the bayram begins

tonight, as of sundown, ramazan will end.  to celebrate, businesses are shutting down & the entire country will enjoy a week of bayram (holiday).  most turks like to get away during the bayram and ben & i are no different.  this morning we will stop in to see some family & wish the a happy bayram, and then hit the road around 1pm with a couple of friends, headed for the coast.  

after 2 weeks (as of today!) of living this new life, i am ready for a vacation!  we're going to stay with friends at their beach house in alanya.  there will be much eating & drinking (to celebrate the end of fasting-- us non-fasters just tag along for the ride), much swimming in the med, and of course a heck of a lot of tavla playing (backgammon).  i'm bringing my beachwear & a few books & plan to make the most of it.  of course, the laptop is coming along as well, so stay tuned for a few blogs & lots of pictures.