Bill and Carol's Senior Years Abroad: Biraz Sikayet (A Little Grizzling)

Bittersweet
Your story is so interesting. I think it's great that you have stayed long enough that you can actually balance the good and bad aspects of the place. I've been very concerned about the direction Turkey seems to be heading and our foreign policies don't seem to be helpful in that part of the world. At the same time, the lovely experiences with the people you've met and the places you've been are nourishment of an incalcuable sort. You undoubtedly will have the same reentry problems here - maybe you should blog on that as well for you will certainly see home in a new light as well and your reflections would be insightful for all of us. Thanks as always for sharing this wonderful experience with us.

So beautiful!
I loved your blog entry and your photos. Antalya is so beautiful in winter! I couldn't believe the one picture with the snow on the mountains- was the tide really as low as it looked? I think it's normal to have some complaints now that the "honeymoon" with Turkey may be over and some realities are clearer. Loved the bus driver story too! And loved seeing the pictures of the friends in the pub. Please give my love to Annie! How are Andy and Chloe? I am so looking forward to having you back in Seattle! Enjoy the spring! Love, Catherine

I look forward to your return!
Hi Carol and Bill! Thank you for the wonderful stories. Sorry to hear that you are feeling the need to do "a little grizzling". Perhaps it is your soul calling you home to Seattle. As humans we all feel a need to see the wrongs in the world and invest ourselves in making the world better. Now that you know that your trip is nearing its end it is difficult to invest yourself there. Please keep your eye on the news of what is happening hear in Seattle. At SUUC we are getting involved with Occupy movement. We look forward to your involvement if you choose to join us. In the meantime, may your travels be joyous until you are home! Love and peace, Frog

I love your stories
I really love reading your posts - they are eye opening, make me chuckle and are a great diversion from day to day life in Seattle. Thanks for having such a great adventure!

Grizzling
There is lots of grizzling going on here too (I'm glad you know about the Congress because that is enough to grizzle about almost daily). I am so glad you have had such a marvelous adventure and it will be so wonderful to have you home. I'm sorry I missed being able to come visit you but I will be heading to Costa Rica sometime this summer depending on Erin's schedule.

Wonderful stories and pictures!
I'm so grateful you've taken the time throughout these two years to share your stories and pictures with us at home. Your friends will have a much better idea of your experiences through reading your blog, and I'm sure writing down your adventures and thoughts makes them more lasting. Can't wait to see you and hear even more details about all your adventures. All is well with the Kalitkzi Beekmans!

Happy last few months
Hi Bill and Carol I have just found your blog, almost too late, but look forward to hearing how your last few months go. So far I have only been to Istanbul which I loved and will go back but also wish to visit other parts of the country and I love how you have done it. A great idea to spend more time than just a vacation of two weeks. What are your plans for when you return?

Home Exchanges in 2013
Hi Bill and Carol When you said you were hoping to do some exchanges next spring and summer, I am not sure if you realised that our website www.homeexchange50plus.com can help you there, so hopefully we will see you join us when you get back home. All the best and enjoy the rest of your trip and have a good journey back home. Brian L