Our Ankara apartment is in an area called Bilkent, which is a rapidly expanding suburb about 15 minutes from dowtown. It is quite spacious and flooded with light from sunrise to sunset. We are on a high promontory that looks over the valley and at night we have a jewel box view from every room. We are on the eighth floor of an apartment building complex that looks like it has hundreds of units. Despite its size, it is remarkably quiet and there are times when I am here alone that I feel like I am in a treehouse on an island in the sky. It is a fifteen minute drive to The heart of Ankara and public transportation is not an option from here. However, there is a shopping center, health club and a Starbucks within walking distance (though it is a considerable hike and the return is a steep incline that is brutal at midday). I haven't made th trek yet, but do walk daily up the hill behind the complex. At first I was disappointed in the location, but I have quickly come to appreciate the space. There is a constant breeze and that gentle cool wind speaks to me, like an old friend gently stroking my arm, or the gentle touch of a tentative first love. It feels as if the rooms themselves are breathing. The rhythm is at once comforting and unpredictable...perfectly encapsulating my feelings about this trip.