The Rooke Family Blog: 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.