Our departure for Istanbul is in a few, short days. Though not wanting to sound melodramatic, the thought of giving up all our comforts and routine for 6 months of unknowns has got me a little on edge. Claire, on the other hand, is totally stoked and keen to get going. While I have focussed on getting ready for the trip, putting all the myriad details in place to run the home in our absence, my business, suites, insurances, health care, etc. Claire has been, as always, consumed with her emotionally and psychologically demanding work. She sees a six month holiday ahead of her while I tend to see the possible screw-ups.
Ironically, some of this unease on my part is compounded by the awesome environment that we call home. In the last few years Squamish has gone through substantial change. In the summer it has become an especially vibrant place to be. Every weekend there is a festival, a big outdoor race of some sort or a community event worth attending. The young demographic that typify the community and who share our passion for the outdoors create a synergy, a positive vibe, that is palpable. Though hardly part of the younger crowd we can’t help but share the excitement. Despite having lived here for almost two decades, there are still so many other places to explore and things to do. Strange as it may seem, we are going to miss the summer in this beautiful place.
Some people think we’re crazy to be heading off to a region with so much insecurity. I think they’ve been listening to our war mongering PM (S. Harper) too much and yet, I must admit, given the role Canada has taken in the region, we might not want to display our Canadian flag too proudly. Seriously, after some of the places we’ve lived (Mozambique, Angola, etc.) security is not my concern. On the contrary, from what I’ve heard, the hospitality of the Turks is such that we might have a hard time getting out of the country. Claire is taking some precautions while biking through some of the smaller rural communities in the Islamic countries and will be riding in long pants. It is probably a wise decision.
Anyway, I should read over my ‘to do’ and ‘to bring’ lists one more time before we leave. So, wish us luck. We’ll keep in touch.
OVER THE HILL AND BEYOND 
Dear Folks..
Ray and I enjoyed your 2015 blog,,, up to August this morning,, remarking on the very engaging writing, and photography!! Almost like being there, without the pain and effort!! A truly wonderful ‘journey’ with you, and therefore only want to say “thank you very much”, for this inspiring, refreshing ‘gift’.
Lorraine H
LikeLike
Note: All the original comments from this post were lost as part of the transition from one blog host to another.
LikeLike