Well, I am beginning to really get excited. I am planning my clothing, jewelry, shoes, and how to get them to their destination in "not a big suitcase". The song, "I'm so Excited" keeps flittering through my head and it makes me smile. I am arranging appointments, rearranging things happening, and trying to maintain some semblance of composure and relaxation around the house.... it has not worked well as of yet.
Last week my housemate and I went to St. Augustine, FL, the oldest city in the state being founded by Ponce de Leon in the early 1600's. I love to go there because it is laid back, filled with history, scenic, and I enjoy riding the "Red Train" around the city, catching the many sites to see, without having to walk miles and miles. It was a 2 day trip there and it was relaxing though the first day was rainy and VERY cold for Florida. I was not prepared for it to be as "chilly" as it was but I was able to still enjoy myself those days.
Since then, I have learned when Mesut's vacation time is officially. We planned for it to be March sometime but were not sure just when. Now after 5 yrs of not being together, not seeing each other online except for the rare treat, I get to visit him again. He has planned our itinerary and it seems it will be another wonderful stay. I love the Biblical history of Turkey and would like more than 10 days to explore those sites. We will begin in Istanbul, so I can rest after the 20 hour trip. We will then travel to Canukkale to see where Helen of Troy came into the city in the famed wooden horse. From there we travel to Izmir City, known in Biblical times as Ephesus. I want to see the many places the Apostle Paul walked. I want to see the library there and all the architecture remaining. I love archeology and love exploring ruins of times gone by. From there we will go on an adventure.
Mesut told me he planned "one surprise" for me....and that is a trip to Cyprus to finally meet my good friend, and sister, Anastasia. We have written blogs and commented on each other's writings, talked on the phone, corresponded through emails, and I have longed to finally meet her and hug her. We will fly into Larnaca that Friday and return late Sunday night. I am anxious to see the beauty of Cyprus, to see the lace made in Larnaca but the greatest experience is meeting and speaking with Anastasia and her husband, Alkis. Words do not express how excited i am.
When we return we will go to Pamukkale and go to the thermal waters of the Cotton mountain of limestone. They say there are healing powers in the water so we are both going to get into the springs and try it out. He has bad knees from his work and I have fibromyalgia so I figure "it can't hurt". We will stay there a couple days and then go to either Istanbul or Luleburgaz so he can introduce me to a lady I have spoken to on MSN (Skype) and written to several yrs ago. Apparently she wants to meet me. Then the last of our time together will be in Istanbul. I fly out on Friday morning and arrive back home on Saturday night (almost Sunday morning).
So I am gathering, purging, singing, dancing, trying to sleep but sleep escapes me;.... Because many dreams are finally coming true for me. Mesut calls me his Princess... and truly I feel as if I am a princess. I am blessed by God to have this man love me; but also for being able to travel and see the places I have always wanted to see. I am blessed!!!!!