Tai is a very good influence on me - I know it, and other people have made the same observation. She makes me laugh, makes me cry, makes me incredibly proud of her and reminds me every day of why I love her.

 

She is also strongly rooted to her family and to Thailand. I grew up very differently. Always moving. Away at boarding school when i was 13 with my parents in Nigeria and my brother and sister at their own schools. It made me independent and fairly resilient. But it meant that we did not grow up as a family and as we grew up we all moved in our own separate directions.

 

I went to Canada and then to Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. My sister went to Turkey 23 years ago and has built a life and a terrific family there. Just an indication of how unconnected we are is that it took 23 years for me to visit her in Izmir and it was being with Tai that prompted that visit.

 

It was time to be a family. It was time for Tai to be part of that family in the same way that her family makes me feel welcome. But it was Tai who encouraged a visit to Izmir and Tai who shows me what being part of a family really means.

 

We do of course have an extended family now ! Alex is 10 now and living with his mother in Hong Kong. It was easier to see him when we were in Bangkok. But I hope he knows that he is always in our thoughts and hearts. Tai sends him postcards from her lay-overs. It is a lovely gesture and such a nice way to keep in touch. Non one really sends letters or cards in the way that we used to - email and online cards have taken over. But I know how much I like to receive her cards and know that I was in her thoughts.

 

We had a lovely time in Izmir - too short. The pictures hopefully show how busy we were, how good the weather was and how strong the colours. Vanessa and family may have to let us cook for them next time. All the bread, cheese, fruit and vegetables is very healthy but I need spicy food !! We were made very welcome and now that we have been once I am sure we will be back.