October has really snuck up on me. It seems like not too long ago that I made my final post from my summer vacation in Turkey, and now autumn is suddenly in full force. It’s been less than two months, actually, since I returned, and it’s hard to believe that so much has happened during that time, including the start of the school year and a lovely shift in the weather. I certainly won’t miss the heat, but time seems to be moving eerily fast. I suppose that’s a good sign, though…

I’ve been living in Turkey now for six months. During that time, I have never left the country or seen anyone from home. This half-year point is an exciting one for me: it’s a length of time that feels at once substantial and inconsequential. There is so much I’ve learned, and so much I know now that I didn’t before, but there’s also the knowledge that six months is a drop in the bucket – there’s so much more for me to do and see and experience and learn. My perspective has been changed, but I know it’s still in flux, and that’s pretty cool.

Of perhaps even greater excitement is another upcoming holiday, this time to Ireland, and this time with my family. It was a trip planned long before I moved to Istanbul, and until now it’s felt far enough away as to not be real. Plus, when it was discussed and booked, I was living with my parents, which put me literally as close to them as I could get. At the time it was at most a cool idea. But now that I’ve found myself halfway around the world, having been without my family for many months, I can hardly contain myself when I think about leaving tomorrow. I owe so many of my opportunities and successes to them – I miss them, and I really cannot wait to see them!!

Of course, I’ll take lots of photos and post them here, but I might be out of touch for a couple weeks. I’ll certainly post from the road if I can, but I’ll soon be back in full force regardless. In the meantime, all my love!