We had an exciting milestone when our shipping container finally arrived the other day. It certainly took the long way around: from Southampton to Hamburg, and then to Port Said in Egypt, where it changed ships before sailing to Istanbul and then back down to Izmir. I hope it had a good time…
I was off with Molly at the vet clinic when the truck arrived, so Sirem had the frantic job of telling the removal guys which box goes where. I think we had more than 100 items total, so it was tough to keep track of everything. Stuff that was urgent (kitchen things for example) sat in the courtyard, while boxes we’re not going to open for a while (books, blankets) went into the barn.
Boxes stacked in the courtyard.
Not sure what we would do for storage without the barn.
Clay pot was the only breakage so far: not bad.
It’s a strange feeling getting to see all your belongings after seven weeks without them. After all this time sitting on plastic patio chairs, we were very happy to sit in some comfy reclining chairs again. And the dishwasher and washing machine were opened and connected up with great urgency and enthusiasm.
The boxes you open first say a lot about what you’ve missed most…
We have a dishwasher and a washing machine! It’s starting to feel like a real kitchen. (The sink is still outside though.)
Şurup was very impressed with how comfortable cushions on a sofa can be.
So the place is starting to feel less like camping and more like a home. A few more jobs to go: the kitchen cabinets, tiling the bedrooms, etc. But we’re getting there. And we’re conscious of all the real work waiting for us up in the orchard.
What else can I tell you? It’s late September now and the weather is just starting to turn. The daily high temperature is about 30 rather than 35 or 40. Much nicer for getting work done.
Also, I don’t want to give the impression that it is always sunny here. Only about 95% of the time. :) In fact we had our second thunderstorm a couple of days ago: a short, intense burst of rain and thankfully no leaking roofs. And here’s a shot of a beautiful cloud-streaked sky at sunset.
It’s not all sunny days: very occasionally we have clouds.
Joy!
Cheers, Lorraine. It was definitely a happy occasion. :)
I see that the “gaming/racing” chair made to turkey:-))
True, but it has only been used for actual lounging in since it got here, honest. :)
The “gaming/racing” chair ??? I’m curious
Christine is talking about the black chair in picture #4. It’s the passenger seat from a Volvo V70 station wagon. Previously it was used for online racing.
It’s fantastic to be able to follow your progress and read about all your (and the container’s) adventures. :) Hope the place will soon feel like a real home. All the best to you both and fingers crossed that Molly will be fully recovered soon!
Thanks so much, Max. Molly was eating a bowl of meat without being forced to just now, so we think she’s well on the way to recovery.
Great to hear that’s one worry ticked off. Has your new existence changed your perspective on what you need / want from that lot? (Just curious; no implied judgement!)
P.S. Those clouds look threatening; better get the washing in.
Dear Mudskipper,
At the risk of being accused of trotting out my catch-phrase, “good question!” I think any experience where you put aside a lot of possessions is a salutary reminder that you don’t really need them and that they’re not the sum of your identity. Some things were a real pleasure to see again (like I said, comfortable chairs mostly) and others are undeniably useful (fridge, rice-cooker, cordless drill, etc.). There’s a lot of stuff that I am in no rush to un-box though, you’re right. I don’t think that makes me a better person or anything. Some of it can be explained by the climate: I haven’t worn a pair of socks since I arrived, for example, which is glorious.
It will be interesting to see how long it takes us to open the final box.
I find hilarious that an almost complete kitchen includes a washing machine. You were in the UK for too long.
OK, OK, we will put it on the verandah or in the barn. :)
The kitchen did have the plumbing though, so I plead convenience.
Also, why am I the only one with an avatar?
I honestly don’t know. I assume it might be picking it up from your gmail account or something? But then lots of commenters have gmail accounts and avatars. Hmm. Do you have a WordPress account possibly?
Perhaps you are just special. ;)
The “gaming chair” arrived, now we can come to visit!Marina x
You can come to visit any time, of course! :) And to be honest not much gaming is happening in that chair. More sleeping, covered in dogs and/or cats.
Wow, that’s a lot of stuff!
Well, you know… consumerism, man. :)
we’re all guilty
great trunk, little trunk, bandbox, and bundle :)