Peaceful Moments in a Turbulent World

Hello, fellow thinker!

Greetings from the sunny shores of North Cyprus! As I sit here, enjoying the beautiful scenery and vibrant culture, I can't help but reflect on the many wonderful experiences this extended vacation has brought. This trip, our first extended family vacation, has been a journey of new experiences, discoveries, and a lot of joy.

On a somber note, though, the occasional glimpse into the news cycle back home has been a stark reminder of the darkness in the world. The negative political news, divisive commentary, and the recent assassination attempt on our former president have been disheartening. It's a tough contrast to the peace and relaxation I'm experiencing here. While I am recharging my batteries and enjoying precious moments with my family, I can't ignore the fearmongering and tragedy that continue to unfold. I take a moment to pray for all of us and our country, hoping for peace and stability in these turbulent times. 🕊️

Let me take you through some of the highlights so far. Firstly, driving on the left-hand side of the road has been an exhilarating challenge. It's a small change that has opened new pathways in my brain and kept me on my toes. My sister-in-law, who is here with us wither her family, mentioned that doing something new gives you a burst of energy, and I couldn't agree more. This trip has been full of such invigorating moments.

One of the most enriching parts of this journey has been learning about the history of Cyprus. The island is divided between the Greek and Turkish sides, with a rich history that we learned about by watching several YouTube videos about the 1974 invasion of North Cyprus. If you're a history buff like me, I highly recommend exploring this fascinating chapter. Understanding the past helps me appreciate the peace we often take for granted.

Speaking of history, I’ve been engrossed in Jon Meacham’s "And There Was Light," a captivating read about the Civil War and Lincoln’s election. It's been eye-opening to deepen my understanding of events I thought I knew. There's nothing quite like relaxing in a cabana, hovering over the water of the Mediterranean Sea, enjoying local fruits like peaches, pears, and cherries, and sipping on a Turkish coffee while diving into a good book. This vacation has given me the perfect opportunity to indulge in my love for reading, while also drawing comparisons between the historical conflicts and the present day.

Now, about those local casinos... Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the first casino I visited didn't have poker or blackjack, but something called "Bell Link – Shining Crown." Slot machines have never been my thing, but with nothing else to do, I decided to give it a whirl. Much to my surprise, your boy hit a jackpot! If you think my excitement over local fruits was endearing, you should have seen my victory dance in front of the slot machine while everybody was probably looking at me and thinking – “crazy American.” Now that, was a fun day!

But beyond all these wonderful experiences, the highlight of this trip has been seeing my daughter happy again. The past six years have been a period of intense self-discovery, reflection, and growth for both of us. Moving to new places, changing jobs, and navigating social dynamics have been challenging, especially for her as she entered her teenage years. There were moments when her joy seemed to fade, replaced by a sadness that weighed heavily on my heart.

However, within the first few days of our vacation, I noticed a remarkable change. After hours of swimming in the sea, her smile returned. Who knew that all she needed was a solid vacation? Her mood has brightened, and she's been more cheerful and kind to her younger brother. Watching her flourish in this new environment has been the greatest gift of all. It's like watering a plant and watching it bloom. My son is also having a blast and has officially learned how to swim and dive underwater without using any floatation devices.

There’s still much more to come on this journey, with two more weeks of adventure ahead. I’m eager to see what else this trip has in store for us and to share more stories with you in the upcoming issues. Plus, I've taken some great pictures that I will be sharing as part of this letter below.

Stay tuned for more tales from our travels in Cyprus. Until then, cherish the moments that bring a smile to your face.

To be continued...

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Keep thinking, my friends!

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