Sabir the Driver

Oxana works part-time as a travel agent, arranging trips to Egypt and Turkey which are quite popular and low-cost. An all inclusive 10-day trip to Turkey is less than $1000 including airfare, food, and hotel on a beach. I had once asked my friend/co-worker Juha from Finland if he ever visited Turkey during his extended summer vacations (Finland is closed for 6 weeks each summer) when he travels Europe. He politely told me, "I try not to make a practice of vacationing in 3rd world countries." After our experiences here, I think I'm taking Juha's advice on this one.

Anyway, Oxana left Thursday for Turkey to prepare for the upcoming travel season and she was replaced by Kate the interpreter (seen earlier) and Sabir the driver (below).

Sabir speaks no English but sure likes to try. We have found him to be one of the bright spots of this trip besides Nina and the Koreans of course. He is very kind with a warm smile, arrives 30 minutes early each time to pick us up (and is ok if we are late), and brought us a translation book this morning. His car and driving could be improved, but he more than makes up for it with his positive attitude and spirit. Here he is, doing his job.