Overwhelmed and bone tired is the best way to describe how I’ve felt over the past few weeks. I think we’ve established that I really am not cut out for a career in nursing and the additional overtime I have been working has taken its toll. My Dad has at last relinquished my laptop having spent a marathon couple of weeks streaming various programmes in an effort to alleviate the boredom of recuperation. I am way behind on posting and catching up with you all; if I’m honest I think that I may have lost my way a little.
Regrettably, Ahmed has decided to remain in to Kahramanmaraş reluctant to leave his first salaried regular job for something less reliable in a coastal resort; which whilst I completely understand was something I hadn’t prepared myself for. So I’ll be flying off to Turkey on an epic journey to the mountains where I’ll be spending a few weeks and not lying poolside in the sunshine for a rejuvenating holiday as I had hoped. I’m not sure what to expect or even whether I will have any internet access. It’s certainly not the dream Turkish life I had hoped for, living in a small traditional Turkish town miles away from the coast and no expat community nearby; but I’m going with an open mind and open heart because at the end of the day that’s all I can do.
Travel safely … and please come back with reports/posts about your adventure when you’re able to. Will miss you and your humor. You will be fine … at least you will find out if .. a country life in Turkey is something that you can do together with him. Massive leap you take – will be thinking of you.
LikeLike
This is going to be a very different life from what we originally had planned and it’s going to be a challenge with such a huge family most of whom don’t speak any English
LikeLike
Wow, talk about challenge – I hope you will keep me posted how you’re doing. I wish you all the luck in the world and but don’t forget it’s your life too. *smile
LikeLike
Very wise words Wivi
LikeLike
Whoa – big change of plan! Way to find out how it could work. Have a great time and do let us know how it goes if and when you get the chance. Don’t forget the competition for the craziest transport shots 😀
LikeLike
Transport in the village (and I do use that term grandly) – I think there may be one or two tractors. I’m just going for a few weeks this time to see whether it’s going to be right for me
LikeLike
Wow! Best of luck on your journey. It shall certainly be different than the coastal town you had planned but think of all the new adventures you’re going to have! Have fun and keep us posted!
LikeLike
I will enter into the spirit of things but it’s going to be a challenge living with such a large family none of whom speak English but I’m sure we’ll find ways to communicate
LikeLike
I’m sorry to hear you are so exhausted, although I’m not at all surprised. How disappointing for you, with the trip not being what you had been hoping for but I wish you all the best and may things turn out far better than you expect them to.
LikeLike
Secretly, it’ll be nice not playing nursemaid and I had been looking forward to sipping those cocktails poolside so we’ll just have to wait and see.
LikeLike
Dallas, I can not believe you are really off – I know I will miss you. Please do not ‘burn your bridges’ – a number of us will always be here for you, waiting and wishing you both well. This change of plan will be difficult to cope with, at first, but……I hope and pray that all goes well.I left a message for you on your f/b page. All your ‘adventure into an uncertain future’ brings back so many memories – and I am here now 12 years!!! A big hug and bon voyage and, if you at all can, do stay in touch. Carina x
LikeLike
I am most definitely not going to be burning bridges, its just for a few weeks initially and I have to go home as Serial Shagger has handed our house back to me at long last but I understand from my Dad that it’s not in the best condition – big sigh!
LikeLike
Good luck my love. I’ll be there myself in 10 days. I have a spare bed so if you want a few days by the sea, with an expat, just drop me a line. Sian x
LikeLike
Fantastic, although I will be miles from you in the Turkish boonies! I’m only going for a few weeks this time around but I’ll be keeping in touch – I bet you’re so excited and stay safe!
LikeLike
I am totally excited for you! I am sure the mountain village will be good for many funny stories. If you can’t post them while you are there, just write them down. We’ll happily wait for you news when you get back! 🙂
I know that merging into a new culture like that is difficult, but keep in mind it won’t be forever and make sure you have fun! Enjoy, take lots of pictures and write, write, write! There is a book in you, it might just come out in the Turkish mountains!
LikeLike
From your lips to God’s ears as I shall have a lot of time on my hands as I won’t be able to get a job. I do have reservations which is why I’m going for a few weeks to do a recce and then we’ll just have to wait and see
LikeLike
I was in the same situation as you will be now. I started quilting (and lots of internet things, but if you don’t have internet that is probably not so helpful!) So I suggest you take plenty supplies for any hobby you always wanted to try 😉
LikeLike
I’m loaded with books as I’m not quite sure what to expect and will scour the town for an internet cafe
LikeLike
Internet or no internet, we’ll still be here rooting for you! So proud of you having the guts to follow your heart and I don’t need to tell you life is what happens while we’re making plans. Go with the flow and absorb every minute of it – I’ll be waiting for the next instalment 🙂
LikeLike
Bless you Aisha, I’m more than a little nervous but I’ll always regret it if I don’t try but I know I have the family back hear waiting for me if it doesn’t
LikeLike
I think your trip sounds fascinating. You’ll be in a place that most expats don’t get to visit. Enjoy and safe travels….
