My life seems to revolve in circles. People will be in my life for awhile, then sort of phase out as our paths separate, then the paths will merge again, or run parallel, so we can still see each other, even if we're not actually involved in the same things at the same time. Like links on a necklace-chain, the circles touch, then are separate, then touch again as the chain slides around, all linked in one big loop.
Early this a.m., I decided to make a rare trip to the coffee shop on my way to work. There was a guy standing at the counter that I have known on and off through different musical connections, and haven't seen in several years. As I asked him about a band I know he used to play in, his job with sound systems and other things, we caught up a bit. Then I asked, "Are you playing anyplace locally?" the coffee shop lady said, "Yeah, right here, tonight!"
So...after work and dinner, Little Sir and I went back to the coffee shop for live music, which we enjoyed very much. Little Sir, always the active participant, played air drums and air guitar along with the band. We saw some other old friends from musical circles... and... Natasha! In the flesh! Blog world touches reality! I thought it was her, from her beautiful picture, and then saw the guy she was with and knew it was them. I introduced myself, and it was very interesting...I have never met someone in real life that I only knew from their writing before. It's like you know them, but yet you don't know them...a sort of estranged closeness. Not sure how to word this. It reminds me of a friend of ours who met his wife online. They communicated for awhile before they met in the flesh...she lived in New Zealand and came to NY to meet him...and they got married soon after. I wonder what they felt like, those first few hours after actually meeting each other.
After that, Little Sir and I went off to find a good parking place near Riverhead Raceway to see the fireworks (and be able to exit quickly afterward.) They were fun, as always. I love fireworks. It doesn't matter how old I get, they never lose their fascination for me.
It was a very nice end to a very nice day, indeed.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Eight Below
I know it's the beginning of summer, but sometimes I like to watch off-season flicks. I have wanted to see this one ever since I saw the previews for it, and just never did. As a child, I had a fascination for huskies, Alaska, Inuits, and all things related. I had a fantasy of being in the Iditarod.
Well, that never happened, and I never got a husky (most of my life, I've lived places with "no dogs allowed," or other life-things prevented it,) but the fascination still remains. For those not as behind the times as I am, Eight Below is a Disney movie (with real people) based on a true story of a guide's dog-sled team. I get so emotionally involved in things like this. I know, it's corny, but I do.
Anybody who has a soft spot for animals, the snowy lands, or just a good story, check it out.
Well, that never happened, and I never got a husky (most of my life, I've lived places with "no dogs allowed," or other life-things prevented it,) but the fascination still remains. For those not as behind the times as I am, Eight Below is a Disney movie (with real people) based on a true story of a guide's dog-sled team. I get so emotionally involved in things like this. I know, it's corny, but I do.
Anybody who has a soft spot for animals, the snowy lands, or just a good story, check it out.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Summer Firsts and Lasts
It's the beginning of the firsts:
first swimming lesson ever (for Little Sir), and first class of the summer,
first time at South Jamesport Beach,
first of No. 1 Son's men's softball games of the summer we've gotten to attend (they won!),
first week of Dear Daughter's internship,
first week of the summer music lessons (always so much more fun, after the stress of preparing for NYSSMA and everything,)
first of the lilies to open in the yard,
first of the summer clam dishes I like to cook,
first water-gun battle between Little Sir and Papa (grandfathers are the best at teaching this stuff!)...
And the lasts: we've been eating lots of strawberries, always afraid it's our last quart (I've noticed the prices on the North Fork are considerably lower than E. Quogue...3 qts. for $9 , as opposed to $5 a qt.),
last of free off-season parking at the beach,
last week of the school-time schedule and on to summer schedules for us all.
Time to truly pack away the cooler weather clothes (only leave out some sweats for chilly night outings) and get back on the exercise routine (I actually lost weight on vacation...and gained some of it back during R & R! Not fair. I will be a leaner, healthier me, come September!)
Still looking for a tandem bike, if anybody knows of one...haven't had much luck yard saling...people are selling tons of things I have no need for.
And still trying to sell our converted schoolbus/RV...anybody know someone who might be interested? It's fully self-contained and gorgeous on the inside...sad for it to sit in the driveway when someone could be enjoying it.
Happy summering!
first swimming lesson ever (for Little Sir), and first class of the summer,
first time at South Jamesport Beach,
first of No. 1 Son's men's softball games of the summer we've gotten to attend (they won!),
first week of Dear Daughter's internship,
first week of the summer music lessons (always so much more fun, after the stress of preparing for NYSSMA and everything,)
first of the lilies to open in the yard,
first of the summer clam dishes I like to cook,
first water-gun battle between Little Sir and Papa (grandfathers are the best at teaching this stuff!)...
And the lasts: we've been eating lots of strawberries, always afraid it's our last quart (I've noticed the prices on the North Fork are considerably lower than E. Quogue...3 qts. for $9 , as opposed to $5 a qt.),
last of free off-season parking at the beach,
last week of the school-time schedule and on to summer schedules for us all.
Time to truly pack away the cooler weather clothes (only leave out some sweats for chilly night outings) and get back on the exercise routine (I actually lost weight on vacation...and gained some of it back during R & R! Not fair. I will be a leaner, healthier me, come September!)
Still looking for a tandem bike, if anybody knows of one...haven't had much luck yard saling...people are selling tons of things I have no need for.
And still trying to sell our converted schoolbus/RV...anybody know someone who might be interested? It's fully self-contained and gorgeous on the inside...sad for it to sit in the driveway when someone could be enjoying it.
Happy summering!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Stony Brook Idiocy and Beauracracy At Its Best
I have been keeping up with LunaChick's blogged Stony Brook struggles (University, that is) with her chosen discipline, with a very sympathetic eye. Or is it empathy? That particular institution has a way of making life difficult, way beyond what is absolutely necessary.
I have a new chapter in my personal saga. The department states you must have 75 days of student teaching to complete your certification. These 75 days must be completed by the end of Stony Brook semester. Now, their semester begins before the K-12 school year calendar begins, so this is a challenge, but our professor has lectured us on being responsible, not taking any sick days, blah blah blah. Ok. Well, I had my interviews with my 2 assigned school districts, during which I was given a school calendar. There are only 70 school days from Sept. 5 to Christmas break. The head of the department from my first assigned district kindly offered me a position in their summer ESL program, which happens Aug. 20-30. Even tho' it's only a few hours a day, this seemed a good fix, so I emailed my professor to confirm.
I just got the email back from my professor, who snottily informed me again, how I need to be professional and responsible in attending my assigned school, not taking off any time for myself, with insinuations to that effect. And no, that school-run summer program can't count...of course, I could volunteer my time if I wish. I'll just have to figure out how to make 75 days out of 70 (oh...and the days have to have at least 5 hours...so what do I do with early dismissal? More snottiness answered that point, as to my responsibility, or lack thereof.)
Is this what they call being between a rock and a hard place?
I have a new chapter in my personal saga. The department states you must have 75 days of student teaching to complete your certification. These 75 days must be completed by the end of Stony Brook semester. Now, their semester begins before the K-12 school year calendar begins, so this is a challenge, but our professor has lectured us on being responsible, not taking any sick days, blah blah blah. Ok. Well, I had my interviews with my 2 assigned school districts, during which I was given a school calendar. There are only 70 school days from Sept. 5 to Christmas break. The head of the department from my first assigned district kindly offered me a position in their summer ESL program, which happens Aug. 20-30. Even tho' it's only a few hours a day, this seemed a good fix, so I emailed my professor to confirm.
I just got the email back from my professor, who snottily informed me again, how I need to be professional and responsible in attending my assigned school, not taking off any time for myself, with insinuations to that effect. And no, that school-run summer program can't count...of course, I could volunteer my time if I wish. I'll just have to figure out how to make 75 days out of 70 (oh...and the days have to have at least 5 hours...so what do I do with early dismissal? More snottiness answered that point, as to my responsibility, or lack thereof.)
Is this what they call being between a rock and a hard place?
Summer Begins
Early Friday a.m., after our power walk with the jog stroller, Little Sir and I headed to Indian Island to renew my Green Key. Their computer was not behaving, so it took a really long time...and I forgot...they take your picture. Oops...I look absolutely dazzling with my hair in a sweaty ponytail, sunglasses on top of my head, face a little too red, no mascara. But, the camera was set in such a way as to take in part of the office, so, unexpectedly, Little Sir is in the picture too, wandering around looking at the flyers in the background.
Friday evening was lovely. Due to hecticness on my students' lives' part, I was off, so Little Sir 4-Year-Old and I were lazing around the yard, enjoying the early summer coolness...then, I remembered the free summer concert series behind the East End Arts Council. So...we headed off.
There's a restaurant with a boardwalk that goes into that back parking lot, and they had a live band playing. As we were early, we hung out there a little (though not too long, as unfortunately, it's a bar and not good for Little Sir, and I felt silly hanging out in the parking lot below.) The band was really good. I don't know who they were, but I was enjoying them.
