The Village

We loaded up in our car- 9 people in total!

Once we arrived and had a proper tour and then it was time to pick something for lunch

parsley, green onions, lettuce

Lucy and her sweet friend Bilgisu

Both village houses were about 70 years old.  But this one hasn't been lived in and has eventually come to ruin.

Their house was especially amazing because it had this beautiful flat area in front where everyone could play

Everyone stops to take their shoes off at the front door.

Justin and Emre shooting the breeze.

The view was unbeatable!

Sea-views front the front

Mountain views from the back
(All those little dots are hazelnut trees.)

The little girls had a blast playing

Check out those sweet faces!

While the women prepared the food.

How would you like to cook in this kitchen?!

The brown thing in the center is the wood-burning stove- the only source of heat.

Hayat peeking out the window

Once the patriarch got home from Friday prayers he showed Justin all around the property.
He was a delightful old man with a terrific sense of humor!

It wasn't long before the other boys in the village heard that a kid with a soccer ball had arrived.
Time to get a game going!

We fed the kids right quick and shooed them outside.
Then the adults gathered around the table to feast, chat, and drink tea for hours.

Enjoying the great outdoors

We had such a fun time visiting our neighbor, Zeynep's family in their village.  Zeynep brought her nieces, Lucy's friend, Bilgisu and her little sister Bengisu.  They played together so well.  So, Noah and Callie were freed up to seek out adventure!  They hiked all over.  Actually, I still don't know all of what they got into!  Noah brought his knives and slingshot.  He had a blast living the country  boy life!  

I love it that we all got this opportunity to get out and experience something new!  The kids get to run a bit wild and we get to meet new folks and enjoy the slow pace of village life.

The weather was incredible and we stayed until the dark.  We all came home and pretty much crashed.  A day of fun and fresh air really zaps you!!