Hi Everyone,
I will be leaving for New York soon and will be without stable internet access for a few days. There is wi-fi at the hotel I’ll be staying at till Sunday but since I won’t be in that room very often or for long durations of time, I doubt I will be able to keep abreast of your posts until after I am at a friend’s house in Elmira on Sunday evening. No doubt my inbox will be overflowing and it will take me at least a week to catch up if I ever do catch up.
I may try reblogging some older posts while away so don’t be surprised if you see posts relating to my life in Turkey appear in the next few days. I will, though, not be in Turkey, or at least part of my heart will be but the other half of that organ will be reconnecting with family/friends in the US, a much needed exercise to rejuvenate what’s left of it.
I know some of you are under the impression I am returning for good but as life often does to us, my plans have changed and I will only be in the US for a month or so while my application for a work visa is being approved. I have recently been offered a position of editor/columnist for a Turkish newspaper and so will be writing on culture, literature, historic spots in Turkey, and politics (mostly the American election but also on Turkey from an expat’s point of view).
Most of you know I love this country and its people but also I feel a need to stay connected to my aging family/friends so even though I will be staying here, I will be returning for visits to the US frequently.
And so it goes and I go with it. Be well.
Leonard Durso 
Safe travels.!!
Thanks.
Safe travels, Len, and may your heart be steadfast.
Thanks, Jim, and I hope so but I never know what this old heart will do.
Have a wonderful trip! I’ll wave from across the river 🙂 Be safe!
Happy trails to you until you post again!
Thanks, Michael.
Safe travels!
Thank you.
Have a great time there,sir. Hope this reconnecting with your loved ones do you good.:)
Thanks. I’m sure it will.
🙂
Hope you have a great time!
Thank you.
Welcome!
My best wishes to you on your trip – and on your journey.
Melinda
Thanks, Melinda. I’ll take pictures but I’m not as good as you.
That’s nice of you to say. And, anyway, you are a much better poet than I am!
You’re welcome for my comment and thank you for yours.
Fare well and enjoy your American leave . . . Blessings!
Thank you, Peter.
have a safe travel and enjoy your stay! 😀
Thanks. I will hopefully.
Wonderful, have a great time. And congrats on the new job.
Thank you. I appreciate this.
Indeed, safe travels. Hope to see you and your lovely posts back here soon.
Thanks. Will be leaving for the airport shortly but appreciate your kind words.
Have a wonderful trip!
Congratulations on the new job. Have a safe trip and enjoy your stay.
Thanks. I intend to.
Good luck
You’ll be in my prayers
Thank you for your support and encouragement
As always Sheldon
We’ll say prayers for each other, Sheldon. You be well.
Thank you Leonard
You’re welcome, Sheldon.
Have a great trip and stay safe.
Thanks. I’m sure it’s safer in the US than where I am now.
Congratulations on that job offer. Did you ever get my book?
Thanks, Maureen. And the book should be waiting for me in NY.
All the best for the new job. Keep in touch with the older folk, changes can happen very suddenly.
You are so right there.
Happy travels! 🙂
Thank you.
Good news! Will you be back in Istanbul? If so I hope to see you there next time I visit. 🙂 Enjoy your break.
That’s my plan, Mary. Am waiting for my appointment now to get the process started.
Great update. Best wishes for safe travels and future endeavors. Congrats on the new gig too 😀👍
Thanks. Life continues to offer new possibilities.
Have a great travel back to your home country
Thank you, Charly. So far I am.
Glad to hear it
good luck and bon voyage!
Thank you.
Safe travels! And for heaven’s sake — don’t feel the need to “catch up” on that overflowing email when you settle in. Sometimes it’s wise to just turn off the faucet for a while 🙂 Enjoy your time with family and friends.
Turkey will be lucky to have you return – stay safe.
Thank you, Lillian. And it’s impossible to catch up. This trip will last weeks.
Safe travels, Len. xo
Thank you. So far it’s been rejuvenating.
I hope your visit in New York is all you imagine it to be, and more, to overflowing
Thank you and so far it has been.
Have a great time.
Thank you, Bob.
Life is all about connections, friends and family and I hope you enjoy your visit with all the people important to you. Looking forward to reading your political views as I enjoy and agree with so much of what you write as well as learning more about Turkey which is a fascinating country that we hope to visit soon! Anita
Let me know when you do and if I’m around, we’ll share a drink.
I’ll plan on it! 🙂
Good to hear.
Fair winds and following seas!
Thank you. Can’t ask for more.
Have a safe trip and I hope you have a wonderful visit with your family and friends! Hugz Lisa and Bear
Thank you very much.
I think you are still in the US. Enjoy your stay with friends and family. 🙂
Turkey is a beautiful country. I wish to visit it some day… 🙂
Yes, I am still here for another month or so, then back to Istanbul. And yes, it is a beautiful country. Much to see, especially if you like history.