Pomegranate

Last winter I bought a pomegranate tree from a garden center nearby.  They were priced so low it had to be a mistake.  Pomegranates are my favorite fruit, and I was actually a bit sad the tree got cheated compared to the price of the neighboring olive and lemon trees.  How could anyone downgrade this amazing tree!

I bought a few trees and gave the extras to my friends nearby that have gardens.  I actually have a fruit growing on my tree.  Impressive as it is extremely hot in Dubai now, and pomegranate season is in the fall.

Some search reveals that they have been around for thousands of years.  They are symbolic in many religions and often represent life, fertility, or prosperity.

For me, they represent Turkey.  Pomegranates can be found in many works of Turkish and Ottoman art, and they grow abundantly throughout the country.  And when in season, they were a staple in my diet.

I have nothing really significant to say.  I just really like my tree and its little pom - oh, and my macro lens.

Super Moon

So last night was Super Moon night.  I guess I should hang my head low.  I did not run out to the dessert to shoot pictures.

Unlike most full moons, it did not make me crazy.  If anything, the super moon has made me exhausted, have strange cravings and want to eat a lot more than usual.  It did not even seem to effect my super-sensitive cats.

So tonight, I bring you the demi-moon.  Almost as big, still super.

Super Moon over Al Murooj Rotana, Dubai

The Cape of Good Hope

Because we all need a little hope sometimes...

The Cape of Good Hope, South Africa

Ribbit

Laborie, South Africa

When we weren’t looking for lost keys at vineyards in South Africa, we were enjoying some very nice wine and the beautiful landscape.  Our last vineyard stop before we would have to return to reality was Laborie.

Sitting out on the balcony, overlooking the mountains and vineyards, my husband had a spiritual moment and decided we should pray.  I can assure you this is incredibly rare.   We are incredibly grateful and humbled by many things in this life, but we are not ones to pray over vineyards. 

My husband said a few truthful words about how fortunate we are to have the opportunity and ability to travel, one of the things we love, and so frequently.  And to now take our son with us and watch him embrace the big, colorful world is even more amazing.

After thanking God for this life and opportunity, there were a few seconds of silence.  Just before we were about to raise our glasses, our son looked over at him, and with the straightest face ever closes the prayer with Ribbit.  Yes, Ribbit.  As in the sound a frog makes.

Ribbit is our new toast.  It pretty much says it all.

Laborie, South Africa 

Love, Peace, Faith, Hope

A Splash of Color

For my next post from South Africa, I had planned to share my images from our visit to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach near Simon's Town.  However, it just didn't seem right for any Turkish readers out there to see a story about penguins at this time.  

In the meantime, here are some colorful African masks that were for sale in the town.

Masks for sale at Boulder's Beach, Cape Town, South Africa

Your Respect is My Strength

In Cape Town, we went to the top of Table Mountain at sunset.  I understand why it is closed when there is "bad weather".  It is incredibly windy.  Here is a picture I took of a girl sitting on a bench at sunset.  On the bench it writes "Your respect is my strength".