Long Island Sound Chorus (Sweet Adelines) began their concert on the green, on Riverhead Town's portable stage. The singing was beautiful, as they always are. Then, dark clouds started rolling in...with a rainbow spliced through it all! The wind picked up, then half the parking lot had pouring rain, and the other half was in bright sunshine! Very strange.
We packed it in early, went to the library for a new stack of books and flicks, and headed home.
Saturday, we have a graduation to attend, and then some quiet family Sunday plans. Nice start to summer.
Friday evening was lovely. Due to hecticness on my students' lives' part, I was off, so Little Sir 4-Year-Old and I were lazing around the yard, enjoying the early summer coolness...then, I remembered the free summer concert series behind the East End Arts Council. So...we headed off.
There's a restaurant with a boardwalk that goes into that back parking lot, and they had a live band playing. As we were early, we hung out there a little (though not too long, as unfortunately, it's a bar and not good for Little Sir, and I felt silly hanging out in the parking lot below.) The band was really good. I don't know who they were, but I was enjoying them.
Long Island Sound Chorus (Sweet Adelines) began their concert on the green, on Riverhead Town's portable stage. The singing was beautiful, as they always are. Then, dark clouds started rolling in...with a rainbow spliced through it all! The wind picked up, then half the parking lot had pouring rain, and the other half was in bright sunshine! Very strange.
We packed it in early, went to the library for a new stack of books and flicks, and headed home.
Saturday, we have a graduation to attend, and then some quiet family Sunday plans. Nice start to summer.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Spider-Man
Just so my education is well-rounded and complete, I have recently acquainted myself with Spider-Man. Yes, I know. It's a bit out of character. I have never been the super-hero, comic book type, but it was necessary.
While in Turkey, Little Sir was introduced to Spidey by a cousin (apparently they had a pirated copy, of 3, as it's still in theatres here...had Turkish subtitles.) Of course, I am a conscientious parent and wanted to see what he was watching, so watched it, too. He became hooked...caught in the web, so to speak. Suddenly, he was jumping all over, shooting webs. Well, as there were elements to the story I didn't understand, I decided to be a good student, do my research, and view S-2 and 1...in that order. I know this is unconventional, but since I saw 3 first, it seemed logical. Number One Son, seeing Little Sir's new interest, gave him 1 & 2 as birthday gifts, and we have spent part of our R & R watching them. Little Sir has also acquired a Spider-Man suit, complete with hood, for appropriate viewing (Little Sir PARTICIPATES in movies...he rarely just sits and watches...he is part of the experience...the couch becomes a building to be jumped off of, webs are shot into corners of the ceilings, appropriate sound effects are made, etc.) He has reinforced his love of the name "Peter"...he often introduces himself as "Peter"...first it was Peter Rabbit, then Peter Pevensie, then other Peters in books we'd read together...now, Peter Parker.
As there are portions a bit too intense for him (and for me), we use the fast-forward button to skip scenes that may be nightmare-inducing (we've used this technique for years, so the kids can enjoy lots of movies that are otherwise great, but have some scenes I don't want them to see until they are older.)
I feel my life is complete now. I have viewed the whole saga. I do not feel the need to follow up with the series of Superman and Batman films, or others of the genre. This is representative enough. I can safely enter the public school classroom now, knowing, without a doubt, that I am now fully qualified to understand the pre-pubescent mind.
While in Turkey, Little Sir was introduced to Spidey by a cousin (apparently they had a pirated copy, of 3, as it's still in theatres here...had Turkish subtitles.) Of course, I am a conscientious parent and wanted to see what he was watching, so watched it, too. He became hooked...caught in the web, so to speak. Suddenly, he was jumping all over, shooting webs. Well, as there were elements to the story I didn't understand, I decided to be a good student, do my research, and view S-2 and 1...in that order. I know this is unconventional, but since I saw 3 first, it seemed logical. Number One Son, seeing Little Sir's new interest, gave him 1 & 2 as birthday gifts, and we have spent part of our R & R watching them. Little Sir has also acquired a Spider-Man suit, complete with hood, for appropriate viewing (Little Sir PARTICIPATES in movies...he rarely just sits and watches...he is part of the experience...the couch becomes a building to be jumped off of, webs are shot into corners of the ceilings, appropriate sound effects are made, etc.) He has reinforced his love of the name "Peter"...he often introduces himself as "Peter"...first it was Peter Rabbit, then Peter Pevensie, then other Peters in books we'd read together...now, Peter Parker.
As there are portions a bit too intense for him (and for me), we use the fast-forward button to skip scenes that may be nightmare-inducing (we've used this technique for years, so the kids can enjoy lots of movies that are otherwise great, but have some scenes I don't want them to see until they are older.)
I feel my life is complete now. I have viewed the whole saga. I do not feel the need to follow up with the series of Superman and Batman films, or others of the genre. This is representative enough. I can safely enter the public school classroom now, knowing, without a doubt, that I am now fully qualified to understand the pre-pubescent mind.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Fathers Day
As my dad had a pretty packed day of his own planned, we decided to catch up with him in the afternoon, in between his appointments. That meant we could be leisurely at home...woke up 7 ish, as the body clock does...I snuck out for my exercise walk while they were still sleeping (then got a call on my cell from Little Sir..."where are you?" in a slightly whimpery voice...he has been a little insecure since we got back, wanting both of his parents in the same place with him at all times.) We had breakfast and watched the last of the video footage I made while in Turkey...this way, DH is part of the trip, too, gets to see who and what we saw. We just lazed around, just being together, 'til mid-afternoon, picked up the last of the fresh items for the local food basket for Dad (homemade jams, a cool-looking local vinegar, lots of fresh stuff), and headed to his house.
After our visit, we decided to check out the beach, and ended up at Meschutt in Hampton Bays. I knew it had been pretty hot all day, but was surprised how warm it still was at 5pm. We weren't prepared for swimming, and I'd thought the water would still be too cold. Apparently, it wasn't. The parking lot was almost full and the water still had lots of swimmers. We rolled up Little Sir's pants, to dip in toes. He is usually a tentative beach bather, happy to play along the edges, collect crabs and shells and splash around. Well, he wanted to GO IN...all the way. As we couldn't do it with him, in jeans with no towels or anything, we stripped him down to shorts and hovered with just our feet in. With the live band playing in the background, up at the boardwalk cafe, it was delightful, making us want more...looking forward to summer!
We stayed until the gnats drove us off, and headed home for a summery dinner...corn on the cob from the farmstand, fresh salad with lots of greens, tomatoes and scallions, and fresh clams in my garlicky white sauce over rigati (tiny rigatoni). The corn was actually beautiful. As I was husking it, the white and yellow kernels shone with a luster like pearls, and it was sooo good. I love fresh corn. The salad was just right, and the clams were perfect...salty, sweet, not sandy at all. For dessert, we had strawberries and watermelon. Perfect.
I am now absolutely ready for summer.
After our visit, we decided to check out the beach, and ended up at Meschutt in Hampton Bays. I knew it had been pretty hot all day, but was surprised how warm it still was at 5pm. We weren't prepared for swimming, and I'd thought the water would still be too cold. Apparently, it wasn't. The parking lot was almost full and the water still had lots of swimmers. We rolled up Little Sir's pants, to dip in toes. He is usually a tentative beach bather, happy to play along the edges, collect crabs and shells and splash around. Well, he wanted to GO IN...all the way. As we couldn't do it with him, in jeans with no towels or anything, we stripped him down to shorts and hovered with just our feet in. With the live band playing in the background, up at the boardwalk cafe, it was delightful, making us want more...looking forward to summer!
We stayed until the gnats drove us off, and headed home for a summery dinner...corn on the cob from the farmstand, fresh salad with lots of greens, tomatoes and scallions, and fresh clams in my garlicky white sauce over rigati (tiny rigatoni). The corn was actually beautiful. As I was husking it, the white and yellow kernels shone with a luster like pearls, and it was sooo good. I love fresh corn. The salad was just right, and the clams were perfect...salty, sweet, not sandy at all. For dessert, we had strawberries and watermelon. Perfect.
I am now absolutely ready for summer.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Post-Travel R & R
I read, in Shape magazine, that you shouldn't plan to arrive home from vacation the day before you have to go back to work. If you do, many of the de-stressing benefits you had gained may be wiped out. They advise giving yourself a cushion of time to re-adjust, get unpacked, laundry done, house back in order and all that, before you dive back in.
I, unintentionally, have followed this advice. I had planned on going back to teaching (which I do privately), and dealing with Stony Brook stuff after one day back, but everybody else's schedule hasn't worked that way. Graduations, Regents, communions, etc. have everybody running in circles and don't have time for a music lesson...so, I am slowly getting back in sinc with my real life here.
