Back in Kusadasi

And oh the joy of sun upon the back as one sits sipping a cappucino... Very good Italian coffee here, as well as the Turkish variety.
We flew direct to Izmir and were collected by our pre-booked taxi, driven by a gentle, quiet man who spoke a little Italian, having spent six months in Sicily. That was long ago, I guess -- he told us he now has two adult sons. It was fun speaking Italian. My Turkish remains minimal...
The weather here is utterly delightful, the light sparkles on the water, a soft wind blows...
While we were away we had new upholstery made for the cabin -- a great improvement. Here some pix of the cheered-up interior.

Once we had unpacked and stowed objects in appropriate places we looked at each other and exclaimed, almost in disbelief: This is perfect! A small home in a place where the sun sets over the sea (rosy glory) behind the purple mountains of Samos. Where the thin moon rises into a starry sky. Where we are gently rocked asleep and lulled through all our dreams. Where we do not have to rush (to avoid the next downpour of rain!) or to get things done before darkness falls. Where we can read, and listen to Mozart (on our excellent installation) or learn a language (joyful new words twisting round the tongue...) and David can puzzle over his equations concerning pandiagonal magic squares... 
Here he is seated at the nav table, happily employed...

 I have just completed reading Miss Garnet's Angel by Salley Vicars. Rarely have I felt so satisfied as I finished a book. I think I read this one at the right moment, in the right place. Felt quite sad that I had to close the last page -- but also complete, as if a puzzle had been solved. Many elements from Zarathustran thought/belief, about which I had learnt when visiting Iran. Highly recommended to all who are interested in angels and devils! And even those who aren't...

Have acquired a book which purports to be 'a complete self-study course for beginners' of Modern Turkish. How not to grow old...

This is a slightly blurry wave from Yara, back in Maastricht, distinctly resembling her auntie  Judith, though of course, profoundly herself!! So life goes on.
Bir, ici, uc... one, two three in Turkish.