Parting Thoughts, But the Journey Is Not Over

Well I am officially back from Turkey and slowly getting back into the swing of things here. Turkey is an amazing and beautiful country, comprised of rich history and wonderful people. My time spent there was indescribable. My heart is full of experiences that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I'll be in touch once I have gathered pictures from our group in order to give you a taste of what I experienced in the beautiful place called Turkey. I pray that you will have the opportunity to go there too someday.

To quote Rumi again, "This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet.” With your love and support, I took my first steps. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I am eternally grateful.

Keep Jennifer in Your Thoughts

Hello All - As I post this, Jennifer should be shortly getting up and heading for the airport to begin her long journey back home. She'll be catching an early morning flight from Istanbul to Frankfurt and then on to Seattle. Please keep her in your thoughts, wishing her a safe return home.

Thanks for reading and sharing your comments on the blog. Jennifer is planning to lead a brown bag lunch talk after she is settled back into the swing of things, so look for an anouncement from her in the near future... :o)

Grand Bazaar - Shopping Opportunities!

... a lot of window shopping with 6,000 shops covering 58 streets! With over 250,000 visitors a DAY, what an experience that Jennifer must be having! Just to soak up all the smells, noises, and sites, I would be on sensory overload myself!

Additionally, it does look as though Jennifer is still having some beautiful, sunny weather!

Here's a wiki link with a little bit more information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Bazaar,_Istanbul

Fatih University

This university is located in Istanbul. The shot is an aerial view of the university. I've added a link to the university's home page:

http://www.fatih.edu.tr/

The Faces of Beautiful Children

Is There a Layaway Plan?

... that's what Jennifer had to say when she visited a shop selling rugs.

Here's a link to learn more about Turkish made carpets:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milas_carpet

"Peace at home, Peace in the World"

These words have become memoralized throughout Turkey, spoken by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the man whose life was intertwined closely with the development of a modern and independent Turkey.He served as Turkey's first president after having served as the country's prime minister. He is known as the Father of Turkey and his image is found on public buildings, in the schools, in the homes, and on the country's banknotes. He has been honored by the United Nations (The Ataturk Year in the World) and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize (1934).

Here's the wiki link - definitely worth reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafa_Kemal_Atat%C3%BCrk