Slamming Whiskey, Sipping Wine

It has been intentional. My silence - the necessity of which was painful because silence is not my forte.
Since December, I have remained in Turkey and done my best  to adjust to daily changes in schedule, mindset and spirit. I have a multitude of stories to tell and equally bountiful thoughts to reflect upon....

I've reconnected with an old friend in Turkey. We were always in contact but have recently spent a lot more time together. In fact, you might know him by his first name, Butter? If you've forgotten his face you would certainly recognize him once you...

Question: What are Turkish people thankful for?
Answer: Their teachers.
Ironically (or perhaps, not so ironically) Nov 24th is Teacher Appreciation Day in Turkey. This means students shower you with gifts, flowers, love & adoration. Even the ones you thought didn't care for you! I received numerous roses & tulips...

Everyone's seen the Disney movie Aladdin (if you haven't please do NOT continue reading until you have).
You know the scene when Jasmine casually hands a hungry little beggar boy an apple - then walks away without paying? The merchant-man accuses her of stealing & threatens to cut off her hand if she doesn't pay for the fruit. Standard (but not accurately...