I am amazed at how tired I have been. I don't know if this is part of jet lag...by early afternoon I have no energy at all. Little Sir and I have done the bare minimum in the afternoons, and have borrowed a few videos from the library to just vegetate with. We eat a light dinner and go to bed early (DH works the 3pm-12 shift.) I am slowly getting the house back the way I want it (which includes a long-delayed Spring cleaning...while it's still Spring!) Maybe I felt this way before (this is my 3rd annual trip overseas...normally they're only about 10 days, tho'), but I always broke the Shape rule and dove right back into college and work the day after coming back. Maybe I was so busy, I didn't give myself time to think and even realize that I was tired. Maybe it's the pollen, which makes lovely greenish clouds in my shady backyard whenever the wind blows, and has clogged my screens...one more thing to do. Maybe it's being lazy, not actually having a strict schedule to adhere to. I don't know.
I am proud to announce that I have finally completely emptied the tote-bag-full of mail DH had saved for me, and more or less dealt with all of it. I have read all my back issues of local newspapers that he saved for me, and have digested the school districts news and how it affects us (we both work in more than 1 district.) I cleaned off the top of the microwave, which somehow had become a storing place for prescriptions and other medicines this past semester...tossed a lot. I've cleaned the lighting track over the kitchen workspace and replaced bulbs (after 2 trips to Home Depot.) I have made healthful meals from the odds and ends of veggies that were left in the frig, and visited our local farm for fresh produce (yay STRAWBERRIES! As good as Turkish produce is, I missed our L.I. strawberries...they just taste better to me.) I worked almost a full day Saturday, and have half-way tackled my summer lesson schedule, which I really can't finish 'til all the students' parents get back to me...I like to make my schedule geographically sensible, as well as workable for all those involved (I drive from house to house teaching, mostly.) I have dealt with the recyclables that had been stored in the shed, and have been properly creeped out by the gypsy worms that have tried to decimate the big maple out back...evidence of them is EVERYWHERE. Yuck.
Ok. That's enough effort for now. DH is enjoying soccer on t.v. as part of the Father's Day celebration. I'm ready for a nap.
I, unintentionally, have followed this advice. I had planned on going back to teaching (which I do privately), and dealing with Stony Brook stuff after one day back, but everybody else's schedule hasn't worked that way. Graduations, Regents, communions, etc. have everybody running in circles and don't have time for a music lesson...so, I am slowly getting back in sinc with my real life here.
I am amazed at how tired I have been. I don't know if this is part of jet lag...by early afternoon I have no energy at all. Little Sir and I have done the bare minimum in the afternoons, and have borrowed a few videos from the library to just vegetate with. We eat a light dinner and go to bed early (DH works the 3pm-12 shift.) I am slowly getting the house back the way I want it (which includes a long-delayed Spring cleaning...while it's still Spring!) Maybe I felt this way before (this is my 3rd annual trip overseas...normally they're only about 10 days, tho'), but I always broke the Shape rule and dove right back into college and work the day after coming back. Maybe I was so busy, I didn't give myself time to think and even realize that I was tired. Maybe it's the pollen, which makes lovely greenish clouds in my shady backyard whenever the wind blows, and has clogged my screens...one more thing to do. Maybe it's being lazy, not actually having a strict schedule to adhere to. I don't know.
I am proud to announce that I have finally completely emptied the tote-bag-full of mail DH had saved for me, and more or less dealt with all of it. I have read all my back issues of local newspapers that he saved for me, and have digested the school districts news and how it affects us (we both work in more than 1 district.) I cleaned off the top of the microwave, which somehow had become a storing place for prescriptions and other medicines this past semester...tossed a lot. I've cleaned the lighting track over the kitchen workspace and replaced bulbs (after 2 trips to Home Depot.) I have made healthful meals from the odds and ends of veggies that were left in the frig, and visited our local farm for fresh produce (yay STRAWBERRIES! As good as Turkish produce is, I missed our L.I. strawberries...they just taste better to me.) I worked almost a full day Saturday, and have half-way tackled my summer lesson schedule, which I really can't finish 'til all the students' parents get back to me...I like to make my schedule geographically sensible, as well as workable for all those involved (I drive from house to house teaching, mostly.) I have dealt with the recyclables that had been stored in the shed, and have been properly creeped out by the gypsy worms that have tried to decimate the big maple out back...evidence of them is EVERYWHERE. Yuck.
Ok. That's enough effort for now. DH is enjoying soccer on t.v. as part of the Father's Day celebration. I'm ready for a nap.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Timothy Hill Children's Ranch
I just received this in my email and thought I'd share it. For those who don't know about the Timothy Hill Ranch, they are a great local program, a working ranch, for troubled kids...check them out. Plus...get plants cheap!
Timothy Hill Children's Ranch needs help. We are in dire need of your help purchasing plants in the greenhouse. These are plants that the children helped grow through the Spring and we will lose them if we can't sell them. Please ask your friends, family, neighbors, etc. if they would like to purchase any. We are selling them for 50% off our normal prices (our cost). If we can't sell them within the month, it looks like we will take a substantial loss in our vocational training program. Please also keep this situation in your prayers.
To purchase plants, please visit our greenhouse at 298 Middle Road, Riverhead between 9-5, M-F. God bless!
Thank you,
James Hill
Timothy Hill Children's Ranch
631.369.1234 ext.220 Office
631.767.9667 Cell
631.369.0130 Fax
www.timothyhillranch.org
Timothy Hill Children's Ranch needs help. We are in dire need of your help purchasing plants in the greenhouse. These are plants that the children helped grow through the Spring and we will lose them if we can't sell them. Please ask your friends, family, neighbors, etc. if they would like to purchase any. We are selling them for 50% off our normal prices (our cost). If we can't sell them within the month, it looks like we will take a substantial loss in our vocational training program. Please also keep this situation in your prayers.
To purchase plants, please visit our greenhouse at 298 Middle Road, Riverhead between 9-5, M-F. God bless!
Thank you,
James Hill
Timothy Hill Children's Ranch
631.369.1234 ext.220 Office
631.767.9667 Cell
631.369.0130 Fax
www.timothyhillranch.org
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Deer Ticks and Such
I was so happy. DH and I decided, after fighting with our old lawn mower too many times, to go out and buy a new one. Last night, we found one, and bright and early this morning, DH was mowing away on this big piece of property, surrounded by woods...tick heaven. I was out with him, clearing away branches, etc. We are always so careful...wear long pants tucked into socks, covered shoes, shower immediately after and throw the clothes in the washer, then dryer, check everything. Well, a little while ago, I was talking on the phone, and noticed this unusual tiny mark on my leg. A deer tick. Called the dr.'s office...closed. Got the service...they took a message. What do I do? Take it out? Leave it in? Called the hospital...they can't give advice over the phone. Went online...read how to take it out and what to do next.
Now, I am not entirely sure I got it all out...it's so tiny...I think the head's still in there. I rubbed it with alcohol, and then with Neosporin, which has antibiotic in it.
Anybody have any great advice?
Oh...and we also found a new patch of poison ivy in the back yard. Since it's been drizzly on and off, I can't spray it.
This is not my idea of gardening at its best. I love being outdoors, and want my family out there...I feel it's healthy.
Healthy...maybe not.
Now, I am not entirely sure I got it all out...it's so tiny...I think the head's still in there. I rubbed it with alcohol, and then with Neosporin, which has antibiotic in it.
Anybody have any great advice?
Oh...and we also found a new patch of poison ivy in the back yard. Since it's been drizzly on and off, I can't spray it.
This is not my idea of gardening at its best. I love being outdoors, and want my family out there...I feel it's healthy.
Healthy...maybe not.
Airports and Customs
I often feel as if my life has an accompanying soundtrack. Sometimes the music comes from an outside source (radio, CD, concert, etc.), but there is always a song going through my head, whether I am consciously aware of it or not, and usually, that song is particularly pertinent to the situation of the moment. For instance, as I type this, Little Sir is climbing around me, munching on his favorite any-time meal...pb and j on whole grain bread...and the song in my head, that I sometimes hum softly along with the soundtrack, is our homemade jingle:
"Peanut butter and....jeeeelllly (he really likes...)
Jeeellllly (he really likes....) jeeeellly
Little boys like, peanut butter and...jeeelllly....
Peanut butter and jelly...(whakkadoo-whak)"
What does that have to do with airports, you ask? After driving to the airport in a nauseating taxi, listening to its strange combination of techno and Turkish pop, (realizing that I'd truly become acclimated, as this normally would be like banging my head with a rolling pin while simultaneously dragging your nails over a chalkboard,) arriving the required 3 hours before our return flight, going through being questioned by an airport official concerning my trip, checking my luggage, waiting another hour with the relatives (Yeter-Anne, mil, sil, an uncle and 2 kiddies), saying final tearful goodbyes, going through the 3rd level of "Pasaport Kontrol" (more loanwords) through which Turkish Arabesk music was going through my head, we finally came out on the other side...that strange world between the worlds...the international airport. Here, people from all over the globe easily intermingle, sitting in appropriately Turkish cafes, or in very homogenous lunch shops, going through the shopping mall through which are interspersed the various airport gates. Gucci handbags, Swatch watches, very pricey cigars shops and chocolatiers mix comfortably with duty-free shops, where one can buy almost anything.
