Loss of a GSE Friend

It is with a great deal of sadness that I post this message. Dick Poole, a member of Huntington Rotary Club and the District 6540 GSE selection committee was laid to rest today, October 27th. Many Rotarians and friends paid respects to his family for contributions to the Huntington community, the Rotary family (locally and internationally) and other organizations that he supported that made Huntington a great place to live.

Personally, he assisted in providing me with encouragement and insight into the role of GSE Team leader after my selection and was the consumate supporter of our whole team. He was so excited for our team going to Turkey and he was looking forward to his own trip to Turkey with his son, John. One of his responses to our blog postings was "Please keep the reports coming. Some of us check several times a day. All the best!!"

After returning home, he visited the Wabash Club meeting when I presented a program, and also had the team make a presentation at Huntington Club. I was in Huntington one afternoon and decided to call and visit personally about our experience and spent about 1 1/2 hours with him. We reviewed maps , destinations and experiences and I was looking forward to comparing notes upon his return. In a brief visit with John at funeral, he indicated they had a great time on their trip, which I was glad to hear. Poole, as his friends called him, will be missed.

Lagrange Rotary Club Presentatio

I had a wonderful time at the Lagrange club held at the Brickhouse Inn. A small energetic club that oozes Rotary and a very quaint place to meet with great food. I went through my condensed pictures to provide a few slides of each of the communities the team experienced. Jane was able to join me and we had a great time, enjoyed the fellowship and interest in group study exchange. My encouragement was to look for young professionals in their community for the Mexico performing Arts exchange in the spring as well as future exchanges. The meeting was on August 3rd.

Dave

Rotary Presentation Elkhart Morning Club- Vivian

My first Rotary Meeting. I will be at the Elkhart Morning Club Meeting on August 27th at 7am.

Rotary Presentation in Auburn. - Katy

Hello to all. It will be one month back as of Wednesay. I have a cd of Turkish pop music playing in my car to keep the experience alive.

Just wanted to let you know that I will be doing the following Rotary presentation:

Tuesday, August 4th - Auburn Rotary Club.

If any of the rotarians would like us to reach out to specific clubs, please let us know and we would be happy to do so.

Happy July!

Upcoming Rotary Presentations- Sarah

All--

Thank goodness for fathers. Who else would sit through (literally) 1807 photos of my travels in Turkey and then on my own in Greece!?

But luckily, we've learned a bit of editing and have started to hone our presentations to be ready for your viewing pleasure. All of us would LOVE to share our stories and thanks with as many clubs in District 6540 as possible!

Here is a list of the upcoming presentations that I know about:
(Sorry if there are others-- please add comments if you know of one I missed!)

Dave: Wabash Club: July 27th
Dave: Huntington Club: August 18th

Vivian: Downtown South Bend Club: unsure of date (sorry!)

Katy/Erin/Sarah: Downtown Fort Wayne Club: August 17th

Katy/Sarah: Columbia City: September 15th

Please feel free to contact us directly at our email addresses or phone numbers. We look forward to hearing from you!

Back Home Again in Indiana - Dave

The last few days the tune of this line has been passing through my mind....especially on the plane rides. It is great to be home, but what a wonderful experience. I look forward to being able to relive the experiences as they are shared with family, friends, Rotary Clubs and other organizations. The memories of wonderful new friends, the beauty of the countryside from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, the warmth and hospitality of our hosts and all those we met, trying to relax during the travel on the roadways, and reflecting on the history that we were exposed to that was magnificent. It will be strange to not have to negotiate a price for a purchase or to not see a minuet in the near distance.

It's back to work and catching up.....with the opportunity to review the many wonderful memories as we go through pictures and videos. I look forward to getting together with this team and sharing once they are all "Back Home Again in Indiana".

