Part Four: Antalya, Turkey & a Farewell

Almost forgot to post the last pictures from my stay in Turkey! So here is Antayla, a city on the southwest coast of Turkey.

The Mediterranean is by far my favorite sea.

Chillin'

I swam at this spot a few summers ago. It was a little too cold to swim this time around, but I was SO tempted.

The many faces of Bartu, my new baby cousin...isn't he precious?

Cool tile in my cousin Leylan's kitchen. Turkish people opt for interesting tile throughout the house.

Park by the sea.

My two cousins Bertan and Leylan (surrounding me) and Bertan's wife.

View from the window every morning I woke up...

...which warmed up my soul, after being a bit distressed from making the decision not to stay in Turkey. Antalya was my last stop before flying back home, so I felt bittersweet while staying there. Still, I knew coming home was the right decision.

Turkey will always be there for me, a home away from home, and I will always go back throughout my life. Sometimes timing is off, but in actuality it may be perfect, even when it doesn't seem that way. I feel content to be back in San Diego. And I have no regrets for trying to live in Turkey. I think what I'm proud of myself for is trying. I tried.

I know exactly who I am and exactly where I should be, and there's something comforting in reaching that place. I wouldn't have gotten to that state of mind if I didn't first try for Turkey. Funny how life pans out...never as we plan it.