coming home

I’ve spent the last 6 days coming ‘home’ to a friend’s apartment in Yeniköy, Istanbul. Perched along the European shores of the Bosporus, the apartment was spectacular and our hosts were so gracious and generous. 

After 20 or so hours of traveling (Istanbul -> 4 hour Amrsterdam layover -> O’Hare), I’m finally home! I’m having a bittersweet reunion with Chicago; trading ‘coming home’ to a shorline view in Istanbul for the sights and sounds of Wrigley Field around the corner.

Both the sense of ‘home’ when on vacation and the reality of ‘home’ upon return are wonderful in their own ways; yet every time I travel and stretch my horizons by experiencing new cultures and parts of the world, my mind starts dreaming of how exciting (yet difficult) an expat life could be, living in an international city like Istanbul. I have friends who are living that dream right now (Alex in London, Dani in Uganda, Brittnie in South Africa, and Jennifer in Thailand) to name a few. They are such motivating, bold women and their desire to chase an opportunity or passion, regardless of where it will lead them, is contagious.  

I have so many stories and pictures to share from my time in Istanbul, but right now I’m completely lacking in sleep. I had one item to do after arriving home today: Set the DVR to record the season premier of Mad Men (done). I’ve taken an Ambien and am hoping that by falling asleep in the next half hour I will be able to proactively combat jet lag so I feel fresh and ready to take on the work week in the morning (and also try that baklava I brought home with me tomorrow!)