LikeLike
Oh it’s certainly different and not what I’m accustomed to but I did say I would embrace whatever challenges were thrown at me
LikeLike
Have a safe trip. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures, as I’m sure there will be many to report.
LikeLike
I will be reporting back on the good, bad and ugly!
LikeLike
Good luck with your new adventure!
LikeLike
As they say in Turkey – teşekkür ederim!
LikeLike
Best of luck. My new life in India is very rural (though with some local expats) and I love it. I wish you the same. Just go with that open heart and an open mind; be yourself and you will be loved by the villagers for who you are; and if things don’t go exactly to plan you now have the experiences to let you know that you can cope and will always be able to see the best (and the funniest) in any situation. Keep looking forward, don’t look back, and remember that there are many people who would envy you the journey you are about to make.
Bon voyage!
Dorinda
LikeLike
Thank you and I feel a bit more hopeful after reading your comments. My sense of humour has got me this far so will try and keep finding the funny!
LikeLike
At the end of the day, that’s the only thing you can do. It always turns out the best that way!
LikeLike
You are so right everything I’ve carefully planned has never been as rewarding and exciting as the unexpected adventures
LikeLike
When I moved to Norway 25 years ago it was to a little rural town, where hardly anyone spoke English and there were very few expats… Think of it as an adventure and have fun! I wish you all the best 🙂
LikeLike
I forgot about that! But I’m taking your book with me as a good luck charm – only for a few weeks this time around but who knows!
LikeLike
Have fun and take care!
LikeLike
iyi yolcuklarrrrrr kardeşim! 🙂 You’ve got this, girl.
LikeLike
Teşekkür ederim and I do hope so!
LikeLike
Have a great time! Can’t wait to hear about your trip. 🙂
LikeLike
I’ll be back home in a few weeks before deciding whether its going to be more permanent
LikeLike
I suspect that open mind and heart will see you through your new adventures just fine. Wishing all the very best and just remember to enjoy….. 😀
We’ll be here waiting to hear even if you can’t post right away.
LikeLike
I have to admit to being a bit nervous but this time around its just for a few weeks at first so I have a safety net in place – just in case!
LikeLike
You’ll do fine. My gut tells me you’re one of us who lands on your feet in just about any given situation.
LikeLike
All the best and keep us posted when you can. Life is for living so go and embrace it.
LikeLike
I’m going to try my very best!
LikeLike
Sounds scary.
So…is this the end for you and Ahmed?
LikeLike
I’m going over to see whether his new family life is the one I want to share so the jury’s out at the moment but I’ll be letting you know when I come back
LikeLike
Ah, my dear friend. It is good to lose your way from time to time. That is when the true adventure starts. Decisions always carry risk, the greatest being that we will be changed by our choices. God speed…thanks for letting me tag along,
LikeLike
In the words of Arnie “I’ll be back”! Change is always going to be a good thing as it means I’m moving forward
LikeLike
Picked this up a little late, so may have missed you. Wish you so much luck, Dallas. You’ve been a pal. Hope to hear how it all turns out when you’ve time, strength and an internet connection, of course. Hug!
LikeLike
Cheers Jo! As long as I can access the internet at some point, I’ll be comforted!
LikeLike
Wishing you the best of everything on your journey. Open heart and mind is the best policy and I hope all goes well for you. Check out Turkey with Stuffing blog if you get a mo – she’s heading back to Turkey soon too. Take care.
LikeLike
I’d read her post yesterday on suspended coffees, what a lovely idea! And thank you for your good wishes.
LikeLike
Best of luck to you! While it’s not the trip you were dreaming about, you will be with your paramour — and who knows, you may find that you love the mountains!
Looking forward to reading about your adventures, whether you can post while you’re there or if you must wait until you return.
Bon voyage!
LikeLike
I love the term paramour – it’s so old fashioned and suits my Turkish beau. I’ll get to an internet cafe if I have to crawl or possibly walk miles!
LikeLike
A taste of real Turkish life – what an adventure! Good luck dear. 🙂
LikeLike
Good luck with your new move too – I’ll be reading up on you all when I can
LikeLike
I’ll be here – and when I’m there, I’ll be here and somewhere else – I think I’ll start a new blog for exploring my new home – just have to choose a name … I’ll let you know 🙂
LikeLike
Safe travels to you.
LikeLike
Thanks a bunch
LikeLike
At least you’ll be with Ahmed again, and that’s the important thing. There may be treasures to discover in them thar’ mountains; you never know. Good luck. You’ll have a new adventure. And be sure to keep us posted when you can. We’ll be thinking about you.
LikeLike
I’ll be living with the Turkish equivalent of the Waltons and you can bet I’ll be back
LikeLike
Can’t wait to hear how it goes for you Dallas. I’m sure you will find the humour in what ever situation you find yourself in, and that is a great gift. All the best. xS
LikeLike
Thank you for your reassuring words – am packing my thermals too as its snowing there!
LikeLike
That’s exciting! But I understand the anticlimax of sorts. Still, new adventures await, oh, and some bloke. Safe travels and look forward to updates when things permit.