Last Day in Istanbul - Katy

Last day in Istanbul. Last day in Turkey. Yesterday, Matt, Erin & I took a 6 hr. trip on the Bosphorus. It was 90 mins. on the ferry, 3 hrs. in this little town with a castle to explore and fresh seafood to eat, and then the return trip on the ferry. It was spectacular; the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Istanbul into a city that sits on both the European continent and the Asian continent, connects the Black Sea and the Marmara sea (which then is connected to the Mediterranean). The water, outside of the dirty waterways in the busiest ferry sections, is a beautiful aqua blue. Istanbul is very hilly, they call it the city of seven hills, so there is nice elevation on either side of the Bosphorus which gives you a great view of the cityscape. Old beautiful Mosques, old Ottoman buildings, old European-inspired buildings, Ottoman Palaces, and new modern buildings cover the city center of Istanbul. Minarets for all of the mosques pop up in rapid intervals along the skyline. As we travelled farther away from the city center, the landscape relaxed. Ferries were replaced with yachts and skyscrapers were replaced with beautiful summer homes and hotels that occupied the coveted strait-front property.

Today we are going to explore the Topkapi Place, where Ottoman Emperors ruled/lived for hundreds of years. Sarah will have a couple of hours between her return from Ephesus and her departure for Athens, so we are hoping that she can join us for one of my last adventures.

This has been such an amazing experience. The last couple of days we’ve continued to remind ourselves how truly fortunate we are to have been chosen for the Turkey team. Rotary does a lot of wonderful things, and from my personal experience, this is one of the best! The sights and sounds and tastes of Turkey are remarkable, but the true impact has been the relationships we’ve made with the people we have met. Turkish people truly define the word hospitality. Opening their homes and hearts to us wasn’t just an opportunity for them but a cultural obligation that they take on with passion. Time and time again, they all said to us, “If you are happy, then we are happy.” I only hope that I can return the favor in some way in the future.

Home at Last?!

After two days of travel, I have finally arrived in South Bend. I am currently at work. Yes I went in the day after I arrived. Jet lag has not affected me yet. It is surreal to be sitting at work. I work up this morning hoping that breakfast would be ready. Alas I had to get coffee, a scone and an apple at work. A sharp cry from the olives, cucumbers, tomates, jams, bread and tea I had been having for the best 4 weeks in Turkey. I do not know how the others will far when they return. Already people are asking for pictures. I haven't even unpacked yet. I am still digesting what happened over the past 4 weeks.

1st Pics from Istanbul - Katy

View from the rooftop terrace at our hotel.

Sunset on our first night in Istanbul.

Matt & Erin in the Grand Bizarre.

Our friends from Adapazari (Crystal and Levent's mother) and the crew at a fabulous lunch on the Asian side of Istanbul.

The hoppin' streets of Taksim Square, a busy, old & modern section of Istanbul.

We have arrived in Istanbul - Katy

Our departure from Antalya was a little tricky this morning. Rotary had arranged for an airport shuttle for us, but hadn't confirmed with terminal we were departing from. We arrived at the airport, made it through the first check in, then realized we were at the international terminal and needed to be at the domestic terminal (which wasn't connected). We asked around to try to figure out which direction to head.

Next we flagged down taxis and headed off to the next terminal, we arrived at (unfortunately) International Terminal 2. We'd learned from our mistake the first time and Erin ran off to confirm with airport personnel that we were in fact in the right place....we weren't. So, back in the taxi and headed off again. Third time was a charm and we made it to the right location.

After a brief delay, we took off and landed in Istanbul an hour after our scheduled arrival time. Matt, Erin, Dave, and I are all checked into our hotel. We have an amazing view from their rooftop lounge of the blue mosque and the Bosphorus (picture to come later).

We were going to hit the grand bizarre, but it is closed today, so off to go mosque hopping. Once we'd made it through the baggage claim, Erin kept saying that she felt like she was forgetting something...it was because our 4 week team had gone from 5 to 3.

Vivian leaves in less than an hour for London and Sarah leaves around 4pm to head to Izmir. So we said goodbye to them at the airport. More from Istanbul later.

