Sixty-fourth and Last Post From Türkiye

Wow! I can not believe it is really happening. Our time in Turkey has come to an end. It is definitely a bittersweet time for us. We are happy to be heading back to the states but so sad that our adventure here is over! So sad to say goodbye to our friends, our home here and all that has become comfortable and normal and enjoyable to us every day!

How can I go back to driving like an American, when it is sooo much more fun to drive like a Turk?

How can I ever back into a parking space without 2-8 people appearing out of thin air to direct me?

How can I be expected to pump my own gas, clean my own windshields, throw away my fast food debris or bag my own groceries again?

I've grown accustomed to long leisurely meals, where no one rushes you out the door and no one brings you the check until you ask for it, because to do so would be inhospitable.

I've grown accustomed to making a small bottle of diet coke last through those long leisurely meals and even not being able to finish it by the end.

I've grown accustomed to two kisses on the cheek in greeting! It's wonderful to be greeted by friends this way!

On the day we left America, I got into the taxi van that was taking us to the airport and as I slide the door closed I started to cry. The taxi driver was understandably concerned. Jack told him that we were moving away for 3 years. And the driver tried to comfort me by saying, "Three years, three days". And I wanted to punch him! But now looking back, I know that he was right! Those three years really do feel like three days!

Here is what we did with some of our last days in Ankara!

 The boys go for one more visit to the berber/kuaför. Trum is never happy with the amount of product they use on his hair. But they look so handsome!

 Jack gets his favorite boots shined, Turkish style.

 This forest is across the street from our house (those are our buildings in the background) and Jack loves his walks through the trees. He is really going to miss it. Especially when he comes across a friendly tortoise!

 Getting the house ready for the move.

 Packing materials are delivered.

 Some of our belongings, all packed up. I am pretty sure an empty cardboard tube got wrapped up and shipped. Trum will be happy about that in Maryland.

 We are so going to miss the views from our apartment!!

 Even the traffic and construction site!

 We spent our last Saturday going all over Ankara doing some of our favorite things.
Our first stop was in Kızılay.

 We stopped in our favorite candy shop for some fresh Lokum (Turkish Delight).

 Bunnies! Ducks! Chicks! We wanted one of each!

 Next we went for a last visit to Anıtkabir.

 Gorgeous views of the city.

 Then we headed to Ulus to visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. It really is a terrific museum! Plus the first time we visited Jack made us trek up the hill in the heat to visit it, three years later Jack let us take a cab. So much better!

 We went a little further up the hill to get a few more things at the castle and wander through the market in Ulus one more time. They have done so much work in this area of the city and it keeps getting better and better. These guys were busy laying some new cobble stones.

 Trum and some pigeons visit the castle.

 At the bottom of the hill near the bus stop, we stopped at a famous Ankara restaurant (Burger King) for some ice-cream.  Trum demonstrates his high level of goofiness.

 We are going to miss this city! We are going to miss our neighborhood and the lovely grounds around our building.

 But most of all we are going to miss our friends!!

 Old Primary Pres. and new Primary Pres.!

 Good-bye our sweet friends!

Now our bags are all packed, our possessions are on their way to the US and we are boarding the plane this afternoon.
 I think when I climb into the van that will take us to the airport today I will cry once again.
And this time I won't know when I will be back. But I have faith that I will get to see these wonderful people again.
And I hope when I do, it will feel like it has only been three days!