Sunday, April 6, 2025

tourISTANBUL

Istanbul, Turkey

On my way home from eight amazing days in Iraqi Kurdistan, and this morning I got to take advantage of a Turkish Airlines free bus tour. The weather was absolutely amazing (sunny, cold and windy) and just a few hours on the bus reminded me that I/we absolutely must get back to Turkey again. 

Though I am willing to wait until the mayor of Istanbul is not under lock and key.


Saturday, April 5, 2025

Homemade!

Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan

My last evening in Erbil: a lovely dinner with friends, fun math projects--and homemade yogurt to admire. My friend just finished "setting" the yogurt when I arrived--made from sheep's milk from a family member's farm. Truly farm to table...

Friday, April 4, 2025

Leveling up with Tomoko Fuse

partially completed dodecagon, rose pattern
Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan 

I am just coming to the end of 9 days of visiting with friends in Erbil. In preparation for this trip I decided to "level up" my unit origami skills by buying Tomoko Fuse's most recent book and spending some time to learn some new patterns, in particular the "rose units" and the "silver star units". (Rose units have a ratio of 1:2 and Silver star units have a ratio of 1:Sqrt2.) 

4-point football (silver star units)
I really enjoyed sharing some of my origami (both old and new) with friends. A great way to pass the time with folks who don't share much language in common with me...