Denizli

Waiting for our bus. It will be a long journey to visit Hulya's family.....

But i brought chocolate . . . . so i was prepared!

So many homes in this neighborhood of Denizli have peppers hanging out front. And I helped Grandma prepare Turkish Dolma (stuffed peppers & eggplants )

These meals were probably my favorite from this entire trip. So fresh. So delicious. And always. made with love and care.

We are cracking up as we were cracking almonds....

The bazaars are incredible and complex avenues and alleys of unimaginable variety. 

The copper shop! I got a lesson from the owner about chiseling stone artwork.

Oh the wonderful flavors of cheese and halva !

Again, the best memories are the ones we all shared around the dining table.

Also.... there was daily arts & crafts projects with Grandma ❤️❤️❤️

Fetiye

During the last week I shared so many incredible moments with Hulya’s uncle, cousin and extended family that I cannot possible recount each fantastic memory.  So here’s the basic synopsis of our adventures through the heatwave!

An ancient Greek City

Having a sweet-tooth is such a curse....

Cats are everywhere in this city. 

Me & Hulya and the fantabulous family. 

I was honored to join the friendly neighbors and listen to a live Saz (Bağlama) performance. 

And indulge in the Hamam (spa) day.

After a few hot days, there must always be some chill moments.

And then more chilling while dining!

The sun is setting....OVER THERE!

Izmir - Güle güle

Four days of 40celcius weather was well balanced by dipping into the Aegean Sea regularly.

 

And exploring nearby wineries.

Detective Hertog is hot on the trail of a new story!

We walked to have one final Izmir dinner with our lovely friends. 

Then wandered the streets to soak up some of the night life....

(See the cat in this photo above?)

Izmir, Turkey

Jet setting - once more! 

The view from atop Hulya's old place of work.

The view from the lobby....

After taking care of official business with her colleagues, we jump in Emre's car and head towards the Agean sea!

A guy drove by in his tractor. He was selling watermelon right out of the trailer 😋

What are the odds that on our first full day in Turkey we get to see Karsu Dönmez (an incredible Turkish-Dutch singer) perform live!?!?

...it was a phenomenal performance.

Truly....

unforgettable.