First, it is my eldest brother's birthday, so I suppose that should be at the top of the list. Happy BDay Bro Nick!! It was also my first niece's birthday a couple days ago, so Happy BDay Little Sophia!

As I think most people know, I just had a week-long visit to the states. It was fantastic! I made a one-night only appearance in Btown (Bloomington) and got to see some old and dear friends who were still around. The latter part of the week was a family-filled bonanza that was topped off with my little nephew's Christening on Saturday. It was the first time in I don't know how long that all of my (immediate) family was together. I managed to get a year-long work visa for Turkey in one day! I also took some time out to play at the beach and walk around Chicago (in the sweltering heat..on the first day of the the Taste, an giant annual music and food festival). And I came back with tons of clothes, and an mp3 player!

Last night, though still feeling a little cooky from the trip back to Turkey, I decided to suck it up and go to see this Ethiopian group that was performing as part of the International Cultural Festival in Bursa. The music was pretty fantastic. The group is called Minyeshu Chewata (or something like that, I think), and is comprised of members from the Netherlands, America, and Ethiopia. I also managed to meet some other Americans (from Maryland/D.C. I believe), who were just passing through town on their way to Istanbul.

I feel like I am leaving out so much that happened in the last week, but right now my thoughts seem to be anywhere but right here in blogland. Plus I suppose I should be getting some work done after my excursion.