Say "Hello" to Incirlik

Entrance into Incirlik

After seven months out here, it is safe to say that we are feeling settled and the Incirlik now feels like home. It struck me when returning from one of our vacations that as we turned into the village I felt a "familiar" feeling that instead of feeling like a tourist. Our lives have certainly changed a lot, but it is a nice thing to relate comfortably as a local rather than a long-term visitor. The idiosyncrasies are just part of life in Turkey and no longer seem as outrageous as when we first arrived. We speak enough of the language to get by, we can list our favorite local hang-outs and restaurants, we know where to go shopping and which markets carry the best produce. I have a tailor and beauty shop I frequent, I know the best place to get ice cream and a nice bakery to pick up fresh bread.

This picture is of the Thursday market in the village. I usually come home with my arms full of the best fresh fruits and vegetables for only around $10! I can get a whole kilo of strawberries for 2,5 Turkish Lira, one kilo of cucumbers for 1 TL, or a large watermelon for 3TL! (1 kilo = 2.2 lbs.; $1.85 = 1 TL)

Emine, my seamstress, and her daughter

Tailor and Convenience Store.

After completing our shopping at the market, we frequently stop by and see Emine and her husband at their tailor shop.  I can bring her a picture of clothing I want made, and she will make it for me! The convenience store next door is owned by her brother, and is a favorite of Elijah's. He has gotten very used to picking out a treat for being a "good boy" while Mommy shops at the market!

 Right next door is a fantastic bakery that simply lures you in with its smells alone! It's hard to pass up their "apple turnovers" or baklava, let alone a fresh loaf for only ,750 TL.

However, even with us living overseas, our boys don't know any different. They have been blessed with such an idyllic childhood that it warms my heart and makes all the challenges so much more bearable. There are playgrounds on every corner and friends just down the street. There are bounce houses, playgroups, the pool and library story times during the day. Daddy works close enough to come home for lunch and evenings are spent riding bikes in our cul-de-sac, playing baseball in our front yard or running through the sprinklers. Elijah has no clue that the commissary ran out of milk again or that the base is turning off our power during the afternoon on a 90°+ day. It truly helps every once in awhile to look at our life through the eyes of our children. We have been blessed!