Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
It's funny, when I set out on this trip nearly a year ago, there was a lot I didn't know. I didn't know where I was going. I didn't know when I was coming back. I didn't know where I would find money when it started to run out (I still don't have most of these answers!). But as cliche as it sounds, I did know one thing. I knew that no matter what happened, it would be a life changing experience. But there was something else I didn't know. I didn't know just how life changing it would be.
As you all know I met a girl by the name of Sadife (Sedef) when traveling through Turkey. I met her in September and ended up staying in Turkey for more than five months. I was finally forced to leave because my bank account had hit zero about five months prior when I met her. I lived off of people's charity, staying at different houses around Izmir, first with Peri for two months, who I owe greatly for giving me the opportunity to stay and eventually fall in love. Later I stayed with Öznur for a month, then with Fatma for a week, Gül for more than a month, Gamze in Istanbul and finally Ümit. I never paid a dime for room and board and I owe all of these people greatly for their kindness. Most of them don't speak English and will never see my thanks in writing, but there it is. They changed me life. As did Sedef.
I went back to see her during my break in April and although I'm a little late delivering this news on my blog (I wanted to make sure all the family heard from me directly first), I will be getting married to her this August or September. It's a quick marriage 'cause we didn't want to make a huge deal out of it. Why wait a year when you already know the outcome? Instead we decided a small ceremony, a quick wedding and thus I begin my life anew, for the second time in less than a year.
It's funny, you really never know how things will pan out when you just let life happen. But so far everything has been so much more than I ever imagined it could be.
Anyway, I'll stop my ramble here. I took some pics of the area here lately and I will post some on the blog soon. In the mean time, here's a couple pics of my new fiance and I. I'm sure you'll all meet her eventually!
Sedef in April in Akyaka
Sedef and I at Christmas
3 comments:
Congratulations from all of us at Storke Prevention. All 7 of us want to know what color our bridesmaids gowns should be. You have not given us much time to prepare. Have you got our plane tickets yet. I predicted this along time ago and we are very happy for you and Sadife. You both look very happy and Congratulations and a Happy Life.
Further to my last comment where are you going to be at the end of September early October. We are going on a med cruise and possibly spend some time prior or after the cruise. We should keep in touch and if we are at all close could meet for a meal if not is OK too. P>S> I won the pool. Carol
Hey gang! Thanks for the congrats! And yeah, I know you all called it. And if any of you DO want to take some vacation time and come you're more than welcome! But tickets are on you! :)
Oh and Carol I will be in Istanbul at the end of Sept. and early Oct. If you want to come visit me I will one up your meal suggestion and show you around too! I've been to Istanbul a few times now and know it pretty well! Lemme know if you'll be in the neighbourhood!
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