Relaxation, a new endeavor

After a series of crazy weekends, I was able to spend this one taking some time out to chill and see some new sides of Istanbul. Things went pretty much as planned -- I worked on a bit of school stuff, did the school sponsored City Tour, and went bike riding on the Princes Islands. And everything went perfectly! And I am rested!

The city tour was very interesting -- I saw a bunch of mosques I would have never seen or known anything about, and learned a lot about each one historically. We even ate in a traditional Ottoman restaurant. However this was not my choice, but some rich Brits wh

o were on vacation and who tagged along on the tour, so it was kind of pricey. Not planning on spending 20 Lira on lunch in the weekend, I was broke afterwards... But we got a few people together and cooked a delicious dinner, so I guess I saved money that way. We had mashed potatoes! And chocolate pudding ice cream (my new favorite flavor)!

And today the girls, meaning me, Devin, Lizzie and Sarah woke up needing to get out... so we hopped a ferry to the islands, rented bikes and rode around an island called Heybeliada, one of the bigger islands in the chain. There were no cars, horses roaming everywhere, and tons of beautiful shoreline. In the summer these places are packed with sightseers and Istanbul natives alike, so we got to see them before they became too crowded. The weather, which was looking terrible in the morning, turned out perfect, and I was able to get enough pictures to complete my photography project that is due this week. Amazing! It was really nice to get out of the big city atmosphere for a while, do something I am in love with when I am home (yaaa bicycles!), and spend time with the girls.

I really have to get to doing some homework... I want to get a bit ahead so I can possibly go to Cappadocia this weekend to explore a new part of Turkey! Send money mom and dad! Heh heh heh.