This is goodbye

So our sabbatical has come to a close.  We set out to conquer Europe, and in our opinions, we did just that.  With a Turkish and Icelandic kicker. 

The myriad of things we've seen and done can't be described in words, so we've included some photos to highlight our last weeks in Istanbul.  Things like kumpir - a HUGE baked potato with cous cous, black olives, cheese, butter, onions, corn and peas on it hang in our sub-conscience. While fodder from farmer's markets stocked with homemade olives, cheese and multi-colored eggs allowed us to make a brunch that we won't soon forget.  Our walk across the Bosphorous (bridge) was a lucky opportunity; since the bridge is open to pedestrians but one day a year for the Istanbul marathon.  (the only marathon spanning two continents).  

Dozens of sunsets and vibrant red flags dot our iPhoto collection, each inspiring thoughts of a certain part of town, a mosque or a bazaar.  

Photos of meals we've had and alley cats we've befriended all play their part in reminding us that this trip had a innumerable ups, downs and challenges.  And just like the chips in a thousand-year-old mosaic, they gave us "character".  

Back in the USA now, we're reflecting on how spoiled we are and how much we're enjoying unlimited wifi.  Laundry is done much quicker now, thanks to a a device called a dryer.

Thank you guys for following us on our trip, we had a blast.

Excited to be back in San Diego!