Cats, Mosques, Rick Steves and more cats.

Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque)

I'm currently in Istanbul, Turkey.... yeah, pretty random. 

But actually my dad has a meeting here in Istanbul which is why we came here. 

He will be attending the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) meeting next week.

A few years ago when my family was in Rome we came across a Rick Steves' book and fell in love. His books are fun, informational and very easy to follow. 

When my dad found out there was a Rick Steves' tour the week we were planning to come he decided we'd give it a try. 

This past week we went on the Rick Steves' Istanbul in 7 days tour.

It was so nice to have a local guide who was born and raised in Istanbul. 

She was so helpful and so willing to answer any ignorant question I had.

She loves her city so much and now I know why.

Istanbul is such a fun and unique city.

There are 17 million people, 4,000 mosques and about a hundred stray cats on every corner.

I'm not kidding.

And I hate cats.... A LOT!!!!!

I have not enjoyed sitting at a nice restaurant and having a cat sneak up under my chair. 

Besides that and the heat, Istanbul is wonderful.

The food is delicious.

My sister may not agree but I am loving the chicken shish kebabs, lamb, eggplant, tomatoes and baklava.

These are the typical dishes and there are many variations and recipes for each.

One interesting thing about Istanbul is the shop keepers. 

The men are very friendly but aggressive and will use any tactic to get you into there shop.

When walking through the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops the constant request and badgering for your attention can get quite annoying. 

The men also get very creative. 

"Come lose your money in my shop."

"Sir, I need your money."

"You the father?

Ladies have your father spend his money here."

"Oh, God has sent me two beautiful angels. Come into my shop."

"When I'm not showing carpets I take pictures for people. I also shoot people."

"Why you always walk by and not buy?"

"You are my favorite lady. Sweetheart, you come into my shop."

"Where are you from?.... I have a cousin that lived there."

"Are you lost? Just come into my shop."

Hagia Sophia

What an adventure this trip has been so far!

Church History Tour

When I told my parents I wanted to serve a mission, my mom said she wanted to take me on a church history tour. We thought we'd rent a car a do it all by ourselves but we found a tour through Morris Murdock Travel and figured this would be much easier ...and it was!

Earlier this June my mom, sister and I all embarked on a 9 day church history tour throughout Palmyra, Niagara Falls, Kirtland, Independence, Far West and Nauvoo. It was such an amazing experience and I learned so much. It was inspiring to see the places that I have heard stories about my whole life. 

What a neat experience it was to spend my Sunday morning in the Sacred Grove. Since our tour group was the only ones there that early in the morning it was very quiet and peaceful. 

What made the tour even more interesting for me is that we followed the same chronological path that the saints did. We started in Palmyra and ended in Nauvoo then flew home to Salt Lake.

Our tour guide was incredible. His name is Joel Judd. He is such an inspiring man that is full of  knowledge and the spirit! 

***And for all my london friends... The Judd's went to Israel with The Seely's for a year! We had a long chat about how much we love the Seely's.***

For more pictures check out my Facebook Album!

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to visit these places as preparation for my mission. The trip definitely strengthened my testimony! 

The church is TRUE!!!!

Proud Aunt

Today has been a VERY big and exciting day!

I'm currently in Charlotte, North Carolina visiting my brother's family. We came for my niece Jenna's baptism. 

Today was her last day of school. It was also her eighth birthday and baptism into 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I am so proud of her and the decisions she has made in her life that have led her to this point. 

We also got to decorate the big rock outside her elementary school!!

Congratulations Jenna :)