We're baaaack!

But we may not be operating in this timezone. Actually, I've had no problems adjusting. One night's sleep and I was fine. Zack, on the other hand, is having a heck of a time. One night he could barely make it to 7. Then he was up for the day by 4. I think he's finally coming around.

So what to say about the trip? Fabulous, is the first word that comes to mind. Exhausting is another. Intriguing. Enlightening. Unique.

I must say that I would have never put Istanbul on the radar for travel. And that while I loved it, there were things about it that were a little daunting. The language, for one. I think the Turks make up their language as they go on. I could not pick out one word if our guides started speaking...it sounds like Japanese mixed with Greek mixed with Russian. Of course, it's not but that's how it sounds.

Also, I obviously stood out as a Westerner...blonde hair and blue eyes and fair skin are not common in Istanbul, unlike in Buenos Aires where I looked like just about everyone. So I was easily targeted as a tourist for people wanting money, etc. Plus, wearing a Patagonia jacket and carrying a camera probably gave me away but whatever.

And it was very interesting being in a predominantly Muslim country, especially given what we're given about Islam in the media, etc. I must say there was something very peaceful about hearing the call to prayer five times a day, broadcast out from every mosque. And being a secular country, Turkey doesn't grind to a halt during those times...far from it. To me, and I'm sure to many Turks, the call to prayer was a way to mark the time...."Oh, it must be noon." Yet while there are tons of Turks wearing designer jeans and the latest fashion, there are also lots of women in full veil and long clothing. It's an interesting culture.

The trip was sponsored by CNN Turk and the girls in the PR department organized a wonderul trip. Plus they were a lot of fun. Ozge is only 25 and with a British education behind her (the University of East Anglia and the London School of Economics). Her coworker Asu is also young and has traveled extensively abroad.

And of course it was wonderful to see our friend Baris again and to finally meet his wife Asli...aka Mrs. Baris. She's gorgeous and sweet and puts Baris in his place. He clearly adores her and he was so excited to see all of us and introduce her. Ozge told me that Baris had been telling them for weeks that he was so happy we were all coming to Istanbul, he missed us all so much and that he had more fun and learned more in his time at Michigan than anywhere else. The first night we saw him, I happened to be the first in the restaurant and he saw me and yelled "Aimee!!!" in his delightful Turkish accent before giving me a big hug. He was practically crying he was so excited to see all of us...it was very sweet. In fact, he was so happy to see us he actually attended a Fenerbahce soccer match with us, even though Fenerbahce is the archrival of his team, Galatasarayi. (Also, Fenerbahce's colors are yellow and blue and he would never buy any maize and blue apparel while here in A2 for that reason. The only Michigan shirt he wore was a grey one with blue letters. And he sent Asli, an even bigger Galatasarayi fan, a pink shirt from Michigan.)

And Amsterdam was a great buffer trip before coming home and a chance for Zack and I to explore a city together. I got to see tons of Istanbul but he was on a business trip and in meetings for much of each day. So it was nice for him to have a vacation as well.

And of course HUGE thanks go out to Mimi and Pop for coming back and taking care of the munchkins. The kids had a great time and eveyone was fine and healthy.

Thanks for stopping by.