Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

 OK of all of the places thus far that I have been to Istanbul is by far one of the coolest, in my opinion. It has something like a 80% Muslim population so Mosques are as abundant as LDS Chapels in Utah. There is nothing like falling asleep to the soothing sound of a prayer blasting through the city.

Plus the Art History nerd came out in me as I was able to see some historical sights that I never dreamed I would get the chance to see.

Above is us at the Blue Mosque and below we are in front of Hagia Sophia! Now I will openly admit that I got a little bit teary eyed when we first saw Hagia Sophia.  I know, I know,  I should get out more if seeing a church gets me that excited,  it sure makes me sound like a BLAST to hang out with... poor Derek got himself a bit of a geeky wife.

This is the Evil Eye that is seen everywhere in the city. People believe it keeps bad karma away so they have these eyes hanging on their jewelry, in their doorways, key chains, on china, pretty much anywhere you can think of.

The best and real reason why we came was for the opening of NuSkin Turkey! Sueda and Murrat have been working very hard for the past 15 months to get the country open and now it finally has all payed off. Derek is on stage below giving the worlds best spiel.

Check out all of the upline support that flew in from all over

Another pic to add onto the funny sign portion of the trip. 

All across Europe cigarette companies have to put  huge caution labels on the boxes that inform people of smoking hazards. This was Murrat's subtle reminder

Below Sueda and Murrat are signing up Ali Shen the self proclaimed "Tiger" of NuSkin Turkey

The second portion of the trip I realized after reviewing the pictures I took consisted of me eating and taking pictures of the food but with names like Turkish Delight you know it is bound to be great

 

For our 11 hour flight back to NYC we scored first class seats making it a  great ending to a great 18 day trip.

Me rocking the fully reclined chair and movie portion of the flight, oh and an entertaining read for those looking was My Sister's Keeper,  it will definitely suck you in.

Derek after dinner, note the table cloth that they place on the trays. Now that's fine dining

Of course the socks that come with the first class package, I am wearing a couple pairs so don't think that my feet are really that stubby and square.

It feels really great to be home or at least to be able to wash and wear clean clothes.  For trip details ask Derek about how many times we had to drive back to cities and towns to pick up left items, or about the off the wall hotels we stayed in and homeless friends we made along the way in Metros. Really to sum up this trip I am with Lady Gaga, "Da da doo-doo-mmm just dance!"