So...work has been OFF THE CHAIN for the past few weeks. I am too busy to even accomplish a task on my to-do list. All I want to do is go somewhere, anywhere but my office in the morning lately. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my job...I just wish my office had a window.
Instead of a window, it has a beautiful wall hanging I purchased in the Egyptian Bazaar in Istanbul. I look at it all the time. It makes me think of all of the adventures I have already had in my life. Some people only dream of leaving the country, taking a jaunt across the pond. I dreamed. I did. I saw. I lived. I am sad I can't go to Turkey for a weekend anymore.
I have bits and pieces of my travels all over my house and my office and even in my pool bag. I love it when I pull out a Swiss Franc instead of a dime or say Scusi instead of excuse me in a hurry in Ulta. The memories are rich, the memories are alive. My two year adventure is far from over...
So in the spirit of living life and taking that jaunt across the pond, where ever you heart desires, I am bringing back one of my favorite travel emails to share on this rainy Monday night.
April 10, 2008
Merhaba!
I hope this email finds you all well. I just returned from a weekend trip to Istanbul , Turkey and it was such a rich experience that I am bursting to share. If you have never been to Istanbul or to Turkey ?GO!!!!
My fascination with Turkey started in the third grade when my teacher, Miss Walcott would talk about her time living and teaching English in Turkey . It always seemed so far away and incredibly interesting as she described her experiences as an American woman living in a Muslim country. My young mind raced with images of an American woman on a bicycle with rocks being thrown at her as she rode along the rode to work. Now in 2008, in a much more progressive world, I just had to see it for myself. So my adventurous friend Laura and I set off for Istanbul to celebrate my birthday.
The city of Istanbul is a unique mosaic of distinct neighborhoods, each one unlike the other. You might feel like you are walking in any European city with a system of trams and old cobblestone streets until you hear the call to prayer echo through the city air. As the sound of the Adhan is broadcasted from the minaret of the mosque you can not help but feel that you are experiencing something truly beautiful and peaceful. I was stopped dead in my tracks and stood to listen each time the call began. The most special time was in the morning at 5:30 a.m. at the first call when the call is the longest.
The people in Turkey were incredible and precious all at the same time. We were greeted warmly by so many interesting characters, all wanting to talk about their country. We were made to feel like special guests in their hotels, shops and restaurants. As women travelling alone, we had been warned that we might encounter a lot of unwanted banter from men and also a lot of stares. We did get a lot of looks but never found ourselves in an uncomfortable situation. Everyone referred to us as ?lady? which I found quite amusing and they were always wanting to get our attention by saying, ?Yes, please lady? when they wanted us to enter their shops.
We had some very cool shopping experiences in the Grand Bazaar where any currency was accepted. A kind shop owner named Mustafa hosted us in his pottery store for over an hour, ?My shop is your shop? he said as we drank apple tea and perused the beautiful hand painted Turkish pottery. In the Egyptian Bazaar we met another salesman who took a lot of time to show us some people window coverings that he was very proud of. He wanted to make sure that we were truly happy with the purchase we were making. Then we got a lesson in tying scarves the Turkish way.
On my birthday we ventured to a Turkish Hamam (http://www.cagalogluhamami.com.tr/) for a very traditional Turkish cleansing ritual. We decided to do it up and order the Sultan treatment, exfoliation, a dry massage, a soap massage, and a head and face massage. The bath we chose to go to was built over 300 years ago and is listed in the 1000 places to see before you die book. It was truly on the most unique experiences I have had in my entire time travelling. The women who work at the baths were so sweet and they led us by hand over the slippery hot rock and even sang songs in Turkish during the massage. I would highly recommend this experience to everyone! We were so relaxed and refreshed afterwards.
We experienced as much of the city as we could take in on our short visit. Our feet took us to the Blue Mosque, The Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, The Grand Bazaar, The Egyptian Bazaar, Galata Tower , Taksim Square , and Ortakoy. We ate fresh fish caught right from the Sea of Marmara and drank just enough Efes Turkish beer to leave us wanting for me.
I hope to be able to visit Turkey again one day. For now I will have to settle for the memories of the beautiful country and incredible people and a very cool visa and stamp in my passport. As my European adventure comes to a close, I am soaking up as much as I can as I am fortunate to have been able to have had such an awesome experience.
Here is the link to my photos. I hope you enjoy them!
http://picasaweb.google.com/rmmeuser/IstanbulNotConstantinople
I miss you all and will see some of you in 7 weeks!
Love,
reg
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
not to brag but...
In the month of August, I swam the English Channel.
Ok, I admit, not the real English Channel but the distance of the English Channel. Its 21 miles across and tomorrow I will finish my 22nd mile in the pool this month. I have been tracking my distance day by day in a spreadsheet on my computer. I get so excited to add the day in when I finish my morning swim!
Where should I go next? Should I attempt to swim the real English Channel? I would do it but look at the details I discovered...
