End of Ramadan and Goodbye Australia

Safety first. Don't you just love our helmets! Riding the Swan River in Perth.

Day in Sydney. Bahri passing by the Opera House

Everyone has to hold a Koala before they leave Australia!

And last but not least. My family at dinner one evening (sadly minus my older sister)

Today is the end of ramadan and a time for celebration. To all "iyi bayramlar" Happy Feast! For me, instead of it being an enjoyable day I was actually sadened by Bahri heading back to Turkey for his training. We had a wonderful time in Australia visiting various places in Melbourne, Perth and finally a day in Sydney to conclude. Melbourne was good because Bahri was able to see my life day to day and Perth was enjoyable because he got to see my family, where I grew up and my taekwondo clubs (plus I think Perth is the best place). My sister is actually ill at the moment so it was stressful at times but I was at ease knowing I was there for her and that my love was there for me too. In Sydney we caught up with old friends, made some new ones..and visited Opera House all in the day. We stayed with Carly who warmly welcomed us to her home. Erica Parcio's 30th Birthday was on that evening so we were lucky to have the chance to celebrate it with her. So much has happened personally in such a short time its impossible to explain it all. I'm thankful to have spent the last weeks with my dearest but as I said extremely sad he has gone. There are two years to go until the Olympics and one till qualifiers so its all steam ahead with training and comps from here on in. I hope I can build upon my success at the World Cup, perform consistently and continue carving my name into the record books. Korea comes this Friday and we have a training camp in Canberra in a few weeks.

Ramazan

Turkish "Icecream" Man giving me lessons on how to make the perfect icecream.
Bahri and I together:)
At Sand City in Antalya. I am next to Ataturk who is like the father of modern Turkey.

Had an awsome time in Turkey with Bahri and his family. Ramadan started whilst I was there and I loved the atmosphere and kindness that filled the country. During the day everything was pretty quiet. Most people would sleep until late morning and then as soon as the sun set massive feasts with family and friends would begin. Around the corner from our place there was a festival every night. The street was lined with food stalls, markets, rides for the children and a stage with different shows each evening. One I captured on camera is a famous old prayer ritual from Konya. The music in it is so soothing and relaxing.

Ramadan, its such an amazing time! It is often easy to take for granted simple things such as food, water and shelter -- but when your face to face with those less fortunate, you appreciate and cherish life a whole lot more. We visited a village in Antalya to help some of these people out. The first encounter we had was with an old man riding a bicycle (he must have been 70-80). Initially we asked him for directions, of which he was unable able to help us, and upon leaving anne handed him a box of food - containing rice, oils, olives, flour, salt etc (basical essentials). He was not overly excited on the outside, but I could tell by his gestures that he was indeed a happy man within. Ten minutes later and only 100metres away from him (still lost) I looked back to the old man and noticed he was still trying to work out how to attach the food box to his bike and go home safely. I'm not sure what the result was but my heart pounds everytime I think of him. The Mayor of the village accompanied us and directed us to various families/individuals in the area. It was a fantastic opportunity to take photographs here, the shots would have been breathe-taking and heart stoppping.... however, I couldn't bring myself to take one photo.......Fasting and Ramadan..... not only opens your heart and eyes but it truely does add dimensions to your character.

I'm now back in Australia and back into training. The Korea National Team is coming to Australia for a few weeks training in lead up to their Asian Games. It will be good to have some more friendly competition and to finally welcome them to our country.

Bahri is also in Australia tomorrow and .......Im so excited:) Yipeeeeee!