My 30th birthday weekend - Day 2

On Saturday we explored Üzungöl (Long Lake). The lake is located in the valley between HUGE mountains and is just so picturesque. After breakfast at the hotel, we drove up the mountain and stopped at a cute little restaurant to have coffee while we sat and and enjoyed the view. Then we did some hiking and found so many beautiful waterfalls. And in the evening we rode a tandem bike around the lake and enjoyed more beautiful scenery. It was seriously the most perfect day EVER!

Joel surprised me with a birthday cake. How sweet!

My 30th birthday weekend - Day 1

I turned 30 on April 9th and to celebrate Joel took me away for the weekend! For a long time I've wanted to go explore Turkey's eastern Black Sea region, it was so amazing to be surrounded by beautiful mountains and just so much green! We had a blast!

Mmmm breakfast! I loved trying some regional dishes like Kuymak. It's made with cornmeal, melted cheese and butter.

Everywhere you looked it was so BEAUTIFUL and GREEN and it was good for my soul!

"The mountains are calling and I must go"

Sumela Monastery. Built in 386AD, right into the side of a steep cliff. Amazing.

Being a little silly!

Side view of the monastery

Tea fields on the hills.

Morning view from our balcony