01. The Lay of the Land.

So, here we are: Six weeks in Istanbul. And here is my first blog post. I've been torn about whether to blog or just post on Facebook. But it's hard to keep track of the story on FB—intermingled with all my social and political posts, photos of cute animals, and the random memes ...

A smattering of iPhone photos have been downloaded, but mostly they are uninspired because we've suffered from jet lag and a general malaise. Moving abroad is so exciting, but the practicality is that it takes awhile—a good long while apparently—to actually get settled in and own the new adventure!

First of all, it takes a few trips around the city/ neighborhood to even comprehend what you're looking at; are these houses the usual style? How is the architecture the same or different from what you're used to or even from other parts of the area? What is modest versus lower income or higher income? These insights take time! 

First snap, on the ride from the airport to our neighborhood.
Mosque minarets replace church steeples as points of beauty
and interest.

Second snap, noting the patriotic tendency here to fly
the crescent and star!

Ah!
A welcomed sight in a foreign land.

Hills. Everywhere.
And we're fortunate to be in the part of the city
with many open, green spaces.

Part of our neighborhood. At twilight.
We will be happy here!

My goal is to post often. Happily noting things of interest as we make this country our home over the next three years. If you have questions, please ask. I'll do my best to let you know how things are going here in the land where East meets West! xx