Elephant in the Room Part 2

I had previous written about my experiences as a black woman in Turkey. As I say the adventure continues. I hoped/thought that things would change some when we came further south. While I have gotten less stares, people still look. One of my team members today observed that the headscarfing wearing women are the most likely to school. I have not had another person upon seeing me, scream. (this happened in Kastamonu when Sarah and I visited a school.) In Antalya, we have finally seen other Black people or should I say black men. The first occurence was at the Miracle resort. We have seen more since moving to Antalya proper. I have feeling it is because there is a U.S. military base a short hour plane ride from here. My most recent entertaining experience was yesterday. The team went to a jewelery store close to the hotel. I was minding my business when the owner? worker came up and said choksai (pretty /beautiful in Turkish) I said thank you. She had her collague translate into English beautiful. As she was talking she was coming closer and closer to me. Erin saw my predicament and intercede. It appeared that she wanted to get a closer look by rubbing skin touching skin I am not sure which. I also had one child look at me bug eyed. This has definitely been an experience.

Reflectıons on the wonderful WORLD of Rotary

After makıng the presentatıons to the Antalya Rotary Club and Olympus Club yesterday, ıt fınally began to sınk ın that our fantastıc experıences ın Turkey were approachıng an end ( or should I say begınnıng), as we all want to return. We have attended 10 Rotary meetıngs and along wıth the Dıstrıct Conference, have experıenced so much hospıtalıty, warmth , frıendshıp , not only from Rotarıans, but all of the Turkısh people we have come ınto contact wıth.

As I reflect on some of the Rotary club projects, the Falez Club and Kalecı Club buılt kındergarten schools ın two poorer communıtıes to serve the needs of theır chıldren. They also contınually provıde breakfast for the chıldren attendıng. Keep ın mınd, there was no kındergarten prevıously. The Olympus club has had a program thıs year where they brıng students from vıllages for a 'day trıp to the sea' as many students ın outlyıng areas have never seen the sea or know much about ıt. They charter a bus for the day and brıng students to a fun and educatıonal day studyıng thıngs about the sea. Theır teachers have some projects back at theır school and wınners are selected from each school. The awards wıll be presented Saturday evenıng at a receptıon that we have been ınvıted to. I happen to have 10 coın purses and gold dollars of Presıdent Washıngton and Harrıson, along wıth quarters from Indıana and Washıngton DC to provıde as an addıtıonal gıft to the recıpıents of awards. Thıs wıll be our last Rotary functıon whıle ın Turkey and we are all pleased that we can share ın thıs recognıtıon and support of Olympus Club and theır project.

At the Dıstrıct Conference , I saw many clubs receıve awards for a varıety of Turkısh projects and worldwıde projects reflectıng just how much Rotarıans ın all parts of the world are workıng for the benefıt of others. The 4-Way Test has come alıve along wıth the motto ''Servıce Above Self''. Wıth years of experıence ın Rotary and hostıng exchange teams and exchange students ın our home, I knew Rotary was ınternatıonal, but untıl you meet wıth other Rotary clubs and see the projects fırst hand ın an Internatıonal settıng, you don't really understand that. I hope all Rotarıans when they travel wıll take the tıme to vısıt Rotary clubs ın other countrıes. You wıll be treated so wonderfully and there seems to be a common ' Rotary language' even though ıt may be wıth hand gestures, smıles and hugs.

As I wrıte thıs I have tears streamıng down my face for several reasons;

Thanks to Dıstrıct 6540 for provıdıng me wıth thıs opportunıty.
Thanks to the selectıon commıttee for provıdıng such a wonderful team,
Thanks to Dıstrıct 2430, theır leadershıp, theır hostıng clubs and all the members who have made our vısıt so very specıal,
Thanks to my daughter and my offıce assıstant for theır extra effort whıle I have been gone.
A specıal thanks to my wıfe for allowıng me to experıence thıs opportunıty and I mıss you, love you and wıll be home soon.
Thanks to Erın, Katy , Vıvıan and Sarah for helpıng make thıs a fantastıc experıence ın all aspects. They are not only talented and wonderful ambassadors for theır professıons but also very personable and have been loved by all the famılıes and Rotarıans they have come ınto contact wıth. A very very specıal THANK YOU.

