Merhaba from Bodrum Turkey!
Although it may seem Güven and I have it together, we do not escape the common feelings of fear and anxiety. Saturday we drove to Chicago (8 hours - we stopped in CLE to pick up a friend), Monday we flew (10 hours) to Istanbul, Tuesday we drove (8 hours) to Bodrum, and today we wondered how much more of this adventure we could physically and mentally take.
We take photographs of happy times to store for later but the hard times take up a lot of mental storage. Traveling to the other side of the world with 3 kids under 5 years old during a pandemic isn’t easy. But once we rounded the corner of the last mountain obstructing our view of the sea, I felt the calm (My 2022 Word!) I’ve been seeking.
Today we shared hellos, homemade food, kisses and rakı.
Tomorrow will be a bit of exploring and shopping.
I love this small life. We worked so hard for this moment.
I moved to Turkey on purpose this time. I was afraid we wouldn’t make it here. Now that we are here, I am focused on feeling deserving of it.
Oh, did I mention my close friend and biz BFF is here too? Founder of Cleveland Flea and @theslowstartup, Steph Sheldon (+Churro), decided to adventure with us and rented an Airbnb in our neighborhood! She’s also a wonderful Teyze (aunt in Turkish) to our kids. I can’t wait to see what fun things we dream up and execute together!
Hello March 2022, you are looking good from here.
Hope you are having similar vibes.
With love,
xx Allie
& Güven, Reyla, Derya and Atlas
p.s. I left my phone on our shuttle bus. But I think that was the only physical hiccup we experienced while traveling so I’d say it was an overall success. And I’m getting my phone back this weekend 😁 📲 🎉.
About Together Textiles:
Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey currently in TURKEY on Instagram @togethertextiles.
Photos by Steph Sheldon
