Got my first proposal (I think???) The guy in the back wants to come to America and needs a Green Card. As you can see, the guy in the front thought it was hilarious. It’s amazing how much can be conveyed even when you don’t speak the same language.

New Yorkers meeting each other in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Yup, this guy must have heard Rhoda and I talking, because he came up to tell us he lived in New York City. Brooklyn to be exact. He grew up here and was home visiting. NYC has a big Uzbek population and many people here have been telling us they have family there.

Third times a charm in Istanbul, Turkey

This was my third trip to Istanbul. My last one was only two years ago, so memories were still fresh, but the thing about a big, energetic, fun, exciting, spread out over two continents, city is there is always more to see and new things to discover. I walked 30k steps a day up and down the hills gathering new insights and also enjoying some favorites. 

Things I love. 

• Call to prayer ringing out all over from 3000 mosques around the city. 
• The cats who are everywhere and so affectionate because everyone feeds them, including me. 
• The incredible fashionable residents. 
• The ferries and other boats buzzing around in every direction in the rivers. 
• That just about every restaurant has outdoor seating, which makes street life feel so vibrant. 
• The hammam baths and scrubs. So luxurious and perfect for after a long flight! 
• Fresh pomagranate juice. 
• The food, where there is so much flavor, but not scary hot spices. 

My stepfather told me once when I was little that Istanbul was the most beautiful city in the world and I think he is right. I’m glad those words inspired me to go and now that I’ve been able to get to know it. Bye bye and hope to see you soon.

Click HERE to see my full set of pictures