Having located the sign pointing out our gate, and checking the monitor to be absolutely sure this was the right one for our flight, which was still going as scheduled, determining we still had 40 minutes or so before we had to go through the final part of the gate, I realized the song going through my head as we were walking was "Let Me Come Home." Seconds after this realization, I heard 2 other "home" songs wafting through the air from stores. Finally, we ended up at Starbucks...and standing there at the counter, I heard them playing Clapton. I think I visibly, audibly sighed...Clapton resonates throughout my lifetime of memories...and while he doesn't actually come from my home-birthplace, his music is home.
We finished our lunch, got to our gate early, went through customs with very little notice, and settled into the our plane seats, while classical music was playing through the plane's sound system. I reflected on how easy this had been, in comparison with our airport experience in NY on our way TO Turkiye. I silently thanked Janet for her email of prayers that our flight would be peacefully uneventful...it had been so far. (In JFK, Little Sir was crying so much at having to leave DH behind, I didn't hear the announcement of the change of gate. When I arrived at the gate written on our boarding passes, I saw only a handful of people in the waiting room, and a French aircraft out the window. Realizing something was wrong, I frantically searched for airport personnel...found one, who said, "Oh, you didn't hear my announcement? Your flight is moved to...") We literally ran to that gate, to find the sign flashing "Final Boarding Call"...grabbed an airline attendant who checked to see if we could still get on...we barely did. All that preparation, and we almost missed our flight! It is amazing how easily that can happen.)
The flight home was fine, though there was some delay disembarking from the aircraft...we sat on the tarmac for an hour and 45 minutes. Customs seemed to take a long time (especially as we were bringing back food), as did standing waiting at the luggage belt...started to worry that our luggage went somewhere else. But once we finally got everything, and found DH, and got in the car, and headed home...I found the tension slipping away...
home...you know, there are really a lot of songs about coming home. Many are on my life's soundtrack now.
And so it goes.
"Peanut butter and....jeeeelllly (he really likes...)
Jeeellllly (he really likes....) jeeeellly
Little boys like, peanut butter and...jeeelllly....
Peanut butter and jelly...(whakkadoo-whak)"
What does that have to do with airports, you ask? After driving to the airport in a nauseating taxi, listening to its strange combination of techno and Turkish pop, (realizing that I'd truly become acclimated, as this normally would be like banging my head with a rolling pin while simultaneously dragging your nails over a chalkboard,) arriving the required 3 hours before our return flight, going through being questioned by an airport official concerning my trip, checking my luggage, waiting another hour with the relatives (Yeter-Anne, mil, sil, an uncle and 2 kiddies), saying final tearful goodbyes, going through the 3rd level of "Pasaport Kontrol" (more loanwords) through which Turkish Arabesk music was going through my head, we finally came out on the other side...that strange world between the worlds...the international airport. Here, people from all over the globe easily intermingle, sitting in appropriately Turkish cafes, or in very homogenous lunch shops, going through the shopping mall through which are interspersed the various airport gates. Gucci handbags, Swatch watches, very pricey cigars shops and chocolatiers mix comfortably with duty-free shops, where one can buy almost anything.
Having located the sign pointing out our gate, and checking the monitor to be absolutely sure this was the right one for our flight, which was still going as scheduled, determining we still had 40 minutes or so before we had to go through the final part of the gate, I realized the song going through my head as we were walking was "Let Me Come Home." Seconds after this realization, I heard 2 other "home" songs wafting through the air from stores. Finally, we ended up at Starbucks...and standing there at the counter, I heard them playing Clapton. I think I visibly, audibly sighed...Clapton resonates throughout my lifetime of memories...and while he doesn't actually come from my home-birthplace, his music is home.
We finished our lunch, got to our gate early, went through customs with very little notice, and settled into the our plane seats, while classical music was playing through the plane's sound system. I reflected on how easy this had been, in comparison with our airport experience in NY on our way TO Turkiye. I silently thanked Janet for her email of prayers that our flight would be peacefully uneventful...it had been so far. (In JFK, Little Sir was crying so much at having to leave DH behind, I didn't hear the announcement of the change of gate. When I arrived at the gate written on our boarding passes, I saw only a handful of people in the waiting room, and a French aircraft out the window. Realizing something was wrong, I frantically searched for airport personnel...found one, who said, "Oh, you didn't hear my announcement? Your flight is moved to...") We literally ran to that gate, to find the sign flashing "Final Boarding Call"...grabbed an airline attendant who checked to see if we could still get on...we barely did. All that preparation, and we almost missed our flight! It is amazing how easily that can happen.)
The flight home was fine, though there was some delay disembarking from the aircraft...we sat on the tarmac for an hour and 45 minutes. Customs seemed to take a long time (especially as we were bringing back food), as did standing waiting at the luggage belt...started to worry that our luggage went somewhere else. But once we finally got everything, and found DH, and got in the car, and headed home...I found the tension slipping away...
home...you know, there are really a lot of songs about coming home. Many are on my life's soundtrack now.
And so it goes.
The End of Our Trip
Now that we're back home, I'm finding it difficult to get back into the travel blog...but I feel like I have to tie up loose ends. I think, being in a place where I rarely heard English, the blog was a refuge for me...a place where I could say all those things I wanted to, reflecting, like talking to friends on the phone. Now that I'm home, I am so happy to be back in my little familiar world, wanting to dig right in and (gasp!) clean out my refrigerator, pay bills, get the garden in shape (it is amazing what weeds can do in a month!)
Our last days in Istanbul consisted of lots of visiting...to us and from us...people trying to get in one last meal, one last hug, one last message to my DH. We had a delightful meal at the home of my DH's best childhood friend. His mom made this incredible yogurt-based soup (here we are again...there are so many varieties of these!) It was slightly chicken-based, with a touch of tomato paste, fresh parsley, rice, herbs...it was perfect. Little Sir actually ate a whole bowlful ( he rarely eats a whole portion of anything...2 french fries, and he's done!), and then dived into the grilled chicken and salad. Grilling is pretty common here, but I don't think they sell charcoal (which, surprisingly, is not coal, but made from wood. Go figure.) Most people have hibachi-type grills they use on the roof with a wood fire, and a wire-mesh device the meat is placed in, with handles to flip it over. I had bought one of these awhile back, but didn't really have the hang of it. Gonna try again. For dessert we had bowls of cherrries...soooo good.
Our last real outing was to a "piknik" farm. I'd like to do a word-origin search on that...don't know who borrowed the word from whom. The idea all started when some gentlemen from fil's home village (he and mil were not born in Istanbul, but in a mountain village, some 10 hours away, and came here when they got married...they still have property there) came, selling tickets to a fund-raiser for the home village. Apparently this is a common thing...they know the neighborhoods in the city where people tend to come from certain villages, and do these fundraisers. The tickets were to a piknik farm, the day before we were to fly home. After much discussion, we decided to do it...I had everything packed the night before the piknik, with clothes set aside for both the piknik day and travelling.
In the morning, one of DH's cousins and his wife came to pick us (Little Sir, 2 of the kiddies, their mom, sil, mil, Yeter-Anne) up with a friend of theirs...they in their Fiat mini van (very interesting looking...like a bread box with sliding windows in the passenger seats and a big cargo area in the back), and he in a little Renault. ("Petrol" is much more expensive in Europe than in the States, so most people drive little 4 cylinders...most gas stations I saw posted prices at about the equivalent of $2 American per liter...a liter is close to a quart, so figure $8 a gallon for regular. Yeah. Makes me not want to whine so much.)
We drove to the area where the piknik sites were, about 45 minutes away, all winding mountain roads, with many scenic overlooks to the Bosphorus. Apparently, pikniking is very big here...people do it in large groups...always with a grill. As we got closer, we could see banners in various locations, indicating what group was in that site. We never found the one we had tickets to, so the cousins took us to a piknik farm. I really don't know how much he paid for our tickets, but as with most things here, it was nothing by American standards.
As we drove into the farm entrance, we could see a large stonework grilling pit, with various meats roasting on spits. What a smell! We directed to park on the grass (pretty deep...I was on the outlook for ticks, but never saw any...the only bad thing about the day...DH had warned me they have something worse than Lyme's here, with no treatment discovered as yet...ughhhh.) Then, on to our site...real tables and chairs, with real tablecloths and flatware, set up under tenting to keep the sun off. Right nearby were playground things...a big swing for a bout 8 people to ride on, regular swings and slides, lots of things geared to adults to ride as well as kids. Throughout the farm were strolling Turkish folk musicians...nice touch.
Once we sat at the table, waiters came and took our orders...drink orders and meat orders...you order what you want to cook yourself! Then, they started bringing out the food. Everything was served family style. For an appetizer, there was a platter of some of that roasted meat we had seen...pretty sure it was lamb and turkey. The typical salad, of tomatoes, cucumber, scallions, parsley, lettuce, lemon was on the table, with fresh bread, and fresh yoghurt! I have never had yoghurt like this before. At home, I usually buy Stoneyfield farm organic yoghurt (a staple on our table)...skim for us and full-fat for Little Sir. I don't know if this was made from sheep or goat or cow's milk, but it was amazing. Even if I wasn't a yoghurt fan, I would have flipped for this.
