Apropos of nothing: Kexi has a great set of Istanbul photos you should probably have a look at. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth it to come to Turkey on vacation, these shots should convince you.

In other news, after the longest extended spring ever (someone used the term “Junuary”), we’ve finally burst through into summer. The temperature outside is 40° today, and as you know this is just the beginning. Luckily, this year we finally invested in that luxury of luxuries— an air-conditioner! It’s an amazing device, I don’t know how we survived all those summers without it. I’m dreading next month’s electric bill, but at the moment I’m relaxing in a 25° room and trying not to worry about expenses too much.