Pictures from Mersin - Katy

These are pictures from our week in Mersin (over a week ago).

The crazy kebap that I had our first night in Mersin with my host family. It was served on a sword.

After the official flag presentation during our presentation to the Kizkalesi Rotary Club.

Carved doorway still standing from the Roman era.

The group at the main castle with the Kizkalesi castle (maiden's castle), which is hanging out on this island just off the shore.

Our beautiful lunch spot for that day. It looks like we were in the water from the photo; no worries, we weren't.

Tripping over history, literally - Katy

I know that I've spoken about this before, but we are continually bewildered by all of the sights and scenes of ancient, and ancient, ancient, and ancient, ancient, ancient history here, specially along the mediteranian coast. During one of our adventures in Mersin, we drove an hour outside of the city to explore a couple of different cities from the Roman & Hellenistic eras; literally everywhere we looked, there were ruins. All of our Turkish friends & guides found our reactions and exclamations very amusing. For them this all so common place; what is interesting to them is our reaction.

There are some many artifacts and historical sites that it is virtually impossible for the Turkish government to elminiate all illegal excavations. From an article that I read (my numbers may be a little fuzzy here, but pretty close): between 2002 to 2007 there were 800 illegal excavations, they've been able to cut that down and there were only 200 between 2007-2008. When we toured the Antalya Museum we faced a bit of shame; a statute and ancient Christian artifact were only partially recovered, the identification sign said that the remaining portion of the artifacts had been stolen and were now on display in museums in the United States (including half of a marble statue of Hercules that is at the Met in New York). Ouch! According to the signs, the Turkish authorities are in negotiations for the return of these items.

There are just layer upon layer upon layer of civilizations that have existed in this small part of the world, from the beginning of man to the earliest Christians (Peter and Paul) to the Ottoman Empire (which existed for 600 years). Any time artifacts are discovered in the ground, the government is supposed to be notified. In Tarsus, they have severly limited any new construction because everywhere they dig they find new ruins and artifacts. Sarah's host family in Mersin owns a farm in Eastern Turkey. When they were digging in their fruit orchard they found arrowheads and other items. Because they didn't want to be subjected to government seizure of their property they just reburied the artifacts.

It is easy to understand why there is so litte protection and security of the ruins and ancient cities; there are just so many that they couldn't possible manage all of them.

Any history buffs or lovers of ancient civilizations should definitely consider a trip to Turkey. It is obvious that the Rotarians in Antalya appreciate the importance of these ancient cities, as many of their clubs are named after them.

We head to Perge on Friday, which should be another stunning site. It seemed as if about half of the items on display in the Antalya Museum came from Perge. I promise to post pictures.

Perge Rotary Meetıng - Rotarıan Dave

I wıll let one of the team talk about the vısıt to the Antalya museum as I wıll comment on our vısıt to the Perge Rotary Club. Thıs ıs an evenıng meetıng and we also added Lız and Catına from Dıstrıct 5300 to 'our team'. In a team effort, slıdes from Dıstrıct 5300 and Lız and Catına's were added to our presentatıon. Thıs meetıng was held ın a beautıful Sheraton Hotel near the bay. Thıs meetıng ıs much lıke a meetıng back home and ıs a club wıth about 35 members. Sınce they just had sıgnıfıcant responsıbılıtıes at the Dıstrıct Conference over the weekend, the attendance of members was about 18. There was a prospectıve member and one of theır members wıll be an assıstant DG thıs next year. They also have 6 women members and one wıll be Presıdent for 09-10. A very good club meetıng wıth member celebratıons, reports on awards receıved at Dıst Conf. We went through our NEW PowerPoınt wıth the 7 members , exchanged flags wıth everyone and presented and receıved gıfts. As wıth every club and every experıence, we are so warmly receıved. Several members stayed after the meetıng and vısıtred wıth the team. We are ın the habıt of spreadıng out among the members durıng the meal and my observatıons are that each member of the team ıs wonderfully sharıng ın conversatıons, laughıng wıth the Turkısh members and truly enjoyıng the experıence. Our brochures have been a great resource and are vıewed wıth ınterest, even though some cannot read them. Many are taken by the members. Thanks to all the Rotarıans on behalf of the whole team for thıs experıence.

