IZMIR, TURKEY WITH THE ARMSTRONGs

David had an educational conference to attend in Luxembourg, so we decided that I would go to Izmir, Turkey with the kids a week early instead of waiting around in Romania for him to return. Although the flights are short, the trip in its entirety seemed endless. They are all like that it seems. We have a 3 hour drive to Bucharest, wait 2 hours in the airport, take a 1 hour flight to Istanbul, and wait 4 hours for the connection! Then take another 1 hour fight to Izmir and thankfully the drive to Carole and Trevor’s house was a short 45 minute ride! It’s the connections that kill you when you do multiple destination trips. I know, I know, hard life right!


As we waited for our flight in the Bucharest Airport, I was surprised to see the terminal full of US Army soldiers awaiting a flight to Afghanistan. Apparently they had flown to Bucharest direct from New York and stayed here for 4 nights to acclimatize to the time change. (I am sure some fun was had in Bucharest!) I watched them walking around in groups, chatting, laughing, eating and resting when I noticed a young man sitting in front of me who appeared to be in deep thought. He was a tall, muscular black man and with his shaved head and in his army fatigues, he wouldn’t be someone I would cross! I wondered what he was thinking. “Am I going to live through this?” “What have I done?” “Why did I sign that paper?” “Will I see my family again?” Suddenly our eyes met and I knew he saw me wondering about him. Seems the Romanian stare is catchy. I smiled at him and he smiled at me. He asked, “Where are you going with all these girls?” From his warm accent I could tell he was from the south and his hard exterior seems to soften in front of my eyes. I told him we were on our way to Turkey for a vacation. I suddenly felt very guilty and ashamed for what I was doing in contrast to him. He saw my guilt, like a trained soldier able to identify guilty parties, but he smiled and said, “Everyone deserves a vacation once in a while ma’am!” I asked him if he was starting a 6 month tour. He chuckled and replied, “No I’m probably looking at 10 months or maybe a year.” Then he followed by saying, “Are you Canadian?” I was surprised at his guess. I never get asked that question. It is always assumed I’m an American. “How did you know?” I asked.

“Well, the Canadians do a 6 month tour of duty.” Well of course, that’s what gave me away. “They really got it good those Canadians but they are great to work with.” He said with a smile. At that moment my flight got called to the gate so as I gathered the children I searched for what to say to this man. Something appropriate but not stupid. Don’t sound like an idiot!
I turned to say goodbye and he was standing beside me. I looked up, way up and said,
“I just want you to know how brave I think you are, and you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.”
He put out his hand and thanked me. I don’t know his name or anything about him but I will never forget him. I hope he makes it out alive.

I’m not sure if I’ve ever documented this but I hate flying. I get a nervous stomach about a week before I fly and the day of our flight, I’m a nervous wreck. Our Flight to Istanbul was short but the landing is one I will never forget. I was sitting at the very back of the plane with Ruby and Evelyn and Gabrielle were sitting in front of me. The man I was sitting beside chatted with me the entire flight and was very lovely. He had told me that he flies every 3 weeks so he was a very comfortable flyer. As we descended, the plane seemed to be experiencing a lot of turbulence. I thought it must be because I’m at the “back of the bus” and can feel all the movements so much more. We were approaching the runway and the plane was bouncing all over the place. Side to side, up and back, it seemed out of control. Suddenly the comfortable flyer grabs the seat ahead of him and yells, “Jesus Christ!” and looks at me as if to say, “This is not normal!” I am holding Ruby on my lap and the cold sweat running down my elbows was chilling me. I looked over at the woman beside me and notice she was wretching into the barf bag. Retching is something that always makes me laugh. People that are preparing to vomit are very funny typically because they make the most ridiculous faces. I often have to look away from my kids or my patient because I can’t stop from laughing at them. I know I’m terrible but it’s true. This time, however, I was not laughing. I looked through the seats to check to the big girls so that I might be able to reassure them without sounding fake. Suddenly they both put their arms up and yelled, “Weeeeeeee!” The man beside me looked at me and smiled. When we touched down the breaks seemed to have to work extra hard to stop us. But they did. The captain came on and told us that we had just experienced some sudden cross winds coming up from the Mediterranean. No shit!

I wanted to kiss the ground when I arrived to Izmir. Thank god, no more flying for 2 whole weeks. Just relaxation time with Carole and I was looking forward to it. We hadn’t seen Carole and Trevor for almost 1 year. They met us at the airport and we stuffed all our luggage in the car and made our way to their home. Now having just written a blog about my change in perspective what I was about to see was sure to blow me away.

I felt like I had it really good being expatriated to Galati compared to Roman but when we arrived at Carole and Trevor’s house I was in disbelief.

Trevor was expatriated to Izmir in October of 2009 for a term of 2 years. What a beautiful place! Palm trees, a pool, huge gorgeous gardens, the sea within walking distance and a beautiful view.

The hedges all around the compound that they lived on were Rosemary hedges.

The size of them was unbelievable. Enormous stone walls bordered the hedges which gave the area a really nice old rustic look. After a heavy rain here, the air smells so sweet and delicious you want to run in the house and make roast pork with all the trimmings. Except that Turkey is an Islamic country (for the most part) and you can’t find pork or bacon or bacon bits anywhere! The inside of their new home was totally in check with the outside. 

Tastefully decorated and in keeping with the rustic theme outdoors, it reminded me of a lovely bed and breakfast in a posh little village.  Or perhaps an upscale cottage north of Toronto. 

I guess you would consider it a side split home with 6 levels which includes a look-out at the very top.  There is at least one bedroom on every level with the exeption of the main level which hosts the kitchen, living room, dining room and a sun room.  It was very simply lovely in everyway.  There was a courtyard in the front entrance where we would have morning tea or Ruby would enjoy time to practice her singing. 

The local dog known as "Jamour" has adopted Carole (gee I wonder why?) and took a great interest in my children.  Especially Ruby. 

I think it had something to do with the fact that she always seem to have some kind of food on her face.  Throughout our two week visit, Ruby and Jamour were inseperable.  Exploring all areas of the house and discovering that in warm climates, bugs are huge! 

We took full advantage of the pool as often as we could but what I really enjoyed were the views.  Everywhere you looked it seemed was another spectacular view. 

This is the view from Carole's bathtub into the backyard.  You can even see the sea from your bath.  Ahhh! It was paradise and Carole was a hostess with the mostess.  Trevor worked 12 hours a day and even worked on Saturdays which was a shame but in the end, his work is the reason we were able to come to Turkey and enjoy this beautiful sight.   We waited for David to join us and looked forward to visiting the beach at Cesme, Pammukale and Alacanti in the following week. Blog and photos to follow.

Alison xx