One more before we go...

We had a delightful stay with John and Audrey. John was sad to see us go, as there is much more work to be done at The Old Rectory. Maybe next summer...

John asked if I would apologize to our Moms for him...he took us to three different pubs in three days and felt like he was leading us astray. No apology necessary!
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English weather

It is a dreary and wet day in Devon today. If, however, you happen to be at a cozy 15th century rectory, it is the ideal weather. Our schedule: Tea, reading, a soggy walk in the woods, tea, conversation, a nap, tea, debate about which pub to patronize, pints of bitter, fish and chips, and probably more tea.

The Homies are 1 win away from a Park National League Championship!
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Lumberjacks!

We have been enjoying the gentle pace of life at The Old Rectory. The big activity of the day was a trip to Tiverton and a stop at the pub for a pint of bitter! Feeling as though something responsible should be accomplished, and to feel masculine, John and Christian decided to drop a troublesome tree.

Jen supervised, made sure the dogs were safe from falling limbs and documented the event.
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On to Tiverton!

We made it on our 11:27 a.m. train from London to Tiverton thanks to Nick's superb driving skills (Wakey-Wakey!!!!). Thanks for a fantastic visit Nick and Susannah!
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London!

In London with Nick and Suzannah at the Union Arms pub. Stella all around!

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Barber Shop

Christian had a good shave yesterday--I barely recognize him. It cost 5 Lira. Which I think is a great price for the barber's blade skills and finesse with the shaving cream...
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Our friends!

The picture is not great, but we became friends with these 2 young men who work at the hotel. After we chatted a while they picked up their instruments and played for us. Wonderful! Their names are Murat and Hussein.
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Hakin--this is for you!

Today we had a delicious Turkish coffee with apricots off the tree and dried apricot seeds. Serefe!
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Cappadocia

Hey all! This is Jen and Christian--JOINT blogging from our beautiful cave hotel in Ayvali near Urgup, Turkey. The past 24 hours have been remarkable. Our 16 hour train trip became 19 hours, which caused a little excitement. Our kind taxi driver helped us get on the last bus to Urgup minutes before departure. Meanwhile, a rainstorm slowed our progress and added to the adventure! Arriving quite late in Urgup, having not eating real food all day, we stopped for dinner at a random cafe (one of many). The owner, Hadir, his father and a friend descended upon us to help us to our destination. While we ate tasty cheeseburgers and frıes they looked up our hotel on the internet and called for the free shuttle bus. Half an hour later we had our own private chauffeur through the stormy night to the Gamirasu Hotel (look it up--it's sweet!) We were so excited to arrive at our cozy room.



Today was spent with 6 others on a private tour. Our guide, Aylin, brought us to see some incrdible sites. The area is full of cave dwellings that have been used as homes, churches, and wineries for hundreds and in some cases thousands of years. We also went to a pottery where they let us try throwing a pot. But, the joke was on them! Christian made a lovely bowl. Jen also tried to throw a pot...um...yeah. She needs a few lessons.



Now back in our cozy cave, more rain approaches. We are amazed by the landscape of this place, and continually struck by the kindness of the people we meet in Turkey.



Hope all is well.

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Orient Expess!!

Our tour ended today :( It was a little sad to leave our fun friends and the support of the guide. Currently we are taking an overnight train to an area called Cappadocia. We have our own little private cabin. Not fancy, but quite comfortable. We departed from Haydarpasa Train Station which was built to be the starting point of the Orient Express in 1909 (or close to that date). Cappadocia will be fun and the 3 days we have planned will be jam-packed. Getting to England will be almost as familiar as home. Sorry the photo is so bad. It is dark in here and Jen's finger is in the way!!! Golly she is bad at photography.

Thank you for the postings everybody!
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