Turkey Vacation Part 2

Our stay in Antalya, Turkey was very enjoyable. The weather was great and the food was delicious. Since I can't get good ice cream in Kazakhstan, I had it every chance I got and that was about every meal. I also enjoyed a Turkey dish called Adana Kebab (had it three times).

The boys loved playing in the kids club. They swam, ate, did the trapeze, trampoline, treasure hunts, sand caste building, face painting, etc. Needless to say they were very happy. It was their first time at the beach and the pictures show how much they loved that part.

We even learned a little French while we were there since the resort was a French resort. You have to think about what you are saying because I would want to say French, but Russian, English, or sometimes Spanish would come out. I will get better with the different languages with time.

Stacey and I were able to reconnect and we took advantage of some of the activities they had such as snorkeling, windsurfing, wake boarding, and relaxing.

We are already planning the next vacation, but this one will be hard to beat.

You may see us in Thailand or France next so stay tuned.

Turkey Vacation

This may be a long story, but then again I am known for great stories (he he).

On our departure from the airport we showed up somewhat late. As we are checking in I realize that I had not taken pictures of our bags. Not a big deal, but since we borrowed 3 bags from friends (to stay under the European weight limit - 20kgs/bag) I thought it would be a good idea so I started taking pictures while the bags were moving on the belt with my phone. They told me in Russian you can't do that and to delete the pictures. I proceeded to try and delete the pictures for a minute or two. They asked me if the pictures were deleted, but I couldn't figure it out so I just said yes. They never checked my phone. Tight security.

Since we checked in late we got the very last seats on the plane. Don't you just love it when you have to sit by the bathroom. The sights the smells. AHHHH. Before we took off a man asked if I wanted the window seat because he told me he would be in the bathroom a while. I told him the row next to me was empty and I like aisle seats better anyway.

After the 3 hour plane trip to Instabul we had a 5 hour layover. We immediately went to Starbucks so Stacey could get her fix. Then we went to have lunch at Burger King. A little hard to find until we asked. $40 later we had our bellies full of fast food. Tell me again why I eat that stuff anyway.

It was back to Starbucks since they had the cushy chairs. We proceeded to watch a movie and while doing that Stacey noticed a flash coming from behind her. She didn't think much of it, but after a lady came up to us and asked if she could take a picture of the boys she had a pretty good idea.

People in Turkey loved the boys to say the least. They wanted to touch them, kiss them, hug them, and take their pictures. It makes you feel uncomfortable and the boys were too at times. What do you say, no and look like the mean Americans. We still don't have a nice way to tell people no.

After a few pics and a movie later we decided to make our way to the gate for our next flight. We left early to the gate and I thought we had plenty of time. Boy was I wrong. Since all the times are in military I though it was 5:15pm for the departure, but it was actually 3:15pm. It was 3pm when we noticed. So we were off. God was looking out for us because we still had to check in and go thru security. Thank the Lord there were no lines in each and we got to the gate with a few minutes to spare. Stacey gave me a nice look and of course I sad I am sorry.

Again since we checked in late we got the last seats on the plane. It was only an hour flight and then another hour cab ride.

Well, it was not that easy. After we landed we exited the plane onto the ground and proceeded to go to baggage claim. All the bags came, but not ours. There were signs of people's names who were to go on a bus to the international terminal, but Stacey said our names were not on it. There were two signs, but who knows. So off we were walking to the international terminal. I go in and the show them my baggage stubs and then walk to the belt where our bags are. They had made it and we were glad.

The cab was usual. Crazy driver. You are thinking pick a lane, lay off the horn, and not so close to the other car.

An hour later we are there. Hurray!

Our Shipment Has Arrived

It has been 10 weeks since we left and it amazing what you get used to. Don't get me wrong having your things never felt better, but a part of me feels that we can all do with so much less.

In trying to pack for a year’s worth of items we quickly went through our 7,500 lbs limit. About 1/3 was food and some things we have brought over such as brownie mix, rotel, and beans (all good types) you can't get here. Overall we did a good job of bringing what we needed except for the fact that not everything we thought we would get made it. We can't say if the items are with the rest of our things in storage, the packing crew now has them, or a customs agent took home more that day than he brought in. We are leaning towards they are not in storage and will try to claim them. Some items are batteries, rollerblades, and oh did I mention that our brand new mattress just doesn't feel the same. Ah, the joys of moving.

It was interesting to see how the men taking the items off the truck never used a dolly or a ramp. A bit sketchy, but considering where we are living it in not too bad. All 193 boxes were in fare shape and we all spent the next week unpacking. Enjoy the pics and we leave for a vacation to the Mediterranean this week for 10 days so I will send pics of the house next time and the vacation.

Size Comparisons

We all know that things are bigger in Texas. I was able to compare a box of Cheerios from the US and Kazakhstan. Funny thing is the one from Kazakhstan costs more. When you go the grocery store here people look at you funny if you fill up your basket. Locals buy things just for the day. We tend to buy things for the unforeseen future.

I had an experience once at the store that I guess this old lady was tired of me checking out and she just wanted to move my basket out of the way so she just pushes it. Strange, but personal place here is much closer than back home. Also while checking out I will still be putting my groceries on the belt and the next person in line will just start putting their items on the belt too. You get used to it, but it takes time.