Turkey had been on our family's radar for many years.  Among the many reasons, Hubby's college roommate is from Turkey, and had long since returned home.  We missed him!  Also, the culture, the colors, the architecture, the FOOD!  Lastly, we'd heard from so many well-traveled people that Istanbul was at the top of their travel memories.  

So, when COVID hit, and it was clear that our trip to France wasn't happening, we took the plunge.  Oh, was this change a blessing in disguise.  In addition to our kids being exposed to such a stark cultural difference, I had no idea how many significant religious and historical sites were tucked away in this gorgeous country.  We rode camels, took a hot air balloon ride; we visited Ephesus, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Pumakkale, Adana, Gaziantep, Goreme, and of course, Istanbul.  

Whenever we begin planning a big trip like this, we use every resource we have to research cultural differences.  Our starting point is, quite literally, is it safe?  Is it family friendly?  There is nothing like traveling to another country totally unprepared and insulting everyone you cross paths with.  It is also so much more enjoyable to be prepared, you'll feel like you fit in a bit more and the trip goes smoothly.  It is worth mentioning that some places might be overall quite safe, yet something like renting a car is a risky venture.  So we always consult our friends, the internet, and travel books thoroughly. 

I was SO excited to dive in to Turkey, it was far more exotic than anything we'd done.  I was a little nervous about the Call to Prayer, mostly nervous that the kids would do something to completely embarrass me while it was happening (which is five times per day).  Did I need a headscarf?  What would the kids eat?  Of all the things in Turkey, I miss the Call to Prayer the most.  There was something so ethereal about it: five times a day we got a reminder to turn to God and prioritize our lives.  It was peaceful, and beautiful.  

The people of Turkey could not have been more accommodating.  In all our travels, this trip was one of the most family friendly and kind cultures we've encountered.  Whether in a hotel or restaurant, we thoroughly enjoyed everyone.  The trip was such a success that until writing this I'd forgotten about our one pretty bad experience at a Double Tree in Izmir; which resulted in my being sick for two days and us cutting our stay short.  

The food... oh the food.  I ate way too much of it.  The spices, the fish, the lamb; the best way to describe it is to explain it as a massive melting pot of some of the best foods in the world.  You have the Mediterranean influence, paired with the rich Middle Eastern flavors and spices.  

It has been a few months since we returned home, and our entire family is still moved by our experience.  The middle kid insists he is moving to Istanbul someday, something I would not protest!