A Drive

Today we piled in the car and went for a drive.  We've lived in this city for 3 1/2 years and there are still so many places that we haven't been able to see.

But, now we have wheels!  Our whole life has changed!!!

The kids were complaining at first about going on a drive, but since their parents love exploring and adventure they are going to have to deal with it.  (And int he end, they had a great time, too!)

We started out by driving up to the nearest beach area on the big sea up north.  Two summers ago we explored up there.  But, that time we were on the bus for an hour and a half.  Then we took a minibus where we stood for about an hour while we zoomed over bumpy, dusty roads.  Then at the end of the minibus line, we had to walk to the first beach in sight.

Today we arrived in 30 minutes.

30 minutes!!  Sweet mercy!  I had no idea how close we actually lived to the beach!

Not just 30 minutes, but also in the extreme comfort of our sweet little car.  Have I told you that her name is Renee?  I LOVE her!

We didn't even stop at the first beach we found.  We wound our way through some bumpy dirt roads until we came upon the most lovely beach.  We ran and played, collected a few rocks and shells, and basically had so much fun together!

We climbed back into the car and explored our way down the straight's coast back towards home.  The really cool thing about where we live is that there are forts, ancient settlements, and all sorts of other interesting stuff to explore everywhere.

Whenever we saw something interesting, we pulled over and hopped out.  We finally got to see the beautiful spot where the straight opens up into the sea.  There is an old lighthouse and a cute little village at the top of the cliffs overlooking the area.  We also climbed around a few old forts and saw things that we'd only read about in the tour books.

It was a fantastic day!  Pictures to come some day.  Inşallah!

I am not much of a city girl, yet I live in one of the largest cities in the world.  So, now having a bit of freedom to get out of the city and actually touch a tree, see the sea, or breath some non-polluted air is such a blessing!!

Horray for Renee!!  And horray for mystery drives!!

I have a feeling that while Justin is gone, there will be lots of mystery drives!  We may even drive all the way up to London if things get crazy enough!