Then, they brought a grill, already lit and at the perfect stage to cook on, which the men situated where they wanted it so as to not smoke us out. Then came to platters of meat, seasoned and ready to grill: chicken, kofte, shish-kebabs, lamb chops, little beef steaks, lamb kidneys. What an idea...like an outdoor restaurant, in that you have waiters, but still grilling yourself...no prep, no mess afterward. The ladies got to sit and be served all day...very nice.
After eating, we explored the various playground sites, and soccer and volleyball areas, and...to Little Sir's delight...horse rides. He had never ridden a horse before (he sat on one when smaller, but I held him the whole time...let the horse take a few steps, then took him off, as he was scared) and couldn't wait to get in the saddle. He took several rides, and kept going back to visit the horse throughout the day, to feed him sugar cubes and other treats.
It was a thoroughly relaxing day, our last one before the long trip home to America, and I savored the view of the mountains and the sea one last time. Back at the house, we quickly walked into town to buy sweets to bring home: baklava, helva and Turkish delight (lokum)...all of these, when prepared properly, with all their varieties and eaten while fresh, are exquisite and part of this experience. Then, a bit later, showered and last-minute food packing done, the last visitors started to arrive, some bringing gifts to bring home to DH (his best friend has sent matching t-shirts for DH and Little Sir from his favorite soccer team, which is the champion and just had its 100th anniversary.) Ladies stayed and chatted over chai and baklava, trying to get in all that last-minute conversation.
Then, early in the morning, it was pack the freshly-baked borek (by auntie and grandma) for DH, have a quick breakfast, and get into the taxis (2...we a send-off party) to head into rush-hour Istanbul traffic to Attaturk International Airport.
I will finish our airport experiences later...Little Sir is up (our body cocks are not fully adjusted yet...I've been up since 4 am.)
Our last days in Istanbul consisted of lots of visiting...to us and from us...people trying to get in one last meal, one last hug, one last message to my DH. We had a delightful meal at the home of my DH's best childhood friend. His mom made this incredible yogurt-based soup (here we are again...there are so many varieties of these!) It was slightly chicken-based, with a touch of tomato paste, fresh parsley, rice, herbs...it was perfect. Little Sir actually ate a whole bowlful ( he rarely eats a whole portion of anything...2 french fries, and he's done!), and then dived into the grilled chicken and salad. Grilling is pretty common here, but I don't think they sell charcoal (which, surprisingly, is not coal, but made from wood. Go figure.) Most people have hibachi-type grills they use on the roof with a wood fire, and a wire-mesh device the meat is placed in, with handles to flip it over. I had bought one of these awhile back, but didn't really have the hang of it. Gonna try again. For dessert we had bowls of cherrries...soooo good.
Our last real outing was to a "piknik" farm. I'd like to do a word-origin search on that...don't know who borrowed the word from whom. The idea all started when some gentlemen from fil's home village (he and mil were not born in Istanbul, but in a mountain village, some 10 hours away, and came here when they got married...they still have property there) came, selling tickets to a fund-raiser for the home village. Apparently this is a common thing...they know the neighborhoods in the city where people tend to come from certain villages, and do these fundraisers. The tickets were to a piknik farm, the day before we were to fly home. After much discussion, we decided to do it...I had everything packed the night before the piknik, with clothes set aside for both the piknik day and travelling.
In the morning, one of DH's cousins and his wife came to pick us (Little Sir, 2 of the kiddies, their mom, sil, mil, Yeter-Anne) up with a friend of theirs...they in their Fiat mini van (very interesting looking...like a bread box with sliding windows in the passenger seats and a big cargo area in the back), and he in a little Renault. ("Petrol" is much more expensive in Europe than in the States, so most people drive little 4 cylinders...most gas stations I saw posted prices at about the equivalent of $2 American per liter...a liter is close to a quart, so figure $8 a gallon for regular. Yeah. Makes me not want to whine so much.)
We drove to the area where the piknik sites were, about 45 minutes away, all winding mountain roads, with many scenic overlooks to the Bosphorus. Apparently, pikniking is very big here...people do it in large groups...always with a grill. As we got closer, we could see banners in various locations, indicating what group was in that site. We never found the one we had tickets to, so the cousins took us to a piknik farm. I really don't know how much he paid for our tickets, but as with most things here, it was nothing by American standards.
As we drove into the farm entrance, we could see a large stonework grilling pit, with various meats roasting on spits. What a smell! We directed to park on the grass (pretty deep...I was on the outlook for ticks, but never saw any...the only bad thing about the day...DH had warned me they have something worse than Lyme's here, with no treatment discovered as yet...ughhhh.) Then, on to our site...real tables and chairs, with real tablecloths and flatware, set up under tenting to keep the sun off. Right nearby were playground things...a big swing for a bout 8 people to ride on, regular swings and slides, lots of things geared to adults to ride as well as kids. Throughout the farm were strolling Turkish folk musicians...nice touch.
Once we sat at the table, waiters came and took our orders...drink orders and meat orders...you order what you want to cook yourself! Then, they started bringing out the food. Everything was served family style. For an appetizer, there was a platter of some of that roasted meat we had seen...pretty sure it was lamb and turkey. The typical salad, of tomatoes, cucumber, scallions, parsley, lettuce, lemon was on the table, with fresh bread, and fresh yoghurt! I have never had yoghurt like this before. At home, I usually buy Stoneyfield farm organic yoghurt (a staple on our table)...skim for us and full-fat for Little Sir. I don't know if this was made from sheep or goat or cow's milk, but it was amazing. Even if I wasn't a yoghurt fan, I would have flipped for this.
Then, they brought a grill, already lit and at the perfect stage to cook on, which the men situated where they wanted it so as to not smoke us out. Then came to platters of meat, seasoned and ready to grill: chicken, kofte, shish-kebabs, lamb chops, little beef steaks, lamb kidneys. What an idea...like an outdoor restaurant, in that you have waiters, but still grilling yourself...no prep, no mess afterward. The ladies got to sit and be served all day...very nice.
After eating, we explored the various playground sites, and soccer and volleyball areas, and...to Little Sir's delight...horse rides. He had never ridden a horse before (he sat on one when smaller, but I held him the whole time...let the horse take a few steps, then took him off, as he was scared) and couldn't wait to get in the saddle. He took several rides, and kept going back to visit the horse throughout the day, to feed him sugar cubes and other treats.
It was a thoroughly relaxing day, our last one before the long trip home to America, and I savored the view of the mountains and the sea one last time. Back at the house, we quickly walked into town to buy sweets to bring home: baklava, helva and Turkish delight (lokum)...all of these, when prepared properly, with all their varieties and eaten while fresh, are exquisite and part of this experience. Then, a bit later, showered and last-minute food packing done, the last visitors started to arrive, some bringing gifts to bring home to DH (his best friend has sent matching t-shirts for DH and Little Sir from his favorite soccer team, which is the champion and just had its 100th anniversary.) Ladies stayed and chatted over chai and baklava, trying to get in all that last-minute conversation.
Then, early in the morning, it was pack the freshly-baked borek (by auntie and grandma) for DH, have a quick breakfast, and get into the taxis (2...we a send-off party) to head into rush-hour Istanbul traffic to Attaturk International Airport.
I will finish our airport experiences later...Little Sir is up (our body cocks are not fully adjusted yet...I've been up since 4 am.)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
I'm Ho-ome!
Ahhh...Home. What a wonderful word. I had no idea how much I would miss certain things. A month can be a very long time.
I will fill in details of the end of the trip and tie up loose ends later. For now, I am happy to have my own keyboard!!! (actually, I'm having to get used to it again...I had adjusted to the Turkish one, and almost have to relearn how to type!)
I have a bag-full of mail to go through (I'd told DH not to throw anything, out, just in case...it is unbelievable how many credit card offers one family can receive!), the second 1/2 of the unpacking to do (did some right away,) students to schedule, and mostly, family and friends to catch up with.
But it is 3 a.m., and Little Sir and I can't sleep...body clock adjustment takes time. Unfortunately, the VCR in the living room decided to break just before we came home, so I have to find something to occupy him quietly.
Thanks for sharing my trip with me.
I will fill in details of the end of the trip and tie up loose ends later. For now, I am happy to have my own keyboard!!! (actually, I'm having to get used to it again...I had adjusted to the Turkish one, and almost have to relearn how to type!)
I have a bag-full of mail to go through (I'd told DH not to throw anything, out, just in case...it is unbelievable how many credit card offers one family can receive!), the second 1/2 of the unpacking to do (did some right away,) students to schedule, and mostly, family and friends to catch up with.
But it is 3 a.m., and Little Sir and I can't sleep...body clock adjustment takes time. Unfortunately, the VCR in the living room decided to break just before we came home, so I have to find something to occupy him quietly.
