Thanksgiving Break

A break from school. A break from my city. A break from home and work and mindless mindless tasks. This Thanksgiving has been the best I've ever had. It's been a bit of a tough semester, and being able to slip out of contact and out of the eyes of most for five whole days was something I'm not used to.

I arrived in Columbus in the late evening on the 23rd and immediately reconnected with my girlfriend (whom I hadn't seen in close to four months) and then my father (whom I hadn't seen in exactly five months). Columbus, I could tell almost immediately, has blossomed since I've lived there, and it was great to see the changes.

The Short North, always my favourite district and a center for eclectic events and people, has grown by several blocks to include more cafes, galleries, novelty stores, and restaurants. Though the temperature dropped to 28 degrees Fahrenheit, there were many opportunities to remain warm as my friends and I walked from shop to shop, examining various interiors and exclaiming over items not seen elsewhere.

Due to a lack of wifi, I couldn't stay right on top of everyone and everything in Houston even if I wanted to. Being somewhat of an escapist, I'll admit, this was a shocking and beautiful turn of events. Evenings were filled with reading, chatting and drinking tea, and then later in the break with driving around, drinking coffee at an amazing cafe on OSU campus, and exploring a city I once called home. My phone was the only source of internet (a concept that still amazes me), and even that was iffy. Therefore, I was once again outside my box a bit as I navigated a somewhat technology-less week.

I also spent time with old family friends during thanksgiving day; a large group of hilarious, sometimes-philosophical, cynical, loud, interesting, sometimes-Communist Turkish people. Food was piled on plates over and over again, and I heard many-an interesting story from an Iranian former spy. Being with a large group of (mostly) Turks is unlike anything else.

All in all, it was an amazing break. I'm returning to school much more relaxed and ready to get everything done. Photos will be here soon.

Sara