Merhaba Turkey!

I can’t believe it’s been nearly a week since we arrived in Turkey. The time has gone so fast. After an exhausting plane trip (who can sleep on a plane anyway?), we landed in Tarsus around 8:30pm. We easily got all of our luggage through customs. The only question asked to us was: What is in these bags? Our response: We’re moving to Turkey. It’s stuff we need to move here. And we were waved through.

Since we have been here, the other teachers have really taken us under their wing. We have been shown the best places around town to shop, taken to the Roman Road, brought out to various restaurants and bars, and we even visited a local mall. There have been downs: jet lag, Turkey Tummy, and the sudden arousal from deep slumber by the 2:30am Ramadan cannon, but the more we do and see and meet--the more realize we will really like living here. The people are so friendly and patient with the lack of language ability. They are ready to do anything to help you and get you anything you need.

The food is amazing! So many fresh fruits and vegetables that my fingers itch to start cooking. Fresh bread on every corner. The most amazing honey you have ever tasted. And please don’t get me started on the baklava. I think I’ll have to do a blog in the future just on the food here in Turkey. 

Tomorrow morning we leave bright and early for 3 days of culture orientation in Istanbul. In the mean time, enjoy these pictures of some our first experiences here in Turkey.

Almost to Turkey

First View of Turkey from the Airplane

Shopping with Filiz for cheese

The Roman Road. This ancient road is the "Road to Damascus" from the the story of St. Paul from the Bible. I can't believe the history I am experiencing.

Roman Road

Landscape from the Road Road

Roman Road

Yes. They do have "real roads" in Turkey.

Sabanci Central Mosque in Istanbul

Women have to cover themselves to enter the mosque.
They provide skirts and scarves if you need them.

Interior of the Mosque. It is gorgeous!

Interior dome. Full of reds and blues and golds.

What a beautiful building! It is a new mosque that was completed in 1998.

Shopping in Tarsus

Shopping in Tarsus

One of the many fruit/veggie stands

Street view of Tarsus

Tarsus Waterfall--view from our restaurant table

Tava--a yummy Turkish entree comprised of chicken, tomatoes, mushroom, peppers, and cheese.

Tarsus Friends

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Our trip has begun. We have loaded 4 suitcase, 6 large plastic tupperware bins, 2 dogs, an iLugger (carrying Josh’s precious computer), a carry-on suitcase, and 2 personal bags onto American Airlines flight # 1235. 

Winnie’s Luggage Frustration

I am currently writing this blog 29,000 feet above somewhere in Wisconsin. 

Somewhere over Wisconsin

We are feeling so many mixed emotions...sad to say goodbye, excited for the adventures ahead, anxious to get settled in our new home, nervous for our dogs flying in the belly of the plane, tired from lack of sleep last night because of all the above mentioned emotions, and so many more that I haven’t quite put my finger on yet. In only  18 hours we’ll be in our new “home sweet home.” Until then, Goodbye Minneapolis! We’ll miss you!

Goodbye Minneapolis

Pet Relief at MSP

Goodbye 1643 Ross Ave

Yesterday we said goodbye to our home of nearly 6 years.

Since it was our first home, it was a bit hard to say goodbye, but it just means that our adventure to Turkey is coming ever closer.

This is the view I am enjoying while drinking my coffee this morning at my parent's house overlooking Eagle Lake.

I am looking forward to 5 days of relaxing and enjoying my family before our big move on Tuesday. Ahhhhhhhh...........