Finding the mark...

Once again, we had a one-night layover in Istanbul on our way home.  This time around security was more strict.  Between the last time we were in Turkey and now, the USA had turned it's back on the Syrian Kurds letting Turkey attack Syrian forces.  Security was tighter at our hotel and at the airport.  We got a good night's rest and the next morning we headed out to see the Blue Mosque.  The weather was overcast and a little drizzle was falling.  It was not a lovely as the first time we were in town but we still enjoyed all of the views and sights we could see.  

When we arrived at the Blue Mosque we had a little argument with the taxi driver.  We took this specific taxi because he said he used an Uber-like app for payment.  Once we arrived he insisted it was cash only so we felt like we were paying twice, once through the app and once with cash.  Will talked things over with him while I got out and looked around.  That is probably when we were made as carpet buying tourists.  

As Will left the taxi driver (frustrated and annoyed) we were approached by a well dressed, English speaking man who offered to help us out.  We explained where we wanted to go and he offered to walk us up to the mosque.  He told us he and his family owned a carpet shop on the corner and maybe after we saw the mosque we could come to his shop, have some tea, and learn about Turkish carpets.  

We dutifully toured the mosque (with me in a head shawl and skirt).  It was crowded because they had half the mosque roped off for cleaning.  Rhamadan is coming up and the mosque goes through an annual cleaning that has to be done before the high holy holiday.  The mosque was beautiful and interesting.  We were met by our guide as soon as we left the mosque.  He guided us back to his shop and turned us over to his older uncle (the salesman).  The uncle and his assistant rolled out rug after rug, explaining the history, process, and craftsmanship that goes into making a Turkish rug.  I (of course) was sold and in heaven.  Somehow...I seriously do not know how...Will was also sold and bought me a STUNNING rug.  I love it so much.  It is soft and beautiful and I am so spoiled.  As we prepared to leave the uncle rolled out one more rug and quoted us a rock bottom price.  We decided we only needed one rug and the other would have to wait.  I took a picture with the rug so I could remember which one I wanted if we came back.  I still cannot believe Will bought me one! 

This is the dream rug.  My actual rug is smaller with more stunning colors.  

As soon as we bought my rug we headed back to the airport for our flight home.  We had to have our luggage and passports checked about 12 different times as we made our way through the airport.  They were serious about security this time! 

We had an endless trip up over the top of the world to get home.  We flew with the light so it was day the whole time we flew.  We watched a bunch of movies and slept while we could.  We arrived in San Francisco at about 6:30 pm.  We collected our luggage and headed home.  Both Will and I were so excited and happy to see the kids.  We have had a wonderful ten days together (without kids) but we love those kids and are so happy to be home!