heading south

to the centre

One fine Sunday, bags were packed and thrown into the back of a car, coffee was drunk, and we headed east.

behind istanbul

I had accidentally deleted these photographs off my camera a couple of weeks ago, and was irritated with myself for not having downloaded them to my computer. As it turns out, I had downloaded them after all— and I'm happy to share with you some impressions of a dark, winter afternoon on the roads behind Istanbul— something you are not likely to see on your visit to this wonderful city.

mediterranean flowers

In the blistering, Mediterranean sun, these ladies were shucking and drying corn for chicken feed.
I love the combination of floral patterns in their clothing— when I think of traditionally-dressed Nepali women, I remember their wild, adventurous exploration of colour. Turkish villagers may not wear flowing scarves of cerulean and magenta, but they do have an appreciation for everything floral. I have noticed a shift in my wardrobe since moving overseas— there are flowers growing in my closet, and I find myself more often in chartreuse, electric pink and turquoise.

The cheerfulness with which these ladies were working was inspiring.
The warmth with which they greeted me was beautiful.

still

on the farm

I just returned from four days on an organic farm in Fethiye, acting the chaperone to 45 twelve year-olds. It was great fun, and such a beautiful place. Just before evening, the valley turned golden, deepening the intensity of the red earth. Pomegranate trees, chillies curling in the sun, wailing roosters and Mediterranean warmth— it was lovely. The kids seemed to have a good time, gathering algae in a nearby river, weeding an orchard, and shucking corn. Silly little creatures who make me smile.

trains, pastries and cows

köy

Köy is the Turkish word for village.

not much to say

but I thought I'd share these.
The sight of sheep makes me happy.
Perhaps it's their cloud-like bodies.

the side of the road

on the way home.