> P1000802 Originally uploaded by beansprout3 These are the orchids that the drink sahlep is made of (the roots are used), and they are everywhere. They are unassuming, but pretty when you stop to take a look.

> P1000799 Originally uploaded by beansprout3 We've been planting trees, and Baki got involved, as always. It is pretty exciting to be planting trees that we have been talking about for years. So far we have put in persimmon, plum, sour cherry, quince, and walnut, but we have lots more -- pomegranate, loquat, and citrus …

Continue reading >everyone pitches in

> P1000763 Originally uploaded by beansprout3 I ordered a lot of lotus and water lily seeds off eBay. They came from Thailand, and the customs declaration sticker on the package said "beads" so I wondered what would happen, but they are starting to emerge....

> P1000728 Originally uploaded by beansprout3 This is Ali's clubhouse. There is a lot going on inside, more every day...

>we all drove back up to Istanbul today for Baki's birthday coming up on Friday. It is weird to be back. We went straight to Ali's mother's house, and I was immediately disoriented by all the light, space, and felt smelly and dirty. As I type this, I have started on the epic pile of …

Continue reading >back in the city