Step 1
Start training for your swim months in advance. (DONE) You can start this at your local pool. Most Channel swimmers, however, acclimate themselves to local conditions on the beaches of Folkestone or Hythe in England. (HMMM)
Step 2
Obtain a "standard swim costume" for your attempt. Basically, you cannot have a swimsuit that covers your arms or legs, provides buoyancy or gives you thermal protection. (DONE)
Step 3
Experiment with different ways to get the food and drink you will need during your swim. Since you are forbidden to have any physical contact with another person during your swim, you will have to be creative in thinking up ways to get your nourishment. Other swimmers have used squeeze bottles and bags passed to them with a pole, strung along on a string to them, or even passing larger-than-normal-sized cups to avoid personal contact with a swimmer. (THIS COULD GET INTERESTING. MAYBE I COULD EAT A HOT DOG ON A STICK??? USE A SUPER SOAKER TO GET LIQUIDS DOWN??? CATCHING CORN DOGS WHILE DOING BACKSTROKE???)
Step 4
Decide if you want to "grease" yourself up before a swim. (UMM...WITH WHAT???) Most swimmers do use some of it, especially on areas of the body that may be prone to chafing (neck, shoulder, arm pits, groin), while others slap it all over to provide a little bit of warmth during their swim. Expect to make up your own blend to suit your needs.
Step 5
Prepare for swimming at least part of the Channel in darkness or twilight. Most swimmers attach chemical glow sticks to themselves to help their pilots see them in low-light conditions. (STEFANI...YOU BETTER STOCK UP ON THE GLOW STICKS!!!)
Step 6
Bring your passport and a visa to enter France at the end of your swim. Sure, you may not be planning to stay over, but you could change your mind or require medical assistance at the end of the swim. Besides, if any authorities request to see proof of your identity before, after or even during your swim, it will be a convenient document to have on board the pilot ship. (CHECK)
It sounds like I am on track for a successful swim across the channel. This could get interesting!
Ok, I admit, not the real English Channel but the distance of the English Channel. Its 21 miles across and tomorrow I will finish my 22nd mile in the pool this month. I have been tracking my distance day by day in a spreadsheet on my computer. I get so excited to add the day in when I finish my morning swim!
Where should I go next? Should I attempt to swim the real English Channel? I would do it but look at the details I discovered...
Step 1
Start training for your swim months in advance. (DONE) You can start this at your local pool. Most Channel swimmers, however, acclimate themselves to local conditions on the beaches of Folkestone or Hythe in England. (HMMM)
Step 2
Obtain a "standard swim costume" for your attempt. Basically, you cannot have a swimsuit that covers your arms or legs, provides buoyancy or gives you thermal protection. (DONE)
Step 3
Experiment with different ways to get the food and drink you will need during your swim. Since you are forbidden to have any physical contact with another person during your swim, you will have to be creative in thinking up ways to get your nourishment. Other swimmers have used squeeze bottles and bags passed to them with a pole, strung along on a string to them, or even passing larger-than-normal-sized cups to avoid personal contact with a swimmer. (THIS COULD GET INTERESTING. MAYBE I COULD EAT A HOT DOG ON A STICK??? USE A SUPER SOAKER TO GET LIQUIDS DOWN??? CATCHING CORN DOGS WHILE DOING BACKSTROKE???)
Step 4
Decide if you want to "grease" yourself up before a swim. (UMM...WITH WHAT???) Most swimmers do use some of it, especially on areas of the body that may be prone to chafing (neck, shoulder, arm pits, groin), while others slap it all over to provide a little bit of warmth during their swim. Expect to make up your own blend to suit your needs.
Step 5
Prepare for swimming at least part of the Channel in darkness or twilight. Most swimmers attach chemical glow sticks to themselves to help their pilots see them in low-light conditions. (STEFANI...YOU BETTER STOCK UP ON THE GLOW STICKS!!!)
Step 6
Bring your passport and a visa to enter France at the end of your swim. Sure, you may not be planning to stay over, but you could change your mind or require medical assistance at the end of the swim. Besides, if any authorities request to see proof of your identity before, after or even during your swim, it will be a convenient document to have on board the pilot ship. (CHECK)
It sounds like I am on track for a successful swim across the channel. This could get interesting!
Monday, August 17, 2009
a funny friend who really should write a blog
aaron and i have a funny friend named jay. jay should write his own blog. he is hilarious in person and hilarious on paper too. he is my featured writer this week. check out why...
Gentlemen,
I write this letter hoping that it may keep you from making the same mistake I did. Please keep in mind this is a true story that occured last night. My wife and I went in to Carolina Wings last night for some wings, obviously. Upon scrolling through the menu I saw the flavor deemed 'Beyond Blistering.' Furthermore, there were three asterisks beside it. Naturally I glanced down to cross reference and noticed the phrase 'requires a signed waiver.' However, my brain translated that for me. Translation as follows: Get one.....get one now......you'll be the center of attention if you eat one.......yes, there is no choice now, you must....you must....... and so it was.
