Mardin, Turkey

On April 5-10 I attended a training seminar for work in the city of Mardin in southeastern Turkey. Mardin is on the border of Syria and less than 100 miles from Iraq. There were numerous travel warnings and needless to say I was a bit apprehensive about the trip, especially without Brent.
The training went well and I improved some of my skills and knowledge about Project Management and the city of Mardin was beautiful. It looks out over the vast Syrian desert. The town is rather small, built up on a hill, very ancient, provincial, and by far the most foreign place I have been (and that is saying something coming from me!). The food was fabulous: every meal was made with lamb, mmm!
I learned a few words and dances and drank a lot of really good tea! I went to a Turkish Bath, wandered through the busy markets, bought some cheap, handmade silver products, and wore a headscarf in a Mosque.
It was a good week with lots of learning and sunshine but I missed Brent terribly (the longest we have ever been apart!) and was so happy to come back home.

Easter

oops, a bit late!
Easter was definitely not the dawning of Spring in Leiden - we had snow! Crazy Dutch weather.

Brent and I had a nice, quiet Easter at home. We invited our friend Ken, an Australian we met back in January. He works for the ICC in Den Haag so I figured he would enjoy an authentic Aussie baked dinner.
I cooked up a wonderful roast leg of lamb, it was great if I do say so myself! It was interesting getting it in the first place: I went to the butcher and he didn't speak much English so I resorted to sounds and movements. I grabbed my leg and said, "baaa." We all laughed but it got the message across!

I also made mashed potatoes, veggies, gravy, bread, all sorts of appetizers, and delicious lemon squares and fruit salad for dessert. It was great!