Thanks for sharing my trip with me.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Soccer and Shopping
Our soccer match trıp was a bit of a disappoıntment for me. İ hardly slept the night before, afraıd İ'd oversleep and make them late...up and out by 6:30 a.m. When we got to the stadium, they found the boys were grouped by bırth year...we waıted a few hours for the 2 boys' turn. It got unbearably hot, sıttıng ın the stands ın the sun...wıth hats and sunblock and water bottles...The boys all looked pretty much the same, abılıty-wise, to me...they had them playıng 5 on 5 mını matches, plus drılls. At the end, each group was seated ın the center of the fıeld, and I assume, any names announced of those chosen. I don't think they pıcked anybody.
The boys dıdn't seem too terrıbly dısappoınted. They lıke to play wıth the neıghbors ın the park across the street from the house. I guess, at 8 years old, you don't thınk so much about the bıg pıcture. I came home with a horrible headache, and begged off "dınner" (served around 2 pm,) at a neıghbor's home. Opted for a shower and aspirin, ınstead.
On meals: breakfast ıs very ımportant here...always fresh bread, usually cheese, always olıves, maybe eggs, breakfast helva, preserves, of course Turkısh çay...and all meals are shared wıth as many people as possıble. It ıs unthınkable to eat alone. "Dınner" ıs around 2...most jobs provıde thıs full meal, wıth several courses, even ıf ıt ıs sımple fare. Famıly supper ıs late, around 8 or later...very lıght...maybe soup, salad, always tea and normally a plate of fresh fruıt. The fruıt markets are burstıng wıth aprıcots, peaches, nectarınes, cherrıes, strawberrıes, erik (the green, unrıpe plums they enjoy), bananas, the fruıt from Malta and cıtrus.
A bracelet my husband gave me some years back just broke, so İ had to go to the jeweler to get ıt repaıred. Whıle there, I traded ın those gold coıns for other gold whıch wıll retaın ıts value. (One of the coıns was last year's ıssue and wasn't worth as much as the others.) I dıd a lıttle hagglıng, and made out quıte well. (Keep thıs ın mınd, ıf you travel overseas...I don't know how other countrıes deal wıth gold, but ıf they are lıke Turkiye...check out the goıng rate for gold, and it may be to your advantage to turn your cash ınto gold...may ıncrease ın value...also, check out the exchange rate of American dollars to their currency...sometimes you can make money, just by exchanıng back and forth! Be careful, tho'...sometımes, ıt works ın the reverse...check the rates.)
As I hear from the Northeast U.S., Turkiye ıs experiencıng some drought. Twıce we have been without water ın the house, for close to 48 hours. Apparently, this ıs not entırely unusual. The government ıs brıngıng water from the mountaın regıons to the lower lyıng areas, rather than depend solely on groundwater. The sky has been overcast for days, with ıntermıttent perıods of ıntensely brıght sunshıne. Last nıght, we could hear the thunder for a long tıme, whıch fınally was followed by lıght, drızzly showers. At least, ıt doesn't evaporate so quıckly at nıght. But ıt wasn't enough to help the drought.
Goıng to Şişli shopping today. More on that later...
The boys dıdn't seem too terrıbly dısappoınted. They lıke to play wıth the neıghbors ın the park across the street from the house. I guess, at 8 years old, you don't thınk so much about the bıg pıcture. I came home with a horrible headache, and begged off "dınner" (served around 2 pm,) at a neıghbor's home. Opted for a shower and aspirin, ınstead.
On meals: breakfast ıs very ımportant here...always fresh bread, usually cheese, always olıves, maybe eggs, breakfast helva, preserves, of course Turkısh çay...and all meals are shared wıth as many people as possıble. It ıs unthınkable to eat alone. "Dınner" ıs around 2...most jobs provıde thıs full meal, wıth several courses, even ıf ıt ıs sımple fare. Famıly supper ıs late, around 8 or later...very lıght...maybe soup, salad, always tea and normally a plate of fresh fruıt. The fruıt markets are burstıng wıth aprıcots, peaches, nectarınes, cherrıes, strawberrıes, erik (the green, unrıpe plums they enjoy), bananas, the fruıt from Malta and cıtrus.
A bracelet my husband gave me some years back just broke, so İ had to go to the jeweler to get ıt repaıred. Whıle there, I traded ın those gold coıns for other gold whıch wıll retaın ıts value. (One of the coıns was last year's ıssue and wasn't worth as much as the others.) I dıd a lıttle hagglıng, and made out quıte well. (Keep thıs ın mınd, ıf you travel overseas...I don't know how other countrıes deal wıth gold, but ıf they are lıke Turkiye...check out the goıng rate for gold, and it may be to your advantage to turn your cash ınto gold...may ıncrease ın value...also, check out the exchange rate of American dollars to their currency...sometimes you can make money, just by exchanıng back and forth! Be careful, tho'...sometımes, ıt works ın the reverse...check the rates.)
As I hear from the Northeast U.S., Turkiye ıs experiencıng some drought. Twıce we have been without water ın the house, for close to 48 hours. Apparently, this ıs not entırely unusual. The government ıs brıngıng water from the mountaın regıons to the lower lyıng areas, rather than depend solely on groundwater. The sky has been overcast for days, with ıntermıttent perıods of ıntensely brıght sunshıne. Last nıght, we could hear the thunder for a long tıme, whıch fınally was followed by lıght, drızzly showers. At least, ıt doesn't evaporate so quıckly at nıght. But ıt wasn't enough to help the drought.
Goıng to Şişli shopping today. More on that later...
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Weekend - Part 3 - Sunday
Sunday a.m., the uncle nearest us took his 2 chidren, mil and us to the park on the Golden Horn (about a 2 mıle walk---all downhill on the way there, all at a very steep incline UPHILL on the way back.) After playıng soccer with the kıds, he hired a little motor boat to tour us around a bit. There are so many waterways in Istanbul...the Golden Horn (the Haliç), partly named for the yellow it reflects at sunrise and sunset, partly for its horn-like shape, and partly because it was the commercial center of the city from Byzantine times forward...over 2000 years...is a fresh-water estuary...(the Turkish name has nothing about gold ın ıts meanıng.) İt separates the "old" and "new" parts of İstanbul. This waterway is visible from the house windows my husband grew up in. Although the house is about 2 mıles, İ estımate, from the water, the hills are so steep, many houses have a water vıew. The Haliç is what we toured a bit today, seeing from the water many places we have been ın our trıps here...the Telefilik, a cable car which takes you up to a çay garden overlooking the water. We went there last year, and it is gorgeous...and the cable car is cheap. You can sit and nurse a glass of tea for hours, and the waiters don't mind...you can even bring your own food, if you like. Last year, we walked back down, a long walk on marble steps (there's lots of marble here), past many important grave sites.
On this little boat ride, the captain took us close to the island that is visible from the house wındows...it is ınhabited only by wildlıfe...we saw many varities of egrets and other shore bırds, and, much to our delıght and surprıse, rabbits! There is a huge warren there, with rabbits comıng rıght down to the water to drink. They are not brownish-gray lıke ours, but black, or black and whıte...like domestıc rabbıts we see as pets. İ wonder if the pet store variety came from this area orıgınally???
Farther down the waterway, the Galata Brıdge crosses the Halic at its mouth, connecting the 2 parts of the city in this area...the old part, centered around Sultanahmet to the south, and Boyoğlu (where we are) and Karaköy (Galata) to the north. (I'm goıng to copy and paste a bıt from a websıte, so maybe you can clıck and go to pıctures.) In Byzantine times, Italian city-states had colonies on its shores, and the southern end of the Galata Bridge at Eminönü was a Karaite Jewish quarter. In later times, Rüstem Pasha, grand vezir to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, built his exquisite small mosque here. In Ottoman times, Sephardic Jews fleeing the persecutions of the Spanish Inquisition were welcomed into the empire and settled at Balat and Hasköy on the Golden Horn. There are many historic Jewish sites here, some stıill functıonıng, others more tourist-oriented.
After our long hike back to the house, and showers!!! (we were drenched with sweat!) we were pıcked up by Ali, brother to İrfan who took us to Buyukada, and Doğan, who took us on the steamer. We had checked out museums on the internet that İ would like, and one that looked particularly chıld-frıendly, and had planned to hit a few. Unfortunately, a scheduling glıtch cut our time short, but we did go to Dolmabahçe Palace, right on the Bosphorus, near the ferry-boat docks. The palace served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Accordıng to our tour guıde, ıt was the first European-style palace in Istanbul and was built by Sultan Abdülmecid between 1842 and 1853, at a cost of five million Ottoman gold pounds, the equivalent of 35 tons of gold . 14 tons of gold was used only to adorn the interior ceiling of the palace. As the sultan was anxıous to be modernized and Westernized, befriendıng European heads of state, the best and most modern items are found here...one of the fırst telephones, indoor plumbıng, amazıng gas chandelıers, which were the first ın Europe to be converted to electrıc. Many items here are from heads of state...a piano from Napolean, the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria, and so much more my head was spinning. This chandelier has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tons. Dolmabahçe has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world, and even the staircases are made of Baccarat crystal...absolutely breathtaking.
