The trip back home

Our flight from Ismir, Turkey was pleasant and trouble free. We caught a cab from the airport to our hotel because it was the only option due to the hotel's location. After we were settled in our cab, the driver busted out a package of cookies and handed a stack to Tom and I, took a stack for himself, and off we went (come on now, when is the last time you had a taxi driver share cookies with you?). As we approached the hotel the traffic became unbelievable! It was after 7pm and it was still full on rush hour. Our taxi driver suddenly pulled over into a shopping center parking lot, looked at me and said"I will take you", and jumped out of the car. Tom asked we "where is the hotel?" I told him the driver would take us, and we jumped out, grabbed our packs and followed the driver. We dashed through the rush hour traffic, trying to keep up as he took us up a hill, around a corner and down the street to our hotel. He set down our bags he had helped carry, took his fee, and left. Talk about curbside service!

Our last night in Turkey, and we had Turkish Lira left in our pockets... What to do? First, We ate dinner at our hotel. It was this funky, fresh, totally hip and cool hotel with a good little restaurant in it. After dinner we went out to walk the streets and see what we could find. We ended up at a huge, 4 story outlet mall. The moment we walked in I spied a shoe store with a boot display on the next level down. We wandered the top floor looking in the windows of all the American brand name stores and then we went down to the next level where the boots were... I know you know the end of this tale... Tom shopped for some sunglasses, with no luck before we went to look at boots. I'll spare you the details but will tell you that I ended up with the cutest pair of half boots! They were a bargain at 99.90Turkish Lira (about$50.) and it was fate that we meet because I had exactly 100 Turkish Lira in my wallet that needed to be spent.

The trip home was long and exhausting with two trips through TSA (Turkish equivalent) and then two trips through the German equivalent in Munich (they take security VERY seriously in both places). Plus we had passport control at each place, and that was BEFORE we re entered the US. Two hours from Turkey to Germany, 9.5 from Germany to New Jersey, and then a final 6 from Jersey to Cali. Like I said, exhausting. However, we arrived home safely (thanks for the pick up Vince!).

I am busy trying to re adjust to Pacific time. Tom is great at adapting due to his odd work schedule, I however, suck at it. My goal is to stay up past 8:30 tonight.

Our next destination is uncertain at this point.... Wherever we end up is bound to be full of adventure though! (And I am ready to go anytime, just let me get a nap!)