I’m back home, somewhat caught up on sleep and somewhat less caught up on email. Once I’m a little more caught up on both, I’ll post a detailed account of my trip.

For now, I’d just like to say I had a wonderful time, and to once again thank my hosts for going out of their way to make sure I enjoyed my stay in İstanbul. In particular, I’d like to thank Sinan Tunalıoğlu, Can Burak Çilingir and Nazlı İpek Mavuşoğlu for spending their winter breaks showing me the sights of İstanbul, and Boran Puhaloğlu for inviting me and for organizing this very well run and well attended event. Teşekkürler!

Since several people have asked, I’d also like to take this opportunity to mention my international travel/speaking policy, which is, generally speaking, that I’ll do it, schedule permitting, if you can pay my way.

From the American perspective, it’s too easy to fall into the trap of seeing open source as primarily a business phenomenon. It’s so much more than that, as becomes very clear when you have the opportunity to travel to events such as Özgür Yazılım ve Açık Kaynak Günleri. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to share my experiences with those of you who are using open-source software and the concepts behind it to affect real change, and it is always a tremendous learning experience for me as well to see what you are doing firsthand. And, of course, it goes without saying that it is an honor and a privilege to be able to the see the world and the diversity of religions, cultures and people who inhabit it.