Minarets, cats and storytime...Maşallah!!!

Every supreme being needs some loyal followers, and Emily's arrival to Turkey for the first time saw her quickly gather her own merry band. Little did we realise before we set off to meet the family quite just how much Turks love children. Particularly ones that look quite cute with blue eyes, like our very own daughter. Everywhere we went over our 12 days on the border of Europe and Asia, the supreme being was met with cries of "Maşallah" - a term of joy and thankfulness, as well as one of protection from the evil eye - and people wanting to pick her up, take her photo or just generally give her some attention. And that was from total strangers, never mind about the fuss made of her by the family. But she loved every minute...Glasgow will seem quite dull from now on in.

First flight excitement

Our flight to Turkey was the start of the adventure, involving a sprint across Schipol airport to make our connection with seconds to spare (although our luggage never made it till the next day). Emily took to flying very well, giggling her way through take off and landing, as well as ingratiating herself to all the passengers by parading up and down the aisle and grinning to all.

We were met by Aunty Afifa - to whom Emily became immediately infatuated with, before braving a short drive in the mayhem of Istanbul's traffic to meet the rest of the clan. It seemed like half of Turkey (and some of Iraq) had come to greet us, and I was made to feel truly welcome which was wonderful. The supreme being was in her element - being passed from one relative to the next - each time a total fuss being made of her. She was of course delighted.

The following days were spent meeting all the family at a more leisurely pace, with much delicious food eaten and great conversation and laughter had, as we celebrated Kurban Bayramı (Eid al-Adha) with them. We ventured out into hustle and bustle of Istanbul and around, with trips to the Marmara Sea, Bosphorus and the family's summer house in nearby Sapanca. So a massive, massive thank you to all the Akarsu's, Cinol's, Topcu's and Gedik's for their very generous and geniune hospitality. We had a brilliant time...

 Promending on the Marmara Sea

 Holding court for the family

Admiring the view over Istanbul

 Breakfast in the sun in Sapanca

 Dipping one's toes in Lake Sapanca

 Mummy and the lovely Aunty Afifa

Heading off on our own to "old" Istanbul

And so we set off for the rest of our trip. We were due to spend a few days in Istanbul centre and then a few days on Büyükada, one of the Princes' Islands just off the coast in the Marmara Sea. For those of you that haven't been, Istanbul is a place sparking with life and steeped in history. It's phenomenally busy, with gridlocked traffic, but on the border of Europe and Asia it's hustle and bustle infects you after a while and you can easily become entranced by it's charms. It's old world sites are some of the wonders of the world and we passed a magical few days soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

 Arriving at night - Emi soaking up the culture

 Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque)

Aya Sofya - built in the 6th century!

 Frantic fishing on the Golden Horn Bridge

Setting sail to Büyükada (but not on a boat quite so large)

Büyükada is the largest of the Princes' Islands, although at 2 square miles it's still possible to explore it all on foot. No cars are allowed on the island, which bought welcome relief after frenetic Istanbul, and many people get around on bicycle or by horse and carriage. Everyone wants to welcome you in Büyükada, and the supreme being continued collecting followers all over the island. We ate more gorgeous seafood, explored the coolness of the forests, got wowed by the island's villas and admired the views back to sprawling Istanbul. Emily loved watching the horses going by, became absolutely besotted with the islands ubiquitous cats and, best of all for me, grew to love storytime with Daddy. Magic stuff... marred only by our bags getting lost again on the way home.

The view back to Istanbul from the island's highest point

 Horse watching

 Lunch decisions...always tricky

 One of many millionaires houses

 Not a great beach...but still, on the beach in October

 Dad-Daughter evening stroll

Whacked out by the fun

Cat love (Part 1)

Videoclip: Cat love (Part 2)

 Storytime with Daddy

Homeward bound after a brilliant holiday

Nearly there...

When not walking, the supreme being travels in style

It's been one week since Emily's bid for freedom in Banchory. People say that once they start walking there's no stopping them, and the supreme being's certainly been practicing her independent steps very hard. She's been going further and further each night, and tonight reached ten of her tiny paces. She loves her new found ability to mobilise and it really won't be long now before she'll be off good and proper.

We're off to Turkey in a few days to introduce the supreme being to the relatives over there and squeeze in a bit of sightseeing and downtime. Am not sure how much of the latter we will get though as she'll be running us ragged anytime now. Baton down the hatches, the supreme being is nearly mobile!!

Not her best attempt but you get the idea

Going solo in Banchory...

Today is Emily's 11-month birthday. I can't believe that in a months time she will be one years old. Whilst on one level this time seems to a have flown in, when I try and revisit all that has happened in the past 11 months, it feels like we have taken only the first few steps on a very long and momentous journey. Whatever the reality - I wouldn't change any of it, and hope as we move closer to year 2 that we keep going with the same zest for life that we have now.

 Day 1 and 11 months on - nothing like a wee nap.

Our most recent adventures saw us travelling back up to Banchory for a spot of 'R and R' with Nana and Baba. The supreme being was once again instantly taking things in her stride and settled right back into life in Royal Deeside. Nana and Baba treated us all like royalty and even allowed Mummy and Daddy a trip out to 'Go Ape' - much fun. Good food was eaten, lovely walks had, and best of all wee Emily took a definite step on the road to going solo with her first steps unaided.

 Ssshwiinggg....it rocks

Celebrating Canada Day

Supreme Being with Royal Entourage

Videoclip: Won't be long till she's walking now