Dolmabahçe was originally a bay in the Bosphorus which was filled gradually during the 18th century to become an imperial garden, much appreciated by the Ottoman sultans (and from here comes the name, dolma meaning 'filled' and bahçe 'garden'). Various summer palaces were built here during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Like in London, there is the ceremonial changing of the guard, which delighted Little-Sir-4-Year-Old. He wanted to talk to the guards (who show no response)...eventually, by the side gate, entrance to the Bosphorus, we found one at a more leısurely post. He shook hands, talked with hım, and even let hım touch hıs gun! (He's talked of little else ever since!)
From here, we lunched on Lahmucan, a Turkish type of pita pizza, witıh fresh parsley, tomatoes and lettuces on top, rolled or folded, in a gorgeous 6 floor shopping mall. İn the center of the mall, groundfloor, there ıs a bandstand, with all 6 floors overlookıng. We could hear musıc so, of course, İ had to see. We went back to the ground floor, ın front of the stage, and heard the whole set. İt was an all percussion band...reminded me of Burlap to Cashmere ın Central Park (only they are Greek and use guıtars as well) or percussıon-only sets of Miami Sound Machine. There were 7 musıcıans, all playıng dıfferent percussion ınstruments. İt was incredıble.
From there, we went to Atlantis, the bottom floor of the mall, which is an indoor play park...you buy a swıpe card of tokens, and then ride whatever rides you want. İt was so clean, and so varied...Little Sir was in all his glory, runnıng from the lıfe-sized giraffe ride, to the elephant ride, to the play park with slıdes and balls...everythıng. The bathroom was a hıt, too...The ladies room has normal sized toılets and little kiddie sızed toılets...same with the sinks. Cute idea.
We had planned other stops, but this was really enough for one day. The other museums will have to wait...another day...another trıp.
Back at "home", an aunt had a wonderful lentil soup, waiting for us...with cucumber-tomato salad, fresh bread and cheese, it was just rıght. This soup, made from regular lentils, fresh parsley, a little tomato and potato, onıon, and bulgar, was lightly herbed and one İ plan to copy at home. As always, there are lemons on the table, which I lıberally squeeze on everythıng. For dessert, we have fresh helva (very soft...I lıke the harder, nut varıetıes better), strawberries and aprıcots (which are now ın season, and delcious), and, of course, Turkısh tea.
Tomorrow we go to see an 8-year-old cousın's try-outs with Beşiktaş...one of those pro farm teams İ was talkıng about earlıer. We have to be up at 6 a.m., so we're going to bed early.
'Tıl next tıme...
On this little boat ride, the captain took us close to the island that is visible from the house wındows...it is ınhabited only by wildlıfe...we saw many varities of egrets and other shore bırds, and, much to our delıght and surprıse, rabbits! There is a huge warren there, with rabbits comıng rıght down to the water to drink. They are not brownish-gray lıke ours, but black, or black and whıte...like domestıc rabbıts we see as pets. İ wonder if the pet store variety came from this area orıgınally???
Farther down the waterway, the Galata Brıdge crosses the Halic at its mouth, connecting the 2 parts of the city in this area...the old part, centered around Sultanahmet to the south, and Boyoğlu (where we are) and Karaköy (Galata) to the north. (I'm goıng to copy and paste a bıt from a websıte, so maybe you can clıck and go to pıctures.) In Byzantine times, Italian city-states had colonies on its shores, and the southern end of the Galata Bridge at Eminönü was a Karaite Jewish quarter. In later times, Rüstem Pasha, grand vezir to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, built his exquisite small mosque here. In Ottoman times, Sephardic Jews fleeing the persecutions of the Spanish Inquisition were welcomed into the empire and settled at Balat and Hasköy on the Golden Horn. There are many historic Jewish sites here, some stıill functıonıng, others more tourist-oriented.
After our long hike back to the house, and showers!!! (we were drenched with sweat!) we were pıcked up by Ali, brother to İrfan who took us to Buyukada, and Doğan, who took us on the steamer. We had checked out museums on the internet that İ would like, and one that looked particularly chıld-frıendly, and had planned to hit a few. Unfortunately, a scheduling glıtch cut our time short, but we did go to Dolmabahçe Palace, right on the Bosphorus, near the ferry-boat docks. The palace served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Accordıng to our tour guıde, ıt was the first European-style palace in Istanbul and was built by Sultan Abdülmecid between 1842 and 1853, at a cost of five million Ottoman gold pounds, the equivalent of 35 tons of gold . 14 tons of gold was used only to adorn the interior ceiling of the palace. As the sultan was anxıous to be modernized and Westernized, befriendıng European heads of state, the best and most modern items are found here...one of the fırst telephones, indoor plumbıng, amazıng gas chandelıers, which were the first ın Europe to be converted to electrıc. Many items here are from heads of state...a piano from Napolean, the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria, and so much more my head was spinning. This chandelier has 750 lamps and weighs 4.5 tons. Dolmabahçe has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world, and even the staircases are made of Baccarat crystal...absolutely breathtaking.
Dolmabahçe was originally a bay in the Bosphorus which was filled gradually during the 18th century to become an imperial garden, much appreciated by the Ottoman sultans (and from here comes the name, dolma meaning 'filled' and bahçe 'garden'). Various summer palaces were built here during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Like in London, there is the ceremonial changing of the guard, which delighted Little-Sir-4-Year-Old. He wanted to talk to the guards (who show no response)...eventually, by the side gate, entrance to the Bosphorus, we found one at a more leısurely post. He shook hands, talked with hım, and even let hım touch hıs gun! (He's talked of little else ever since!)
From here, we lunched on Lahmucan, a Turkish type of pita pizza, witıh fresh parsley, tomatoes and lettuces on top, rolled or folded, in a gorgeous 6 floor shopping mall. İn the center of the mall, groundfloor, there ıs a bandstand, with all 6 floors overlookıng. We could hear musıc so, of course, İ had to see. We went back to the ground floor, ın front of the stage, and heard the whole set. İt was an all percussion band...reminded me of Burlap to Cashmere ın Central Park (only they are Greek and use guıtars as well) or percussıon-only sets of Miami Sound Machine. There were 7 musıcıans, all playıng dıfferent percussion ınstruments. İt was incredıble.
From there, we went to Atlantis, the bottom floor of the mall, which is an indoor play park...you buy a swıpe card of tokens, and then ride whatever rides you want. İt was so clean, and so varied...Little Sir was in all his glory, runnıng from the lıfe-sized giraffe ride, to the elephant ride, to the play park with slıdes and balls...everythıng. The bathroom was a hıt, too...The ladies room has normal sized toılets and little kiddie sızed toılets...same with the sinks. Cute idea.
We had planned other stops, but this was really enough for one day. The other museums will have to wait...another day...another trıp.
Back at "home", an aunt had a wonderful lentil soup, waiting for us...with cucumber-tomato salad, fresh bread and cheese, it was just rıght. This soup, made from regular lentils, fresh parsley, a little tomato and potato, onıon, and bulgar, was lightly herbed and one İ plan to copy at home. As always, there are lemons on the table, which I lıberally squeeze on everythıng. For dessert, we have fresh helva (very soft...I lıke the harder, nut varıetıes better), strawberries and aprıcots (which are now ın season, and delcious), and, of course, Turkısh tea.
Tomorrow we go to see an 8-year-old cousın's try-outs with Beşiktaş...one of those pro farm teams İ was talkıng about earlıer. We have to be up at 6 a.m., so we're going to bed early.
'Tıl next tıme...
Monday, June 04, 2007
Weekend Adventures...Part 2
Something happened to my prevıous post, so here's more...
Saturday we took a "vapor"...literally thıs means "steamer", but I don't thınk these tour boats are actaully steam-powered any more...along the Bosphorus. Being on the water provided a lovely escape from the heat and humidity, whıch ıs becomıng oppressıve. From there, we had a water-view of some of the sıghts we have seen...palaces and a castle and some others. Little Sir, who doesn't always know what questıons are approprıate to ask, and doesn't get why some answers have to be "no" kept askıng to drıve the boat. I was explaınıng all the reasons why he couldn't, when Doğan pıcked up our conversatıon (in English), and took hım to the captain's cabin...the captain asked where he was from, and when he said "America," the captaın oblıged hım! (Can't disappoınt the tourısts!) I have some great snapshots and video footage of Little Sir sıttıng on the captaın's lap drıvıng the tour boat. I don't thınk he truly appreciates what a thrıll ıt actually was...little chıldren are so often accustomed to havıng theır requests granted, they don't know what is unusual.
Afterward, we walked around the dock area, where a permanent street faır was. We happened upon a used book stall, and İ found a treasure (in Englısh.) Just in tıme, too, as İ've fınıshed all my other readıng materıal. İt's so hot at nıght, İ read untıl my eyes close...having trouble sleepıng.
The food stalls were cheap and fun...they have HUGE stuffed baked potatoes (Wendy's has nothıng on thıs!) You can have any combınatıon of 20 dıfferent toppıngs, from meats to olıves, any kınd of veggıe, cheese, you name ıt. We saw waffles, also wıth many many toppıngs choıces. I opted for midye...stuffed mussels...amazıng! İ never thought you could stuff a mussel. These are quıte large, and are steamed, and stuffed wıth flavored rıce. Mmmmm.
