One of our greatest guests was a couple from Turkey and their son, a student at St. John’s College. They found us through Couchsurfing because they needed a play to stay for a week or two while visiting their son in Annapolis. Asuman and Salahittin (and son Cinar) are really just wonderful people.  They were so kind and brought us gifts for my baby (in uterto at the time), Turkish delight, beautiful lace and local beverages.

We had a party while they were here and they prepared some Turkish fare for our guests, who were very pleased.  We took them sightseeing in Baltimore, to the Metro for a day in DC and really just tried to show them what life is like in nan American family.  We took them out to a concert and fundraiser at a local hangout – Union Jack’s of Annapolis.  They got to see first hand some of the issues that matter to us.

We kept in touch and occasionally saw Cinar their son going to school in Annapolis.  When he graduated they came back to stay a couple of days and my husband even attended his graduation ceremony at St. Johns.  You know, I’ve lived here 20 years and never been to their graduation.  So as hosts we got to experience something new in our town and we got to share another part of the world in our home.

I tried to go visit them last year but I just couldn’t squeeze it in the schedule.  You can bet that I will take Ellie to Turkey and we will get the royal treatment.  They said to come visit as they have places in the city and down on the southern coast.  For now, we keep in touch through Facebook.  Oh I can’t wait!