Blogger in the Middle East

I'd like to think that I am of average or better smarts, but for some reason, I can't figure out why blogger doesn't magically appear in English for me on my computer. I am logged into Gmail...should it not know that I want it in English?

I'm also a bit peeved at Chrome for directing me to a localized version of Google when I am logged in and on record as being an English user. So, in order to get to Google in English, I must type in Google.com, then be redirected to whichever country I'm in, then ask for English....and even then, if I type my query in the bar at the top, it searches under the localized site instead of English, which it already should know I want. Maybe I just want too much! :P

Cappadocia

Camel Shaped Fairy Chimney in Cappadocia!

'Istanbul Road'

Istanbul

View from our hostel rooftop. Aya Sofia.

The Blue Mosque

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not the glorious motherland (yes, I'm part Dutch) that I expected. It was....trashy. It was a quiet relaxing type atmosphere and could be really beautiful, but only if you overlook the piles of rubbish!

I am a fan of all the bikes and bike garages.

My travel buddy likes to see what different foods McDonald's has around the world. This is me with the bitterballen. They are eaten with mustard. I ate two and don't recommend them!

The nice pics are to come...they can use some editing, so I'll post later!

Remaining hopeful that my flight to Amsterdam will not be cancelled or delayed significantly. I have a long layover in Amsterdam, so as long as the flight isn't cancelled, I'll be fine to get to Istanbul. I just want to have enough time in Amsterdam to see the city too!

Here is a photo of the ash cloud! It is beautiful!

Backpack Test

Tonight I did a test run to make sure that everything fits into my backpack. Getting two and a half months worth of clothes/stuff into such small bags wasn't the easiest - especially since I want to look decent enough to go to nice places in Beirut, Dubai, London and Paris. I'm pleased with the results, but am still looking to cut a little space/weight. I'd like to eliminate anything "needing" to be in the red bag. :)

10 Days

In 10 days, I will be departing on an adventure to 10 countries in ~70 days (insha'Allah)! I'm super excited about this trip - more time has gone into planning this trip than any other I've done before (got the spreadsheets to prove it!). I've also decided to get travel insurance, which I pretty much never do. And I'll have a travel buddy, which I don't usually do either.

My 'pet' iguana is awaiting final verdict on his joining the adventure. The 25L backpack may say no...we'll see! He's been to 3 countries and more than half the US States already and agrees (which is what bobble heads do best) that he needs to see more of the world!

iguana at la playa in SoCal