More pictures

We had such a good time over the past couple of weeks, and I've been so busy that I haven't had time to blog. So there are about a million pictures and stories I'd love to tell you. First, as you may know Istanbul is very hot in the summer. Today, Marco looked out the window, and said, "It's damn hot today" We could hardly correct him because we know he's heard that from us everday since we've arrived. Next, Marco and Carolina are big time meet eaters (it's the Oklahoman in them). Marco has been in love with Turkey for its abundance of "meat on a stick." At first I was a little weary of all the meat vendors; however, after Marco cried " I want meat on a stick" about a million times, as I was trying to get him to eat a little kisir (not spelled exactly right), or some veggies, even a harmless looking baked potato stuffed with veggies, yogurt and cheese, the kids kept asking for "meat on a stick (doner) or would even settle by pleading, "can I just have some meatballs" (kofte), (The Oklahoman in them being supported by the Italian giving them uncontrollable meat cravings) I finally gave in and the kids have been eating their share of various meats with and without sticks, and hopefully all the tomatoes and fruits we're eating paired with the hiking around all these hills will head off heart disease for awhile.

Finally, here's a picture for Grandma Barb of Marco with her favorite, a yellow rose. Istanbul has an abundance of flower gardens. Sultanahmet has beautiful rose gardens. Roses are everywhere and only outdone by the hydrangeas. I thought Bogazici University had the best and most hydrangeas I'd ever see, but Topkapi Palace topped it. I hope to get the hydrangea pics up soon. I only wish I was here in the spring time to see the tulips (lale), the national flower and my favorite. We are also amazed by some of the trees. There's a sycamore/maple looking tree that lines the way into Topkapi and coastal road near Dolmabahce that we are trying to identify. We'll keep you posted.

BTW: I'm sure my brothers are terribly sorry they are missing all the flora and fauna gawking my Mother and I are doing on this trip. (we've suffered though many battles over fall foliage tours, botanical garden trips, and simple country road wildflower gazing, with Jimmy and Rickey who let's just say don't appreciate horticulture the way we do).