I can’t thank you enough for sharing your experiences on your trek. It’s so generous of your and Elizabeth to take the time to log your travels and observations. Deniz and I have been following you and your family’s explorations in awe. She is actually incredibly envious. I think she angling for a similar trip - sans les enfants.

As I read of your Australian travelogue I can’t resist the urge (though I should) to offer an unsolicited reading suggestion for your kids - as if they have the time! But, if they do, “Mutant Message from Down Under” was a book my son and I read a few years ago (he was 12 or so at the time and we both loved it). In short, it relates the travels (true) of a US doctor who visited Australia and was apparently recruited/abducted to tell the “message” of the Aborigines. Though not a children’s book it is very readable and includes her experiences of traveling through the outback on foot for weeks - including developing 1/2 inch callouses on her feet - while their message is imparted to her. Not exactly WSJ and sorta kinda New Agey, it might be fun for them to read on a flight.

Also, if you need any suggestions on what to do/see/avoid in Istanbul, give me a buzz. Just got back from spending a few weeks there.

Take care,
Jack