LikeLike
’tis true but I can’t help being a bit anxious but I’ll be giving it my best shot
LikeLike
good luck with it. Look on it as an exciting challenge.
LikeLike
I’ll let you know how it goes
LikeLike
Another adventure … hope you will be able to get access to the internet so you can share your unique sense of humour with us 😉
LikeLike
I’ll be climbing the walls without some sort of contact!
LikeLike
Good luck! Be safe… and we all hope to hear from you whenever you can write.
LikeLike
One of my first priorities will be to seek out an internet connection
LikeLike
You really sound as though you nee a break, Dallas, and some time at the beach would have been just perfect. I guess Ahmed needs to hang onto his job though. Your time there, with his family will really be a time of testing for your future plans together. I wish you lots of love, luck and fortitude. Hope you manage to find an internet cafe. I’m sure you’ll have so much to share. Hugs to you.
LikeLike
I think it is a test but if I don’t try I’ll always regret it so I’m leaving with an open mind and heart and I’ll be dropping in on you all when I get back!
LikeLike
Safe travels! Enjoy your time and will be waiting to hear all about the exciting stories 🙂
LikeLike
I’ll be back soon enough
LikeLike
Safe travels to you! I can’t wait to read about all of your experiences!
LikeLike
Reading this this evening made me want to give you a big hug and tell you that I love you. You are one of the most remarkable people I have met online, and you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers as you travel. I’m sorry you won’t be relaxing by the sea, but you’ve always adapted so well in the past, and I believe you will come home with new insights. Take care, Dallas. ♥
LikeLike
Village life is very different from city life but just try and enjoy the time, count to 10 everytime you feel like going crazy and be prepared to never ever have any personal life! We stayed in my soon to be husbands village 8 days and never ever again that İ will sleep there again that long. But it is always nice to see different sides of turkey.
Ps: İ hope they have normal toilets 😉
LikeLike
I’ve been before and you’re absolutely right the toilets and not having a moment to yourself, even when sleeping is going to be mighty strange. It is important to experience the real Turkey but the challenge for me is whether I want to live the rest of my life like that but I don’t want to regret not giving it a chance
LikeLike
I trust you will find adventure and humor wherever you go. And still wish you luck, eagerly awaiting your continued impressions. It seems to me that the best way to stay in touch with the internet when off the beaten track is a cell modem, which I always have with me as a backup.
LikeLike
I wish I had thought of that! I’ve always got the option of an internet cafe; if I can find one!
LikeLike
I too have slipped rather behind in the blogosphere and am just catching up now! I hope that the big leap into the unknown is going well for you, it’s a few weeks of adventure if nothing else!
LikeLike
Ah Dallas, adventures perhaps you will find the life you forgot to dream. Take lots of wonderful pictures and if you cannot blog, well then journal and come back to us.
LikeLike
Lots of love Dallas and remember you can make make choices which feel right for you even up a mountain! I’m really looking forward to hearing about your latest adventure where I guess your sense of humour will come in very handy!
LikeLike
good luck TinkyTown, I am sure you’ll make the most of village life, you will be “the stranger” in town, so to speak, but they’ll soon get used to you, will you manage driving around in a tractor?… 😉 – we wait to read more of your stories.
Our blogging friend Tina in Serbia seems to have also gone all the way round the world to live in a small community where she does not speak the language (or little)… you can check her out at this blog.
http://chroniclesofserbia.wordpress.com/2013/04/03/whatever-wednesday-why-did-i-move-here/
LikeLike
I’m sure we are all holding our breath for you and hoping all goes well. I hope you do have internet over there as we will all be waiting for your up dates. What an adventure, you are such a resiliant person you always find the best in any of the things you encounter. Good luck Dallas and safe travels. 🙂
LikeLike
Hey good luck on your next Turkish adventure, I love reading about your journey it helps me be bolder. And thanks for liking my post. Amber AKA Stop and Smell the Roses
LikeLike
Hi I have enjoyed reading your blog.If you ever fancy a visit to the more touristy Fethiye…let me know! I am back there in June . Mel
LikeLike
Would love love love to visit somewhere more touristy sadly I’m here for the next three weeks and then we’ll just have to wait and see! Not loving being so isolated and for the most part without access to the internet but hopefully back to civilization soon – lovely to hear from you Mel and just when I needed it too!
LikeLike
I wish you a safe journey, and a smooth landing. Whatever happens, I know you will find a way to turn it into an adventure. Best wishes!
LikeLike
Still wonderful that you will be (are?) together again! Good luck Dallas 🙂
(Haven’t been receiving your posts on my reader or mail and just hopped over to check!)
LikeLike
Good luck and safe travels. I’ll be eager to read about your adventures.
LikeLike
Have missed your posts popping up in my Reader, Dallas. Just thought I would drop you a line to say I was thinking of you, and hoping all is going well for you 🙂
Hugs
Marianne x
LikeLike
Thank you for visiting my blog. I Adore your writing! Best of luck to you in this new adventure…safe travels.
LikeLike