The next rtwo days (Wed and Thurs), thıs group of 7 wıll be splıt ınto two teams as there are two clubs each day meetıng at lunchtıme. My wonderful team has splıt our presentatıon to fıt the members attendıng each club, so we won' mıss a beat. We are off to vısıt some kındergarten classes thıs mornıng and whenever we have been around chıldren....the excıtement for everyone ıs great.

Visit to the Antalya Museum - Katy

Waiting to tour the museum...us and 20 different school groups.

Marble statute from the Roman Era. It was taken from Pergue, which we will visit on Friday.

Vivian and one of several impressive sarcophaguses.

A view of the sarcophagus hall.

Pictures from Old Antalya - Katy

We were done early yesterday afternoon. Dave, Vivian, Erin & I decided to stroll through the streets of Old Antalya down to the Old Harbor. Old Antalya is, as obvious as it sounds, the portion of Antalya that is the oldest and closest to the Old Harbor, and also contains the oldest ruins of the city. Most of Old Antalya is enclosed by large stone walls, so it is easy to know when you've hit the boundary. We timed it right and were able to do a little shopping and enjoy an Efes at a bar with a beautiful view of the sunset and the sea.

The clock tower on the outer boundary of Old Antalya. The start of our exploring.

A view from down in the harbor, where tourists catch the coastline cruises.

The view from our cocktail hour location.

Vivian, Erin, & I ready for some cold Efes.

A view of the only beach in the old harbor, it is very small and tucked in at the base of a cliff.

Heaven on Earth aka Antalya by Erin

We have had a busy day so far in hot Antalya. We are sweaty. The sun is strong, the traffic a bit heavy and the pool is calling!

(May I first mention that it was so nice to reconnect with our host families this past weekend.)

Antalya is a tourist destination. (500,000 tourism bed capacity- whoa is right!) We visited the Chamber of Commerce this morning. The building is stunning. Lots of windows and simple red decor straight out of a magazine. The chamber has 25,000 active members. It is compulsory to join as a trade company. The city is in constant motion towards improvements to accomodate its growing population. They are also working to improve their city's image through marketing (Antalya is Fun-talya - pretty catchy) and the marketing of their historical sites. Tourist have a tendency to trap themselves in their all inclusive hotels, sipping Effes and forgetting about the beautiful city outside the hotel compound.

We visited the Deputy Mayor as well. . .the Turkish title, the Secretary General. He gave us gifts of citrus jam and a cookbook, in English! It has all our favorite Turkish treats.

The beaches here are clean and the water is blue. The flowers are plentiful. 90% of Turkey's exported cut flowers come from Antalya. Looking out the windows of the Chamber meeting room, we could see a field of greenhouses.

We are free the rest of the day. So the plan is to explore the city center.

On a final note, the rotary president of the Olympos rotary club is working on a project called People for People. It's a bike tour beginning September 23rd in the Mediterranean countries raising money, specifically for world peace. The tour begins at the Vatican and ends in Mecca, Christians and Muslims unite! Bikers unite!

Peace,
Erin

New Location - Anatalya city center Vivian

We finally have regular access to email again. We are sitting here in our deluxe business suite in the Best Western. We have definitely come down in the world. But don't cry for us though. We (sadly minus Sarah) each have our own room. Kind size bed, couch, side chair two writing desks( at one of which I am writing this blog). Did I mention the complimentary fruit and wine with evil eye attached? Katy and Dave have views of the mountains and Erin and I have views of the sea. Not too shabby.

