We’ve made it to August! July was a whirlwind of travel and beautiful memories and a slow transition back to normal life. Most notably, my son, husband, and I spent several weeks in Türkiye visiting family and traversing the countryside.
We began our time in my hometown of Erzurum, a city in Northeastern Türkiye known most for its beautiful winters and first-rate skiing. Luckily, my greatest attraction to the town is there year-round—my family. Between my three older sisters, my husband’s three older sisters and one younger, and our parents and extended family, we spent our time bouncing between each home and enjoying our close-knit bonds. Every year I’m shocked by how quickly time passes and how much we must catch up on, filling each other in on every moment of joy and sorrow from our time across the world from each other. There’s nothing quite like the security I feel being around my family. It brings me back to my childhood self, feeling like a nine-year-old once again, surrounded by loved ones and healing my heart.
Most mornings, my oldest sister and I walked through the neighborhood, choosing different routes and reacquainting myself with the town. She is the one who instilled my love of morning exercise, a routine I still rely on to start my day on the right foot. This is also, of course, the perfect opportunity to stop by a local bakery and pick up a fresh baked simit to give us energy for the walk home.
Turkish breakfast is a classic for a reason. Summer days start late for the whole town, with kids out from school and folks on vacation. The mornings are spent gathered around the table, laden with a wide variety of sweet and savory dishes on small plates covering the surface. Crisp vegetables, tomatoes and cucumbers served with a variety of cheeses and olives, fresh pastries with fresh butter and marmalades are only the beginning. Hot dishes such as shakshuka, eggs with sujuk, mıhlama, as well as various halvas and böreks, are all available, accompanied by assorted sauces and fresh herbs and arugula. This is my favorite time of day when the whole family comes together to enjoy a meal and sip Turkish tea.
Food is my family’s love language and they spoil us with it each time we visit. They’ll even plan between them who will make which meal, ensuring we get a taste of each of our favored foods during our stay. One such dish is my sister’s ricotta dolmas (lor dolması) with garlic yogurt, which I can eat a plate of all on my own.
A highlight of our family time was my sister-in-law’s engagement party. It was so meaningful to be present for the special occasion, a small family gathering full of love and celebration, especially when we can miss so much from far away.
Next, our trip brought us to Istanbul and the surrounding cities, to visit friends and run errands. We always enjoy our time surrounded by the beautiful historic streets of the “the city on seven hills” and planning what food we are going to try from meal to meal. I find I never have the time to get hungry on these trips—by the time we finish one delicious item, we’re already discussing the next. With late starts to each day, the nightlife in Türkiye shines. Even as late as three in the morning, the streets are full of bustling activity, restaurants and shops crowded. You can enjoy coffee and dessert by the water, live music, so many different opportunities for fun.
After busy days full of traveling and activity, we took a relaxing sojourn on the coast, where we spent our time sweating and enjoying the view. One of Türkiye’s true gems is the crystalline sea water, vivid blue and so clear you can see the sea floor. It can be hard to spend time away from our beloved cats back at home, but luckily Türkiye is full of adorable cats ready to be our friends and spend time with us at the beach or at dinner.
While it’s always a joy to be home, the transition has been a jarring one, and I’ve tried to quickly get back to my routines of work and exercise. We have a few weeks left of summer and it’s all about finding a balance of enjoying the casual pace of these warm days, while being ready when they come to an end!
Until next time,