I requested 7 regular wings and one of the 'beyond blistering.' As I waited for my waiver to come, I began talking trash about the wing and those who prepared it. As the news got around about my endevour my trash talking increased exponentially. Finally the waiver arrives and reads as follows: (paraphrase) I__________________ , understand that I am about to eat a very hot ass wing. It may cause intense oral burning, throat closure (no lie), intense abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, and the runs. I eat this wing(s) willfully being of sound body and mind. I sign, and Brittany signs as my witness. Yes, they actually require a witness.
Ok, Im still in. I want the wing now so I can personally tell it what a lame ass texas pete job looks like.
It arrives. My regular wings were in a basket, however my special wing had his own bowl. It also had an aura of something, like it was trying to either talk to me or stab me in the eyeballs. The wait staff glances nervously in my direction. Im the center of attention.
First I touch the wing then touch my tongue. Hot, yes. Painful, no. Immediately I consume the entire wing in about 15 seconds, getting it all so noone can call bs. It was nothing - let the trash talking restart.
30 seconds later I had a mild tingly feeling in my throat, followed closely by intense sweating. Soon to follow was a burn that I cannot describe, but let me try. I thought I had a squad of small gnomes in my mouth trying to burn an armadillo out of a tree stump. the tears came next. Uncontrollable. Pain. Waitress one brings water. No help. I take handfulls of fries and dip them in ranch and shove them in. No help. The tears are now collecting on the table. I begin to panic. Should I run? Should I call for help? I begin making deals with Jesus about never cussing again should he be so forgiving to heal me. I spoon in some ranch, followed by more water and maybe a jelly packet - i cant see anymore, but I assume jelly packet. 15 full minutes later my symptoms begin to subside. I have been reduced to a shirt stained w/ ranch and jelly, snot that can reach my shoe strings, and I look like i am a 12 year old girl who has been told hannah montana will not be coming out w/ a new movie.
As previously said, I tell you all this so that you will not make the same mistake. If one person is helped this email will not be in vain.
Jay
Gentlemen,
I write this letter hoping that it may keep you from making the same mistake I did. Please keep in mind this is a true story that occured last night. My wife and I went in to Carolina Wings last night for some wings, obviously. Upon scrolling through the menu I saw the flavor deemed 'Beyond Blistering.' Furthermore, there were three asterisks beside it. Naturally I glanced down to cross reference and noticed the phrase 'requires a signed waiver.' However, my brain translated that for me. Translation as follows: Get one.....get one now......you'll be the center of attention if you eat one.......yes, there is no choice now, you must....you must....... and so it was.
I requested 7 regular wings and one of the 'beyond blistering.' As I waited for my waiver to come, I began talking trash about the wing and those who prepared it. As the news got around about my endevour my trash talking increased exponentially. Finally the waiver arrives and reads as follows: (paraphrase) I__________________ , understand that I am about to eat a very hot ass wing. It may cause intense oral burning, throat closure (no lie), intense abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, and the runs. I eat this wing(s) willfully being of sound body and mind. I sign, and Brittany signs as my witness. Yes, they actually require a witness.
Ok, Im still in. I want the wing now so I can personally tell it what a lame ass texas pete job looks like.
It arrives. My regular wings were in a basket, however my special wing had his own bowl. It also had an aura of something, like it was trying to either talk to me or stab me in the eyeballs. The wait staff glances nervously in my direction. Im the center of attention.
First I touch the wing then touch my tongue. Hot, yes. Painful, no. Immediately I consume the entire wing in about 15 seconds, getting it all so noone can call bs. It was nothing - let the trash talking restart.
30 seconds later I had a mild tingly feeling in my throat, followed closely by intense sweating. Soon to follow was a burn that I cannot describe, but let me try. I thought I had a squad of small gnomes in my mouth trying to burn an armadillo out of a tree stump. the tears came next. Uncontrollable. Pain. Waitress one brings water. No help. I take handfulls of fries and dip them in ranch and shove them in. No help. The tears are now collecting on the table. I begin to panic. Should I run? Should I call for help? I begin making deals with Jesus about never cussing again should he be so forgiving to heal me. I spoon in some ranch, followed by more water and maybe a jelly packet - i cant see anymore, but I assume jelly packet. 15 full minutes later my symptoms begin to subside. I have been reduced to a shirt stained w/ ranch and jelly, snot that can reach my shoe strings, and I look like i am a 12 year old girl who has been told hannah montana will not be coming out w/ a new movie.
As previously said, I tell you all this so that you will not make the same mistake. If one person is helped this email will not be in vain.
Jay
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
thinking about the weekend...
the cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea
— isak dinesen
can't wait to spend some quality time with the triple threat this weekend!
— isak dinesen
can't wait to spend some quality time with the triple threat this weekend!
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