We're Back

We returned home from the conference last night.  It was a really good time.  We learned a lot and got to spend time with like-minded people.

The kids had a good time.  They are so good at making fast friendships with other kids.  There were not many other young kids there but there were a few, and just the right ages!

We rode down on the bus.  I have been skeptical all these years of the public coach buses even though I heard they were really nice.  I could only imagine Greyhound.  Boy, was I wrong!!!  It was really nice.  Each seat had a screen in front of it and you could choose from all sorts of movies, television shows, games, or music.  They have a steward that offers constant drink and snack service.  Our bus was clean and comfortable.  We were all pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed the bus.

The hotel was not what we had expected.  They usually are not in this country!!!  But I had double checked on their web-site and there was a pool.  The kids were so excited to get to swim.  Once we arrived we ate a quick lunch and then went to check out the pool.  Um... it was nice, but it cost 15 lira per person per day.  I was so mad.  The kids were devastated!

After a while of considering it we decided that we'd just take the hit and pay the money to swim.  We were all looking so forward to it.  I, in protest, did not pay the price to swim.  To be honest, I was just still so mad.  Who ever heard of a hotel charging its guests extra to swim?!?  Apparently here its not all that uncommon.  But still, I can't handle such craziness.

We rode back with some friends who were headed this way and had extra room in their car for us.  That was fun, too!

Today, Justin is at the immigration department with Noah and Callie trying to get their visas.  You have to make an appointment now, which is much better than when we first started doing this a few years back.  You used to stand in line for hours, packed body to body while pushing ever so slightly.  Now once your set of numbers is called you get to join the line.  Its not quite so tightly packed and the pushing is not constant.

We usually try our best to get the first appointment in the morning, but now they make appointments for students in the afternoon.  Noah and Callie's appointments were for 2:00.  I got a text from Justin at 2:15 that said they are three hours behind and the number system is out of order!!

You can bet he is going to have a headache when he gets home tonight!!!

In other news... tomorrow Lucy turns 4!!  She is so excited!