I want...

Here is what I want most out of the trip:

• Whirling Dervishes - we researched and found a Saturday night show. No advanced Internet booking is available so we will stop by to get tickets as soon as we arrive in Istanbul. In Egypt there were also dervish performances but did not work for the days we were in Cairo.
• Raki, this is an alcohol beverage infused with anise flavor. It's unofficially the National Drink of Turkey. Usually you are suppose to dilute it with water otherwise you may have a bad hangover.
• Nargile, water pipe smoking. Julee and I tried it the first time at El fishawy in Cairo. It is called "sheesha" in Egypt, "hookah" in Jordan. I gravitate towards the apple flavor. Lonely Planet recommends a few coffee houses that serve as the Nargile Gardens in the Sultanahmet. Must not miss!
• Along with the drinking and smoking, I should also not miss the coffee fortune telling. After drinking Turkish coffee, people from the coffee house can read your fortune over the thick coffee grounds left behind.
• Mussels off the street. Our coworker Serra who's Turkish raves about the mussels in Istanbul. I love seafood and mussels are one of my favorite. I imagine myself sniffing along and eating non stop.
• Hot air balloon ride over Goreme. I have never been on a hot air balloon before. I heard that it would be a smooth sail. Watching sunrise over the stone chimney looking cave houses and churches would be superb.
• Paragliding in Oludeniz. When Julee suggested this, I had a mental picture of parasailing. "Of course". I echoed to her idea. When I saw the pictures of parachute over the Aegean Sea, I realize I would be flying instead. Oludeniz hosts international air events annually so there are lots of experienced pilots who would glide with us. This is yet to be the most adventurous thing I will ever do.