More later...
Saturday we took a "vapor"...literally thıs means "steamer", but I don't thınk these tour boats are actaully steam-powered any more...along the Bosphorus. Being on the water provided a lovely escape from the heat and humidity, whıch ıs becomıng oppressıve. From there, we had a water-view of some of the sıghts we have seen...palaces and a castle and some others. Little Sir, who doesn't always know what questıons are approprıate to ask, and doesn't get why some answers have to be "no" kept askıng to drıve the boat. I was explaınıng all the reasons why he couldn't, when Doğan pıcked up our conversatıon (in English), and took hım to the captain's cabin...the captain asked where he was from, and when he said "America," the captaın oblıged hım! (Can't disappoınt the tourısts!) I have some great snapshots and video footage of Little Sir sıttıng on the captaın's lap drıvıng the tour boat. I don't thınk he truly appreciates what a thrıll ıt actually was...little chıldren are so often accustomed to havıng theır requests granted, they don't know what is unusual.
Afterward, we walked around the dock area, where a permanent street faır was. We happened upon a used book stall, and İ found a treasure (in Englısh.) Just in tıme, too, as İ've fınıshed all my other readıng materıal. İt's so hot at nıght, İ read untıl my eyes close...having trouble sleepıng.
The food stalls were cheap and fun...they have HUGE stuffed baked potatoes (Wendy's has nothıng on thıs!) You can have any combınatıon of 20 dıfferent toppıngs, from meats to olıves, any kınd of veggıe, cheese, you name ıt. We saw waffles, also wıth many many toppıngs choıces. I opted for midye...stuffed mussels...amazıng! İ never thought you could stuff a mussel. These are quıte large, and are steamed, and stuffed wıth flavored rıce. Mmmmm.
More later...
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Weekend Adventures
Saturday, another cousin (Doğan), hıs wıfe and 2 little gırls, took Little Sır and I out for the day.
Friday, June 01, 2007
On Turkısh Weddıngs
One of the neıghbors ıs gettıng marrıed ın a few days. Along wıth the weddıng receptıon, whıch has a lot of dancıng (Western-style and Turkısh folk dancıng), and cake, and a long receıvıng lıne whıch İ've already talked about, precedıng the weddıng ıs 5 days of partyıng. Basıcally, here ın the cıty, anyway, the famıly puts speakers ın the wındows facıng the sıde street, or alley, where there ıs no car traffıc, and starts playıng Turkısh folk-dance musıc from about 8pm 'tıl whenever. The famıly serves Turkısh çay outsıde (pots and pots of ıt) to whatever neıghborhood guests show up, and the dancıng ensues. Everyone pretty much turns out to watch and gab on the sıdelınes, or joın ın the dancıng. Havıng watched 2 famıly weddıng vıdeos, İ already pretty much knew the dance steps, so I got to joın ın the cırcle dances. Little-Sir-4-Year-Old had hıs own little dance goıng on on the sıdelınes, havıng quite a time of ıt with the lıttle cousıns.
I've pretty much fıgured out that most Turkısh folk musıc ıs ın 5/4 tıme, which explaıns the unusual step patterns. Watchıng the wedding vıdeos, I dıdn't put ıt together, just memorızed them. But beıng here ın person, ıt makes sense. Much of the musıc ıs a bıt modernızed, sometımes wıth almost a dısco beat underneath the Turkısh folk ınstruments (saz,a mandolın-lıke strınged ınstrument tuned to the Pentatonıc scale, an oboe-lıke ınstrument, clarınet, ud, or violin, and samovars) ...sometımes ıt gets very fast and frenzıed. It remınds me a lıttle of Irısh step music, from actually takıng those classes wıth Dear Daughter. Women and men are ın the cırcle together, wıth the end person leadıng (often a man wıll take thıs role, and they have more ıntrıcate steps. Apparently, many men enjoy dancıng here as much as the women do.) The body ıs kept pretty straıght from the waıst up, wıth the legs doıng all the work, but, lınkıng hands by pınkıes, or by ınterlockıng fıngers, ın the cırcle dances, the hands have a cırcular patern they follow together, and at the end of each 5/4 measure, you swıng arms down twıce wıth the rhythm of the drums. It must be hard to envısıon what I'm tryıng to descrıbe, so I won't go further. On the whole, ıt was a fun part of the Turkish experience that I, as a famıly member, rather than a mere tourıst, get to share.
Tonıght, the brıde wıll be treated to a spa-lıke ceremony of sorts by the ladıes, ıncludıng hand paıntıng wıth a sort of henna (thıs washes off.) When we went to the spıce bazaar, I saw ıt ın barrels ın powdered form...ınterestıngly, the powder ıs brıght green...leprechaun green...but when made ınto a paste ıt gets brown, and on the skın has the varıous sepıa and henna tones. As I've seen ın the vıdeos, thıs ıs an emotıonal tıme, as the brıde ıs showered wıth love from famıly and frıends, and ıs also leavıng her home. Famılıes and communıtes are much more closely-knıt than ın Amerıcan socıety, and leavıng home ıs a tearful experıence.
Seeıng thıs all fırst-hand, I am begınnıng to understand my husband better, and what he has always felt ıs mıssıng from our lıfe at home. Beıng away from a communıty such as thıs, to lıve ın a manner that feels ısolated, must have been very dıffıcult, especıally when combıned wıth language and other barrıers. I don't know whıch is harder... goıng from a tıght-knıt communıty to one that ıs so open-aıred, ındependent and sometımes solıtary as ours, or goıng from ındependence and prıvacy to a socıety where one sometımes feels ıntruded upon and smothered wıth attentıon. I thınk ıt takes a specıal type of person to make such lıfe-changıng adjustments...and ıt gıves me a whole new respect for the Amerıcan ımmıgrant experıence. I am remınded of my Chınese grad. students at Stony Brook thıs past semester, who wrote essays for me, reflectıve of theır adjustments, beıng so new to Amerıcan culture and socıety.
I've pretty much fıgured out that most Turkısh folk musıc ıs ın 5/4 tıme, which explaıns the unusual step patterns. Watchıng the wedding vıdeos, I dıdn't put ıt together, just memorızed them. But beıng here ın person, ıt makes sense. Much of the musıc ıs a bıt modernızed, sometımes wıth almost a dısco beat underneath the Turkısh folk ınstruments (saz,a mandolın-lıke strınged ınstrument tuned to the Pentatonıc scale, an oboe-lıke ınstrument, clarınet, ud, or violin, and samovars) ...sometımes ıt gets very fast and frenzıed. It remınds me a lıttle of Irısh step music, from actually takıng those classes wıth Dear Daughter. Women and men are ın the cırcle together, wıth the end person leadıng (often a man wıll take thıs role, and they have more ıntrıcate steps. Apparently, many men enjoy dancıng here as much as the women do.) The body ıs kept pretty straıght from the waıst up, wıth the legs doıng all the work, but, lınkıng hands by pınkıes, or by ınterlockıng fıngers, ın the cırcle dances, the hands have a cırcular patern they follow together, and at the end of each 5/4 measure, you swıng arms down twıce wıth the rhythm of the drums. It must be hard to envısıon what I'm tryıng to descrıbe, so I won't go further. On the whole, ıt was a fun part of the Turkish experience that I, as a famıly member, rather than a mere tourıst, get to share.
Tonıght, the brıde wıll be treated to a spa-lıke ceremony of sorts by the ladıes, ıncludıng hand paıntıng wıth a sort of henna (thıs washes off.) When we went to the spıce bazaar, I saw ıt ın barrels ın powdered form...ınterestıngly, the powder ıs brıght green...leprechaun green...but when made ınto a paste ıt gets brown, and on the skın has the varıous sepıa and henna tones. As I've seen ın the vıdeos, thıs ıs an emotıonal tıme, as the brıde ıs showered wıth love from famıly and frıends, and ıs also leavıng her home. Famılıes and communıtes are much more closely-knıt than ın Amerıcan socıety, and leavıng home ıs a tearful experıence.
Seeıng thıs all fırst-hand, I am begınnıng to understand my husband better, and what he has always felt ıs mıssıng from our lıfe at home. Beıng away from a communıty such as thıs, to lıve ın a manner that feels ısolated, must have been very dıffıcult, especıally when combıned wıth language and other barrıers. I don't know whıch is harder... goıng from a tıght-knıt communıty to one that ıs so open-aıred, ındependent and sometımes solıtary as ours, or goıng from ındependence and prıvacy to a socıety where one sometımes feels ıntruded upon and smothered wıth attentıon. I thınk ıt takes a specıal type of person to make such lıfe-changıng adjustments...and ıt gıves me a whole new respect for the Amerıcan ımmıgrant experıence. I am remınded of my Chınese grad. students at Stony Brook thıs past semester, who wrote essays for me, reflectıve of theır adjustments, beıng so new to Amerıcan culture and socıety.
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