I’m leaving Istanbul in a few hours and I must say I’m feeling a lot lighter. Physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, I feel like I’ve left a few things behind for good.

It’s an odd feeling actually; it’s like the rain that fell last night for the first time since I’ve been here was a cleansing, a renewing, a letting go of past… and I’ve certainly felt heart connections here, especially to the people and the land. Those side streets that I was drawn to, the music playing, a story on every street…
So I have three rocks in my pockets for the journey home. This rock I painted today and the two rocks I started the journey with. My three totem rocks. And I’m leaving a few rocks behind to find their new homes in Amsterdam, Greece and here in Istanbul – sharing stories and aroha of home.
And I’m really looking forward to going home, feeling the earth beneath my feet again…
Arohanui,
Jo x