddles (with rain boots of course!). That is definitely the kind of mom I want to be.

Monday evening we had dinner with some of Wendi's friends at a Turkish restaurant in the "alley" - what a great group of ladies. Tuesday, Wendi and I went to Tarsus to see the remnants of the Roman Road, St. Paul's church, St. Paul's well, and a beautiful waterfall where we had lunch.

Wednesday we met up with another friend from Eglin and then had a delicious dinner at Wendi's housekeeper Hatice's house. Having a housekeeper and gardener is strongly encouraged when you are stationed in Turkey to help support the local economy. Thursday we did a little shopping in the "alley" - the alley is basically a bunch of shops and restaurants just outside the base that are largely supported by the base population. Turkey is known for beautiful carpets and they are much, much cheaper than here in the U.S. A hand-made rug was still beyond our budget, but I was able to get a beautiful wool machine-made 5 x 7 carpet for our living room. I didn't get a picture of the one I bought (it is being mailed), but here were 2 of the contenders - so beautiful!

Friday, I headed home. What a great trip! I miss Wendi and her boys already. Isaac and Elijah, your "Beck" misses you!

Trip to Turkey - Part 1

I had a fantastic time in Turkey! It was wonderful to spend time with a great friend and experience a bit of Turkey.

I left Washington, DC Wednesday evening and arrived in Turkey on Thursday evening. I couldn't help taking a photo of the S.Korean flag right next to the Turkish flag in the international terminal at Dulles. Looking forward to the next trip :-)

Friday we took things fairly slowly to allow for a bit of recovery from jet lag. Wendi and I took the boys to a beautiful park that is right next to a large mosque in Adana.

 

On Saturday, we headed to Cappadocia - definitely one of the most unique and beautiful places in the world.

First stop was the Kaymakli underground city where Christians once fled to flee from Roman persecution.

Next was lunch at Bindalli restaurant near Pigeon valley - stunning views!

 

Next we checked in to our hotel - the Gamirasu cave hotel.

Then headed out for a bit more sightseeing.

Dinner Saturday evening was a traditional Turkish meal following by a little dancing.

Sunday was a beautiful sunny day. It started with a traditional Turkish breakfast, followed by a walk up to the top of the hotel to see an abandoned church, and then a trip to the Goreme Open Air Museum.

After lunch on Sunday we headed home - a beautiful drive through the mountains.

Part 2 still to come.

I am in Turkey!

Just a little note to say I arrived safely in Turkey yesterday (Thursday) evening. My flight was great - loved Turkish Airlines and I had no problems at all with getting a VISA and going through immigration/customs. I was pretty intimidated by the whole process since this was my first time traveling internationally. I am viewing it as good practice for the most important international trip of all - picking up our son. In the airport at Dulles, they have all the flags of the various countries hanging near the departure gates and right next to the Turkish flag was the flag of South Korea. I couldn't help but think about the fact that the next time I travel internationally it will be to bring Joshua home.

I am in Turkey visiting my friend Wendi, whose husband is assigned here (Air Force). The last time I saw her was when she and her family stayed at my house before they left for Turkey last July. I am having so much fun catching up with her. This trip was part of my "waiting time, not wasted time" plans after we got the news that are wait until travel time was going to be double what we initially anticipated.

The part of Turkey where they live is not much of a tourist destination, so we won't do a ton of sightseeing, but I will get to experience some of the local Turkish culture. We also have a trip planned to Cappadocia to see the underground cities and fairy chimneys which I am very excited about. And we are going to go to Tarsus. I am so excited about seeing the place where the apostle Paul is from.

I am not sure how much I will be blogging over the next week, but I look forward to catching up with everyone once I get back!