I've arrived!

As you can see it's been ages since my last blog posting so let's see if I can play catch-up from my last session.

Saying goodbye to friends is never easy but we are staying in Turkey and we will see everyone again. I keep repeating this over and over to make myself feel better...

Drumroll please... the grand total of STUFF (and I do mean stuff with a capital S) shipped to Izmir was 428.2 kilos. Holy cow are we packrats! No wonder it took so long to pack and give away the accumulated contents of our apartment. The good news is it all arrived and is patiently waiting for our return in August.

So, you can see why a vacation was in order. John and I traveled with a group of fellow teachers from Uskudar to Fethiye for a famous blue cruise through the Med. We were able to see lots of famous beaches, lots of ugly speedo bathing suits and even a few sea turtles. The cruise was wonderful and I would highly recommend it for anyone. The boat was an average sized sailboat with 10 cabins and lots of deck space to lounge, hang out and chat. The only drawbacks for me were the undercurrent of stress for taking time off of school and not studying as much as I should have been and a run-in with a nasty family that couldn't lighten up and respect the other guests on the boat. It's always unfortunate when you meet people that show ugly behavior and give Americans a bad name. Anywhoo... I did study everyday while we cruised but really who can complain when studying is done laying in your swimsuit 10 feet from the Med.

After relaxing on the cruise we embarked on our 17 hour travel adventure extravaganza from Olimpos to Antalya, Antalya to Istanbul, Istanbul to London, and London to San Francisco. The beginning of the trip seemed deceptively quiet and uneventful but little did I know that the notebook I use for schoolwork was left in our hotel room in Antalya (since I spent the evening reading and working) and therefore it will take a break and relax in Izmir while we travel the world. The was a minor incident in London as we were evacuated from our boarding gate due to a bomb scare at the airport. The staff were very courteous and helpful but not fantastic in the communication department. After we returned to the gate we were informed that our flight was delayed further since the air conditioning system on the place was not working. After many hours of waiting for our departure and sitting on the runway (in the sweltering plane) we finally took off for SF. My husband and I were sitting in different rows, which is not okay, as I require entertainment and a human pillow for any flight over 3 hours (so the 11 hour flight definitely qualified). Luckily, two friendly comrads on the flight agreed to switch seats so in the end our groups were all able to sit close together. Good for John since he beat me twice at cribbage. I also highly recommend the movie, Amazing Grace. It's about the end of slavery in England and was truly inspiring and again reminded me of why it is important for each person to understand their purpose and how they can do what is right in their communities.

Well, back to reality of life as a student and responsibilities. I am loving seeing my family and friends and I know 10 days is not enough time but I will do my best to thwart my vicious jetlag and make the most of this time.

Keep your fingers crossed for John as he traverses the US in a car with 3 smelly boys on a roadtrip, living the good life without their wives :)

Peace Out!