This was some serious drama that ended with a knee in my face and number 2334 knocked flat on the ground.

You really need to see the facial expressions going on here, so I’ve made this handy version where you can see the struggle a little better, or if you really want full detail, you can have a look at the original, which is nearly 19mb but definitely up close and personal.

Most people were fantastic about cheering each other on.

Sometimes the crowd was deafening.

Two of my favourite photos from the 10k.

The winners start to come in.

All kinds of people were running, with and without shoes.

Proper running attire optional.

Age no object— running is great for everyone.

A press pass certainly has its advantages.

As does sponsorship.

As I mentioned before, the Runtalya marathon was last week. I cannot even begin to describe how much emotion and drama goes on at these things. Even before the event got started, there was palpable energy in the air.

Red numbers = full 42km. These people aren’t kidding around.

Blowing off some steam before the race.

There are so many great moments to be shared, and I’m just barely getting started with the edits and uploads. There will be quite a few of these posts, and I promise they won’t be boring.

Like many people, I’ve always associated tulips with the Netherlands, and just kind of assumed they came from there. Turns out, tulips were first commercially cultivated in the Ottoman Empire, and were brought to Europe in the 16th century. So basically, they’re more Turkish than they are Dutch, which I never would have guessed. Link

[Thanks to Kıvanç Niş for the amazing photo]

I just wanted to take the opportunity to say congratulations to Tuğba Karademir, a Turkish skater who secured a place in the Olympic finals this year and came in 21st, which I believe is the best a Turkish skater has ever done. As others have pointed out, it’s a shame that a country with half its landmass under snow for six months of the year doesn’t make more of an effort to develop an appropriate environment for athletes who would pursue winter sports seriously. Karademir moved to Canada because she felt she could not get sufficient training in her native country. I hope the fact that she has done so well encourages Turkey to rethink its apathy toward winter sports, because clearly the Turkish talent is there, waiting to be developed. Link

If you’ve not yet heard the story of the ancient ice-age temple that has been uncovered near Şanlıurfa, it is most certainly worth reading about. This story has been developing in the press over several years, and I’m absolutely fascinated by the things they can learn from a settlement that existed 11,500 years ago. Visiting this place is definitely on my to-do list. Link