One of the best things about my family's visit is the fact that everyone found a little love...


Maryn was eyed by more Turkish men than defensless countries during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. She got her first marriage proposal from none other than Marco, our carpet seller in Selcuk.


He gave her a lovely bracelet to remember him by,










And even took her on a Magic Carpet Ride!
















I know this suitor seems a little old, and well, stiff. But I can assure you he had a GREAT personality!





After we finished our coastal travels and returned to Istanbul, Maryn (well, her father, if we're being technical about it) was offered many camels for her hand in marriage, by a few different men, including an apprentice of Huseyin's (see below) and a textile merchant about whom we haven't entirely made up our minds, but by far the most eligible bachelor was one Roger Stubbs, father of Peter, teller of great tales, and offerer of many, many camels!

Roger, Maryn or no Maryn, let's hang out again soon!