Bowling with my tutor's family was so much fun! Here is their teenager giving it her best try. Dad was giving her good bowling tips all night long.

Sedef was our non-stop entertainment at the Bowling alley. Too bad she got tired after 1 game. But of course, that is normal for any 2 year old. Nonetheless, she and her family were delightful to be around.

My tutor's daughter LOVES my rain boots! That was the best $4.00
I ever spent at the thrift Store! They not only keep my feet warm and dry in this city's winter weather, the provide Sedef with at least an hour of great fun and lots of laughs for us!

My tutor and her family at our house

We recently experienced our first Kurban Byram here. These guys are being sold for the Kurban holiday. Kurban means "sacrifice".

Recently our family came to visit. We had a wonderful time seeing the sites around the city. Anyone who knows my mom knows she loves to shop. Here she is taking a break for a picture with one of our friends who owns a little place in one of the famous shopping districts.

Here we are doing one of those things families love to do, EAT!!!!!!!!

Again we are EATING! This time, in the company of our good friend Buddy, we introduce Mom and Dad to a little "Meat on the Street." Believe it or not, they really enjoyed it! Notice the benches we are on are covered with sheep skin. Now that is an authentic regional lunch!!!!!

After a long day of touring and shopping, I think my Dad was a little wore out. Actually we were all a little tired. Sabrina was kind enough to take the picture.

Not to very long ago, Sabrina and I were invited to take a day out of town and head for the BEACH! No those of you who know us, know that we LOVE the beach. Well Sabrina may love it just a bit more than I do, but we love the beach. Anyway, we packed up a couple of vans and gathered up a few of our new friends and headed off for a day of fun. We had a picnic, hiked a little, hung out by the water, and some even swam. The water really was nice. It was a bit breezy and cool though. Nevertheless, it was an awesome day with friends out of the city. Enjoy the next few pictures from our day. Maybe if you try really hard you can feel your blood pressure go down. It was that relaxing!!!!!

A few friends taking a moment for a quick memory

In case you have not heard, Sabrina and are LEGAL residents. Not citizens, residents. After almost three months of being here, we were able to get a residents permit.This allows us to stay in the country and not have to make "visa runs" to the country next door every three months. There was A LOT of work to process and long lines to wait in, but it was finally done. Thankfully, we had a lot of help from our business. Anyway, we finally got it!!!!!!!!

Taking time for a photo op in this beautiful city.

The mountains and the sea together were glorious!

"Man the Torpedoes"

Sabrina has a little fun in the command center

Recently we took a day to visit a city not very far away from ours. Thanks to our friend, we had the chance to tour an old Submarine and battle ship. Both by the way were purchased form the USA.

A wider view of a small section of the city

A view of one of the bridges in this HUGE city

More photos from around the city

This is the inside of one of the "Newer" Mosque in the city.

The date on the outside door says 1597.

In a land that is no longer Christian, there are beautiful reminders here of the wonderful Cross

Now that is what you call an antique!

We saw this in a local shop not too far from our house.

1572 gives new meaning to the word OLD!

Hanging out with new friends over tea

Now that's what you call road Construction.

Holes like this one are all over this city.

One day there is a street, the next a hole!

How about a little "Meat on the Street". These type restaurants are everywhere in this gigantic city. It has a little Central Asian flair. I wonder what there health rating is?

This ferry is exactly like the one we ride three times a week to language school. Not a bad trade considering the cars we used to drive.

This ancient palace belonged to one of the ruling Sultans long ago. What a view!

I believe that this is an ancient arch connected to an ancient empire. Notice that it is located in front of a "hip" clothing store. This is a very common site here.

In this extremely old city, the ancient and the modern often are seen side by side. Every day, the mosques remind us of the millions who are searching. Please remember them.