DON'T Abandon Hope, All Ye Who Read This Blog

I honestly thought I'd be better about updating my blog. Granted, I haven't been a faithful blog-updater in the past, but I thought living abroad would change that: I'd experience so many wonderful things overseas I'd just HAVE to write consistently! I have indeed enjoyed a plethora of wonderful experiences since arriving in Istanbul, but that is precisely the problem--that and my 18-month-old son (that's a year and a half for you non-mothers out there--it used to annoy me to no end when moms would tell me their children's ages in months, but now as a mother myself I see why it makes sense--babies/toddlers change a lot from month to month!). Simply put, it's hard to get a moment to myself, and when I do have a free moment, I'm ashamed to admit I'm usually watching Hulu--Once Upon a Time or Revenge or whatever reminds me the least of normal life.

At this point, so many things have happened since I last wrote that I hardly know where to begin. Perhaps some highlights are in order? For context, after three months in Istanbul I already have more of a community here than I did after two years in Virginia. I'm not saying I have Anne-of-Green-Gable-level "bosom friends," but I have met many fun, interesting people and made many entertaining, intelligent new friends. Here in Istanbul there is always something to do or somewhere to go. In September, the stately but down-to-earth consul general and his wife held a welcome barbecue at their home for all the new people. The view of the Bosphorus was amazing!

The next month we reached an exciting milestone in our stay in Istanbul--a visit from our first guest! Our visit with L. (let's preserve a semblance of anonymity, shall we?) was an absolute blast! We visited the Grand Bazaar, where, sadly, we did not see any motorcycles speeding down the narrow walkways like in Skyfall, and where the manic shop owners split their attention between us adults, "It is time to spend your money! Yes, please!" And my sweet babe, "Gel, gel! (Come, come!)" We also visited Çemberlitaş Hamamı, where we were each the recipients of what was virtually a giant bubble bath. As the suds cascaded down my back, I couldn't help but laugh. I'm not sure my giggling was dignified, but considering all the women were topless, I'm not sure dignity was high on anyone's priority list. On a Saturday we forced our way through throngs of tourists to see the old sites, and I may or may not have confused the Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofya--kind of impossible to do, considering the Blue Mosque is actually BLUE, but I like to defy impossibility and blaze my own trail. Doesn't make for the best tour guide, though . . .

Our second guest, a true gentleman and a scholar, as well as a world-traveler and intriguing conversationalist, arrived in November, and we convinced him to extend his trip and attend the United States Marine Corps Ball with us. The night before he helped us pick up some helpful dance moves (my spouse is a talented dancer, and I enjoy swing dancing, tangoing, and waltzing, but the USMC Ball is more like, say, the prom, or clubbing, neither of which we've experienced), and the next night we put them to good use on the dance floor.

I feel this post hardly scratches the surface of the last few months. My time has been filled with Turkish lessons, book clubs, playgroups, and of course, watching my precious son. He is tirelessly energetic and his antics sometimes wear my patience thin, but who can resist this cuteness? Certainly not me.

His latest words are "meow," "rawr," and "backhoe," the latest a result of three backhoe loaders just outside our apartment. He also has started imitating the call to prayer, in a voice oddly (or appropriately, depending on your opinion) reminiscent of the sound he makes for a gorilla. Ah, well. I had higher literary hopes for this blog post, but at least I've written it. Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving! I certainly feel thankful to God this year for my kind husband, my adorable son, and the wonderful city where I live!