It is nice to empty our suitcases and see what is actually inside. I for for one keep finding random things in said suitcases. I have by far the largest suitcase of the group. I had joked to one of our host families that a small child could fit inside. Deadpan they asked why I would want to take a small child in a suitcase. Our suitcase trauma at Adana airport has made us all reconsider what we put in our suitcase. (quick recap we each were only allowed 15 kg (about 35 lbs I think. ) for the domestic flight from Adana to Anatalya. All of us were over by at least 18 kg some as much as 28kg. Yes we had to pay the difference.) I am finally going to sit down and make sure that I have gotten presents for everyone. We are sitting in Katy's room reminiscing and missing Sarah. I keep thinking I only have a week left of this wonderful experience. I am trying to drink in the last few experiences before I have to return to "real life." Stay tuned for more adventures.

Dıstrıct Conference Revıew - from Rotarıan Dave

Let me start by sayıng what a wonderful facılıty and we were treated lıke royalty. It was great fun to re-connect wıth many of our host famılıes and club members from our prevıous vısıts. It was a lıttle dısappoıntıng to know that we had 10 mınutes for our 'presentatıon' that also needed to ınclude gıfts to the Dıstrıct Governor that I had been carryıng for 3 weeks from Gov. John.
We dıdn't get to the hotel untıl about 10:00 pm on the fırst day, whıch were most of the break-out sessıons so I wasn,t able to attend those.

Other than our presentatıon, the rest of the team dıd not attend the meetıngs. I lıstened to the Presıdent' Rep, Mıchael Abdalla, wıth a couple message from D.K. Lee. The longest speech and most ınformatıve dealt wıth the cut-backs that RI would be makıng ın some of theır program fundıng due to the sıgnıfıcant decrease ın market value of theır ınvestment portfolıo. Keep ımn mınd that thıs ıs not any dıfferent than all foundatıons and charıtable organızatıons. He ındıcated the programs for Polıo Plus and other humanıtarıan need programs would contınue. A brıght spot ıs that contrıbutıons contınue to be strong and that Bıll Gates has added an addıtıonal 150 mıllıon to hıs commıtment to RI Foundatıon. I belıeve only the fırst 100 mıllıon neds to be matched and we are over 70 % there.

The upbeat musıc durıng every slıght ınterlude, numerous awards to clubs greeeted by a rousıng applause. The dıstrıct has 90 clubs and they need to travel sıgnıfıcant dıstances to get to the conference. All of the Presıdents, Asst DG and most others had blazers wıth the Make Dreams Real Patch on and same color. Thıs made for some wonderful photos. I dıd pıck up our team photo afterwards wıth DG Azız. Our dıstrıct can be very proud of our team, the way they have conducted themselves at all tımes and havıng made wonderful and close frıends ın Turkey. I wıll mıss the famıly connectıons thıs week and we wıll be makıng some of our fırst luncheon presentatıons as all others have been at a dınner ın evenıng or ın some cases late nıght for eatıng.
I enjoyed attendıng the sessıons and wıll have some vıdeo and thoughts to help DG Floyd upon my return. In area, thıs dıstrıct ıs ther largest ın the world for Rotary. Enough for now.....just know that we all are havıng a wonderful experıence and I expect ıt to contınue for thıs last leg of thıs Rotary journal that has gıven alla greater perspectıve on the 'World of Rotary'. It truly ıs.

Our final hours in Paradise - Katy

We leave the Miracle Resort today. It is 10:30 am here in Turkey, we need to be checked out of our rooms @ 12pm. Fortunately the Rotary clubs of Antalya, who are hosting us, have arranged for us to be able to catch a little more beach time, so we won't be picked up until 3pm.

The internet connection here has been quite spotty, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for more reliable access at our next spot. I'm feeling better; no voice yet, but much better.

