Istanbul was Constantinople

A week ago I had to travel to Istanbul, Turkey for a conference, and to meet with a  new partner.  However, this time, I was luckily enough to have my brother Doug with me (as he was on his way to Cairo for work).  Having another person along forced me to actually take some pictures.

In case you do not know, my brother and I are both on the cheap side. Shopping is not really our thing. However we both enjoy street food (As opposed to fine dinning, which is wasted on us and our underdeveloped pallets.)  Luckily there are many great things to eat in Turkey.

We enjoyed a number of different baclava style treats. Honey and nuts seem to be a popular combination (especially pistacho).  Doug tried to explain what he was looking for, but it did not seem to work.  We just enjoyed what we were given. I think they expected us to buy larger quantities?

We spent a lot of time wandering the old bazaars and markets. However, it was soon clear that there were no bargins to be had. These shop owners were used to large tour buses full of eager shoppers and loose wallets. 

We soon discover Turkish ice cream (Dondurma - which is Turkish for 'Freezing') It is very elastic (is actually has the ingredient Mastic inside), and does not melt very easily. You will notice the guy above twirling it around on a long metal spoon.  These sticky characteristic allow the ice cream guys to have some fun with the ice cream and their customers. it like desert and a show. 

We were both surprised how many foods included nuts of all shapes and sizes. Pistachio Pie anyone?

Of corse in the end, we ate a lot of Kebab. It is hard not to. There seems to be a Kebab stand every time you turn around.  

Plus many restaurants employ waiters to try and entice you off the street with their charming personalities and pick up lines... such as "where are you from?" and 'I love you!". 

In the end, we could only eat so much. We finally broke down and did some shopping  After getting directions to a few of the local hot spots, we soon had shopping fever.

There seemed to be nothing we didn't want to buy. Ornate glass lamps. Key chains and statues. 

Spices and candy of every color and description. Of course there were lots of nuts and dried fruits, rugs, carvings, jewelry...

The list went on and on. With our interest piqued, we decided to check out some of the more upscale shopping areas.

Doug bought a picture of this scene (Of the Galata Tower, a prominent landmark in the Golden Horn, built in 1348). Unfortunately the poster started to fray almost immediately  but Doug took solace in the fact that he has purchased it rom a Mute?

Before long our wandering had taken us to the troubled Taskim square, sight of an ongoing government protest and continued unrest.  Each night there are fires, tear gas, water cannons, and clashes with the police. But in the day time, it is calm and quiet.. just another place to shop and walk around. 

Before long we were scouring side walk flea markets, sifting through second hand items and other junk. When I contemplated buying a doll for Shayne, we knew we had gone to far.

We quickly found a street vendor selling food (in this case mouth watering water melons) and got back to what we knew and did best... eat. 

Which was good, because most of the areas we walked through seemed to be closed for business.  It was a bit spooky?

Of course, not visit to Istanbul is complete with aout a tour of the famous Bosphorus Straight, which separates Europe and Asia.  It is one of the great business waterways of the world. We jumped on a ferry and  away we went. 

But not before a rowdy group of government supporters  (fresh from a rally with the President) made their way onto the boat next to us, singing, chanting, flag waving, throwing bottles and lighting flares.  The boat was rocking and rolling from all the people, and their chorus echoed as they departed.  We wondered if we had got on the right boat. Our was much more quiet and boring.

However, faster then tear gas will burn your eyes, the trip was over.  Doug was on a flight to Cairo, while I had a few more meetings to attend. It was great to spend some time with my brother (including the potentially awkward Turkish bath).  It made me realize how much I appreciate family.

...And traveling with some one as cheap and easily amused as myself!

Busy Days in Dalkey

I arrived home from Turkey to find our little village of Dalkey abuzz! American flags were hung from every pub and lamp post.  

Everyone seemed to know that Michelle Obama and her daughters were coming to have lunch with Bono, and his family, at his favorite pub in Dalkey (Finnegan's) I hope it was not suppose to be a state secret?

The streets were lined with police and security.  Here is a picture of Bono, his wife Ali and their two boys outside the pub. This was taken by a friend. Rebekah was invited to go along but decided to enjoy the lovely weather in Wicklow county instead of in the crowds downtown. 

