that trip to London and France was the first of many trips i have made with my friends.

the second trip was to Turkey. my friends have a colleague originally from Turkey, and he and his family go every summer for a visit. he mentioned it would be fun if my friends went to Turkey while they were there, and he could show them around. enough said, a group was formed, and off to Istanbul we went.

we started and ended the trip in Istanbul, and we went to Cappadocia and Bodrum as well. We took a tour of Ephesus, went on a long hike and saw many old churches and homes built into hillsides. fairy chimneys, a hot air balloon ride, and a 3-night trip on the Aegean Sea. a very long bus ride, a lot of bartering, amazing tile work, the Aya Sophia, a Turkish bath and the Grand Bazaar. lazy mornings starting with strong coffee, cheese, cucumbers and tomatoes. afternoons spent enjoying Efes Pilsen with my friends.

this was a wonderful trip, and far too short, i think i could have easily stayed a month. i’m very thankful that i was extended the opportunity to go on this trip, and that we had a local with us to show us the world where he grew up. Istanbul, very different than the Bay Area.