All of these losses were due to factors like burnout, injury, and financial strain– simply the accumulation of our daily lives– and though we could see some of them coming, the losses were devastating. This is the secret behind the curtain, which we’ve struggled with silently for months, the reason behind the blips, errors, bugs and lack of episodes.

It’s been this way since in our last month in Seoul, Season 3, when Brian did what Brian does best– he had an idea. We’d been proud to bring Nick out, and despite his limited appearance in the episodes, he added a great deal the footage we have through the end of our time there. We were expecting Jen, and even a sixth cast member, so Brian’s proposal was to mostly pull out the layer of production overhead we grappled with daily, and allow them to tell their own stories, take their own videos and edit them afterwards. That’s what you’ve seen on this blog, unfolding over the past few months. You’ve also been introduced to three new faces: Kris, Serene, and Laurene.

So what about Brian, Nick and I?

Well this mode of storytelling is new to us, and so we need to pull ourselves out of the chaos, insanity, and instability that comes when you pack up all your stuff and leave home every 90 days. We’re still here, and we still plan to be out on the road again, but for now, we’re going home.

For each of us, home means something different, but for me, I will be traveling from Istanbul to Paris, Paris to Normandy, and then Normandy to Santa Fe, New Mexico. I will share a few stories of the trip over the week, but you will see me less and less, as we focus on developing our new content model, and building Jet Set Zero into a global network.

Don’t forget, you can always send me a note, ask me a question, or pose a suggestion, by emailing me at rob –at– jetsetzero.tv

Thanks, and you’ll see me again soon.

And of course, everything costs more because you are in EUROPE. I’m not sure why myself and a lot of other people consistently arrive here thinking it’s going to be cheaper than it turns out to be. You can get whatever you want…but you’re going to pay for it.

I put together a quick video with a summary of my fave moments and some funny moments (and potentially embarrassing ones – sorry Rob and Brian)…enjoy!

Goodbye Oh Beloved sweet ass balcony.

Shout outs go to:

Bengu- Thanks for being the most amazing, rock my socks of Turkish chick ever. Sorry we made you interpreter/tour guide half the time. You introduced me to the stuffed mussel and I will never forget you for this, my love.

Harun- I never met you sir, but your hookup with the sweet ass hotel in Kuşadası was just about the best thing ever.

Unknown Biatch at our party- Yes you, whoever you may be that felt so inclined to steal a bunch of mine and Kris’ makeup at our going away party, go to hell. Yeah, I said it.

And Huseyin- Thanks for being our hero on our last day. Oh, and thanks for being cute too, that was much appreciated.

Peace, Turkey. Vietnam next (Insert dramatic music here, please)

And now, for the photo montage of my favorite, most awesome, most memorable days/nights in Turkey:

Princes' Islands Sunset, and yes, I know I'm a sucker for a good sunset.

Striking a magazine pose like every other tourist in Pamukkale.

Hangin' with my favorite ladies in Ephesus.

Drunk in random nightclub on bar street in Kuşadası.

After we locked ourselves in a room to take pictures.

I took a few classes at the local community college in the fall semester of ’08.  One of them was Art History from the Ancient Near Eastern to the Gothic period, and coincidentally my favorite architectural piece was the Hagia Sophia.  Also at the end of last year, I promised myself I was going to travel, I didn’t know where but I was finally going to Europe at the ripe ol’ age of 24.   I decided on Istanbul because of my strange infatuation with the Hagia Sophia, Paris because I love food, and London to go see my lovely little sister, but then even more good news!  I spoke to my friend Rob for a quick second and his show was going to be in Istanbul.   Sweet, now I have a place to stay.  Last step involved coming to Istanbul and as you all know the rest is history…

So thank you Professor Blackwell, for unknowingly playing a huge part in me now living in Turkey.  Who could have guessed?

My daydreamin' all started with a picture that looked something like this. Except this picture is way cooler because I actually took it...

This seemed to be creating a kind of buying frenzy, and just like the stock market at home, I had absolutely no clue what was happening.  But it was pretty entertaining to see it go down on the street.

I’ve sampled everything from back-alley street food to a full mezze dinner at an upper-end restaurant.  I honestly haven’t tried anything I haven’t liked yet.   Though I did see Sheep Lung Kebap on a menu but was too grossed out to try it.  Here is a photo spread of the delicacies to date:

One of my first meals in Istanbul. These boats moor right next to the Galata bridge and serve fresh fried fish sandwiches.

Dried fruit and nuts at the market.

The sample tray for a typical mezze dinner. Small portions similar to tapas and served with raki.

These guys are everywhere, selling grilled corn and roasted chesnuts.

I've managed to incorporate midya dolma (or rice-stuffed mussels) into my diet every other day. Yum!

Turkish delight!

Manti, or Turkish ravioli. I opt for the "Manager's Favourite", which is half walnuts and half yoghurt sauce.

Olives.

Oh, baklava. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

The imposing front gates of the Palace.

The Tower of Justice

An example of the fantastic tilework.

Definitely a must-see for any visit to Istanbul.