Mom!

My mom came to Istanbul! Altogether, I've lived in Istanbul for over 2 years and it was the first time; there had been other attempts to come out but something always came up, or I was able to go home. Mom had been here about 10 years ago (I could have sworn it was longer), so she's done the touristy things - she was more interested in meeting my friends, seeing where I worked, lived, and hung out. I think we were pretty successful! Unfortunately the weather was typical Istanbul weather - rainy and gray, but fortunately not cold and we had one really nice sunny day. It was sooo nice to have her here, we're compatible and it was fun to show her everything I've always talked about. Here are a few photos documenting what we did:



We visited the Spice Bazaar in Eminonu





Yeni Camii/New Mosque, next to the bazaar



Modern/traditional



Kumpir - baked potato with cheese and butter stirred into it - with lots of fun toppings on it, in Bebek



We also ate a waffle with chocolate sauce and sprinkles on it in Bebek.



View from the neighborhood where I used to live.



I wanted Mom to be able to meet all of my friends so we had a "Mom night" where my mom cooked Mom-food and my friends were able to talk to a mom. She lugged out many boxes of macaroni and cheese (powdered cheese) which was much appreciated, and we also had honey mustard chicken, rice, garlic bread, salad, and for dessert, brownies (some with peanut butter swirled in), lemon squares, snickerdoodles, and peanut butter oatmeal balls. Needless to say, we were all happy and full! It was nice of mom to sacrifice a day to cook for us!





Lots of people, lots of food!







The next day, on Sunday, which is my off day, Mom and I went to Cengiz and his sister's house where she had prepared a huge and delicious breakfast.





Learning to make Turkish coffee







On the ferry, from Besiktas to Kadikoy.

It was a short but sweet visit - I think we/she covered a lot of territory but hopefully she and more family will come out next spring - we'll see! I hope so, my peanut butter supply might be low by that point...