5-10-07

---

5/10/08 1:12 PM
I have to say that at the moment I have mixed emotions about leaving. It seems surreal… in a matter of hours I will be an ocean away from my family and friends. Going so far away for an extended amount of time is a first for me. I am going with a great group of women from Thibodeaux, LA who will become my new friends and we will be each other’s family for the duration of the trip. I’m sure we will have our ups and downs, but overall it will be a WONDERFUL trip.
Well after a somewhat hectic start we made it on the plane. ALL of our baggage was overweight, so we had to make some quick modifications to accommodate the weight limit of 50 pounds or less. When traveling with 5 women packing for 30 days that seemed to be a little tough. Check in was ok otherwise. Once we got on the plane we had the problem of getting our overstuffed carry-on in the rather small overhead compartments. Once again we had to do some rearranging and quick repacking!! Other than a little bit of confusion and stress we made it to our first stop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania safe and sound. Next stop Athens, Greece 
Man that was a long flight! Our flight to Istanbul was much shorter. We had a 20 minute car ride to a restaurant named “Gardens”. It was magnificent. The floors were marble, the room had walls of windows opened to grass and ocean. The food was good (dessert was the best: kunefe). I had Turkish coffee to finish off lunch with a shot of Almond liquor.
I made it to my host family’s house after lunch. We talked and looked at family photos while drinking Turkish Tea (hot). Hasan and Zekiye and Erman and Erkan Toprak are the names of the people in my host family. They cooked us some traditional Turkish food. I cooked Red Beans and Rice with corn bread for them to taste some Louisiana food.
Its been a great first day.

Note: I am not ın Istabul I am ın Tekırdag

---

Photos

Forget anything?
We are anxiously making sure we have our Passports

Airplane food
I got the pasta it wasn't too bad

Turkish food on airplane
The first test of our tastebuds :)

5 hours to go
Are we there yet? Five hours to go!!!!! Then we get to board another plane!!

Turkish Coffee
Caffeine OVERLOAD!

My interpreters
The younger children in Turkey speak English more than the adults. THis is the son of my host family and their niece

A taste of Louisiana
The children helped me cook red beans and rice with corn bread. The red beans and rice was a hit. They thought they would ask their son that is in the states (US) to send them some. I explained that I would have to send it when I get back.

Dinner with my "family"
The food was good. Different but good! We ate chicken soup, salad, some sort of roll, beans, and rice pudding for dessert. Lunch and dinner are 4 course meals!

Comments

[michelle]

I am glad you made it!! I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Be safe and enjoy your trip!!

[Kristen]

exciting!
Sarah- how exciting!!! I am so excited for you! Sounds like you are off to a great start! I cant wait to read about the rest of your adventure! Love, Kristen

[cobreaux]

Catherine Bryan??
Sarah, I'm Catherine's sister. I was looking for her and on your blog, there she is!! I'm so glad ya'll made it safely to Turkey. Let my sister know we are relieved. I hope it is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!! Connie Breaux

[Sarah N Turkey]

Catherine
I will tell Catherine that you left a message. I don't think she's had internet access. I know she sends her love!! She is feeling well and having fun

[Marsha Coco]

Just checking in on "U"
Sarah, thanks for creating your blog, I look forward to enjoying your journey with you via the blog. This is an exciting experience and I am happy that you and your family embrace the opportunity to learn about other cultures. Take care and we are praying for you and Laurie. Love you, Aunt Marsha and Uncle Greg

[Taut Toot]

WOW! Glad ya'll made it safe. Keep the updates coming! This makes it easier having you and Laurie so far away. By the way tell Laurie CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Keeping your entire group in my prayes for a safe, educational and FUN experience. Love You Both Lots Taunt Toot