The past couple of years, I have posted about being thankful. Much of those thoughts were in the context of a trip we had taken, one that gave us a different perspective of what we had to be thankful for. This year is no different.

I realize it’s been about 4 months since I last posted here. I could say the hiatus was just about life getting in the way–a new job, a family member who moved abroad, caring for our aging cat–and that would be partly true.

But the full reality is that I’ve not known how, or what, to write about our most recent trip, to Istanbul. In the weeks leading up to the trip, there was uncertainty, about the country, and our safety. Reports in the news were ominous but travel forums and blogs were a welcome voice of calm. We went.

Was it beautiful? Most definitely. Were the people nice? Without fail. Was the food good? Better than we can even describe. Would we go back? In a heartbeat.

Ah, but there’s the rub. In the weeks, now months, since our return, we have watched with despair as a city in a country we fell a bit in love with is caught up in the politics and realities of war. And our hearts break at the thought that that might be our only visit to Istanbul for some time. Perhaps forever.

I will write more fully about our visit to the fascinating and gorgeous city of Istanbul soon. I promise.

I will tell you about the stunning architecture, the beautiful tilework, the glittering mosaics. I will tell you about the food, each meal more delicious than the last; I will tell you about the delicious Turkish wines. I will tell you about the hamam. I will tell you about the cats. All the cats.

But for now, I will tell you what I’m thankful for.

I’m thankful for another year of dinner with old friends, visits with family, and wine dates with girlfriends.

I’m thankful for the new friends we made this year, in Istanbul: Ceren and Mehmet, and little Maya.

I’m thankful for the ability to travel, to have the benefit of learning from other cultures, and hopefully, understand the world just a bit better.

I’m thankful to have a husband who loves my cooking, laughs at my stories, and cooks a mean jambalaya. And with whom, being as addicted to travel as I am, I can start planning the next adventure.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.