The next day was 'Fairy Tale' dress up day at school.  As usual, we heard about it that morning while getting dressed. After a mad rush around the house, we came up with little red riding hood and Paul Bunyan (only one American boy knew of Paul at school.  I guess he is not very popular in Europe?).  Next year we will be prepared!  

On Saturday, we enjoyed Castle Park's Sports Day.  We were luck to have my Nephew Matt Jackson staying with us. He was a good sport and came along (not that he had much choice).

Like any good track and field meet, most of the day was spent sitting around talking with friends. Luckily it was a nice day. Here are the kids with other members of "Toone house."

Then for a few brief mad seconds, The race was on.  Shayne won her heat.  She was bit surprised to finish the race with no one in sight... but decided to lean in to the tape for good measure. 

 

Weston participated in a few events. As luck would have it, they all seemed to take place in the last 5 minutes of the day.  He was running from event to event.  Here he is throwing the discus.

Then it was off to the Long Jump, where he broke the 3rd grade record! Nice work!

And then on to the big final event...  the Boys 4X100 relay.  He was asked to run the anchor leg for the Toone House team.

He was up against his good friend Sebastian (the fastest kid in 3rd grade). Wes had a slight lead after the handoff...

And managed to hold of Sebastian and win the race for Toone House. He was ecstatic (and so was his Mom)!

After all the events, came the fund raising. Weston, Shayne and a couple of friends had entered an idea for a carnival game.  Their idea was one of the games chosen.  For 10 cents, you were given one ball.  With that ball you tried to "Hit the Wolf."  If you hit the wolf, you won a prize.  Here is Weston drieesed like a wolf, while some kid is trying to pelt him?  Not sure which of them came up with that idea? But they were able to raise some money for their school playground.  We all went home exhausted.  It has been a busy few days in Dalkey. 

A day in the life of: Third Form (Grade) Shayne

It has been a few years since I covered an average day for the kids.  The end of the school year is fast approaching. I decided to take some pictures of Shayne. Shayne is our early bird.  She is usually up around 5, and either spends a few hours reading in her bed, or coming downstairs to snuggle in bed with us. 

Once I pull my lazy old bones out of bed, the kids are usually there waiting. Breakfast comes first. We seem to rotate between cold cereal, fried eggs, oatmeal, french toast or maybe pancakes. 

Then it is back upstairs to get dressed.  The required school uniform makes this an easy chore.

When the song "Molly Malone" comes on the stereo,  it signals a last minute check of school bags, kits bags, hair and shoes and then we are out the door!

In the car, Shayne loves to listen to the radio. It does not matter if it is an audio book, music or podcast. The only request is "Dad, can you turn it up".   As we approach school, she is all eye's, tying to find some of her friends. 

Despite the rain, she makes her way (along with some friends) into school for the day. While I am not exactly sure what goes on from 8:40 to 3:30... She seems to have a good time and be an excellent student.

At 3:30 I am back at school to pick her up. She is not allowed to leave the school until I arrive and she can 'check out' with the teacher.  Shayne is always in good spirits after school, and gives me a big hug and greeting. I love that girl!

Once home, and without being reminded, she is on the piano for some practice time. She is getting better each week!

Before long, the kids want dinner.  Tonight Rebekah is in Utah, so I make dinner.  Thus, it is a sad affair... cheese quesadilla's, apple's, chips and dried fruit.  Not my finest hour. Following dinner comes a few chores (like dishes and sweeping the floor). Before she is off to finish some homework. 

Not sure if she is reading for school or pleasure?  But she loves this cozy spot.  Sometimes she needs a reminder to read her school material, and not get sidetracked with other books!

Apparently math requires a table. 

"Sorry, I can not help you.  Go ask your Mother!"

Once all her chores and homework are done, it is into pajama's and then into bed.  Surprise! She is reading again!  She is happy as long as she has Sucking Bunny and Peter the bear by her side.

With Mom out of town,  Shayne takes the opportunity to sneak down to our bed early (while I am out walking the dog one last time).  I think about waking her up and sending her back to her own bed... but then I remember  the school year is almost over, and she is almost in fourth grade...  I do not have many more years of this to enjoy.  I love you Shayne.