While our time here has been wonderful (and a great place to recuperate), I'm getting anxious to see the real Antalya. The set-up for our last week is a little unusual (we'll be here until next Sunday). Dave, Erin, Vivian and I are staying in a hotel in the city center. Sarah will be staying with a host family. We think that she is the only one that sounded interesting enough from her bio to have intrigued a rotarian and their family to host her in their home. Also, Catina and Liz from the GSE team here from California will be joining our team for the week (and will be staying with host families). There are 9 clubs in Antalya; six in the city proper and three in the suburbs. The three in the suburbs are hosting the other three members from the California team. We are excited to have Catina and Liz join us, but I can't imagine how difficult it would be to be separated from your team during your last week in Turkey. They handling it like champs, there sponsoring clubs in California would be proud.

More to come from our next destination....

Down for the Count, temporarily - Katy

So unfortunately, I've fallen victim to Laryngitis, an ear infection, and a sinus infection. It started last Sunday (sinus infection & ear infection), I had a brief medical consultation with a doctor at the Rotary meeting on Monday night, which was probably not the most thorough exam sitting in the meeting room at the Hilton. I think I kept convincing myself that I was getting better until my body said, 'Nope, I don't think so.' At which point I completely lost my voice this morning.

I first stopped in at the hotel medical station. Fortunately the extremely nice hotel we are staying at has made everything really easy, including seeking medical attention. They then referred me to the local hospital. They asked me, "Do you want to go by taxi or ambulance?" At which point I terrifyingly heard the sound of a cash register ringing in my bad ear. I said that a taxi would be fine.

Vivian and I headed to the local private hospital. I was in and out in 1 hr.. The doctor asked me to say my name as loudly as I could, which was barely above a whisper. I'm now loaded down with meds and feeling better because I feel like I have the right medications and a beautiful pool/sea to nap by. I am really disappointed that I'm not feeling better to truly enjoy this amazing setting. But I'll get over that.

I'm grateful for the team, they have really taken care of me! More later.

Antalya Update- Sarah

We arrived at District Conference late last night and had a very happy reunion with members from all the Clubs and Families from along our grand adventure-- it was great to see familiar faces we have missed!

Of course it took us no time to find our way to the dance floor and we were quickly making more friends as we learned (or attempted to learn!) new Turkish moves.

If you have a second-- check out our Hotel-- it is seriously p-i-m-p. http://www.miracleotel.com

Whoever named this hotel "Miracle" had it right-- wow. Priceline has never hooked me up with something this sweet -ha!

There was a beach party and BBQ from 10pm (approx when we arrived) to midnight so after checking in we headed downstairs to grab some food, a cocktail, and meet up with everyone. But the Rotary folks were no where to be found. Hmmm... We walked past the DJ area. The pool. A restaurant or three. Another pool. Is that a waterslide?! Hello Diamond Jim's! The Hookah bar. Masses of people eating and drinking and circled back to the lobby to no avail.

The helpful desk informed us that since it was dark we must not have gone all the way to the ocean where the Beach Party literally was on the BEACH. Holy smokes. This place is even more huge and pimp than we thought! We finally made our way down and the aforementioned frivolity ensued.

Waking up for brekky we found another surprise-- when you look out over the sea-- there's a mountain range as the backdrop. Dear families in Indiana- please try not to feel sorry for us as we make this slice of heaven our home for the next four days. ;)

Antakya Rewind- Sarah

Hola! Sorry I’ve been out of the loop (here and on email, fbook, etc etc)—I haven’t had easy internet access for several cities so these posts are not in correct chronological order—use your imagination. J Also—there may be some overlap as others have already filled in on these entries from my journal—apologies in advance.

For example—this is a follow-up to Katy’s post from Antakya:
As Katy mentioned, we each had our two week “down-day”—but all bounced back nearly immediately. I think our team’s collective sense of curiosity, adventure, and willingness to try anything once was a huge asset in our quick recovery.

