I’m sitting up on a terrace overlooking a hillside of ruins and olive groves–seemed like the perfect time to get inspired to write my first post. (Maybe it’s the Aristotelianism influence).  As I sat on the beach today I felt incredibly grateful for all of the kindness I have encountered in the last year. When we started this idea it seemed almost impossible to actually pull it all together. But, step by step people came together to support and help us make this adventure filled fundraiser a reality. Being Mercy Corps top fundraiser feels like a huge accomplishment and was quite a badge of honor to wear as we encountered other rally teams. Many other teams actually were aware of our financial success and commended us for all of our hard work. So, to everyone who supported us I just wanted to give thanks again for your help.

        And even though Kim and I are taking a mandatory break from the rally our little team continues to sludge on.  I can only imagine Jean’s list of misfortunes as she loves to list them all out in her little book like the 10 Days of Christmas– 6 hours at the Azerbaijan border, 3 Rally cars pulled over for speeding and one shreeedddded tire.  It sounds like they have had a lot to endure over the last few days–and I can only imagine how long her actual list is. We miss you guys!

       I booked my ticket  for the 18th to meet up with them in Almaty and I am strangely looking forward to being part of the mayhem again. The Fiat Puntos are small but oddly started to feel like home as they pushed through thousands of  miles. Jean and I managed to create a very cozy little bed in the back of the Fiat–a little too small for Tom’s legs, but we quite enjoyed it. You can learn a lot about people when you are crammed in a small moving vehicle–so for a small fee I have plenty to share about my teammates! Tom especially loved our conversation of the different “languages of love”–and applied his new knowledge quickly as he helped us navigate through unknown territory.  Thanks Tom!

         Kim and I are slowly letting go of our sadness for having to depart the rally and our team. Each day Emily, owner of the Eris Pansiyon, lets us tag along to her “Joy Luck” lunch club at the beach. At this little spot we have had the special priviledge of listening to a bunch of expatriates discuss life, love, and loss in Turkey. The ladies take care to order us lunch as we lounge away reading our books. Emily has been so sweet to us–coffee and fruit in the morning and tea in the afternoon. We feel so spoiled by her generosity that it has made missing this part of the rally a little more bearable.  Assos, Turkey, a tranquil Aegean-coast seaside retreat, amid ancient ruins and olive groves is a must see for anyone going to Turkey. The hillside cobbled streets are filled with villagers selling spices and olive oil in plastic water bottles. And the sea breeze at Eris Pansiyon is worth a stay. Thank you Emily for taking us in!

       Kim and I are off to Izmir tomorrow and to see Yasmin! We are not sure exactly where we are headed but we will keep you posted! Yasmin, pack some sunscreen because it is hot–100 degrees! Kim and I had to hide away today because even under umbrellas the sun found us. Our skin is now a lovely shade of red.

I have posted a sampling of some photos from the trip–enjoy!   

http://www.flickr.com/photos/47555946@N02/sets/