Another thing that has happened is that we are hitting our stride as a team—knowing when someone has a headache, knowing who can be counted on to ask which questions on our visits, when to step up, and so on. Our diverse backgrounds and perspectives mean that we can an eclectic and full view of each business, city, and historic site we visit. Our individual attributes are becoming more and more evident to each other as well:
· Dave’s sentimental streak and love of children
· Erin’s outgoing-ness (is that a word?!) and ability to be at ease and make others at ease in any situation
· Katy’s easy and infectious laughter (and wicked smart econ Q’s)
· And Vivian’s surprising sensitive side and not-so-surprising saucy side
· As for me—I’ll let the others decide what is emerging to them!
Ok- back to describing our time in Antakya----

In addition to the wedding one of the major highlights from the first day was the stunning archeological museum. Rashid, the “youngest” Rotarian (a retired agricultural engineer) was our extremely knowledgeable and convivial guide. It was also a treat because it was the first time we really had a chance to connect with the other American GSE team in our district – travelling here from East LA. Hi Doug, Leon, Olivia, Liz and Catina!!! We can’t wait to see you again in Antalya!) The Museum is well known throughout Turkey and with travelers from across the world—and for good reason.

It is well organized and expertly presented (Leah and Brian from FWMoA would be proud) with detailed labels in Turkish and English. Not only did the museum have beautiful Greco-Roman sculptures and coins from every ruler possible!—but the real highlight are the mosaics! Actually, the purpose of the founding and construction of the entire museum was to house these amazing and beautiful works of art they kept finding in and around the city as new construction commenced. It was hard to believe that these stunning artworks from literally centuries ago were once on the floor!

There are 191 colors of stone found locally in Antakya (as we learned on a later visit to a mosaic shop where traditional construction methods are still practiced) and ALL of the colors are evident in the works. Some are fairly simple but as the Renaissance shifted into full swing the dimension and modeling evident in the mosaics are crazy! It feels like you can almost caress Apollo’s cheek! Most of the mosaics depict mythological scenes—Zeus, Mars and of course the locally famous Daphne and Apollo (more on this later).

There were also scenes depicting athletes (—and their eyes followed you around the room!), virility (bahchika-wawa) and the abundance of food and crops—the changing of seasons. As Amanda will understand, my only disappointment was that there was a lack of handouts! (Not that our over-flowing luggage needs any help….)

Another major highlight involves the story of Daphne and the God Apollo. Apollo was in love with Daphne but she was having none of that business (Vivian thinks its b/c he was a playa). Daphne was collecting water near Antakya and Apollo sensed his chance to make a move and grabbed for her. Daphne—being a bit of a diva- lunged away and fought him off. (But really- who can outrun the Sun God?) It was then that she turned into a laurel tree—which retains her beauty—and her flowing hair became the waterfalls in the region.

Today, not only are the laurel trees and waterfalls evidence of the story but the ever-present “Dafne Soap”—guaranteed to make the user young and beautiful forever—I dare say some of you lucky readers will be receiving some as gifts!

Apollo was devastated at the irretrievable loss of his love and his tears too turned into a waterfall at the base of the laurel (Dafne) tree. Under “Apollo’s Tears” there is a small—very small—cave. Legend says that if you enter and make a wish—it will be granted. Joseph, our fearless guide walked effortless through the small creek and ducked under the waterfall—of course we fearlessly followed. Whoa! We all greatly underestimated the water pressure and rate of flow of the seemingly gentle waterfall. As you saw in the photos we were soaked to the bone! But it did make for great photos and even more of our many laughs.

Cheers!

Mersin Lists Cont- Sarah

All-- Here is the second part of the last post that didn't go through on the last post.

Things I can already tell I'll miss from Turkey:

All the wonderful people we've met along the way!

Turkish Breakfast. (And the leisure for breakfast to take 40-60 minutes!)

The constant tea and Turkish coffee

The knock-you-down stunning beauty everywhere (especially here on the Med Coast)

Being sea-side in general. Especially for a water baby like me! The crazy green hue of the Black Sea and the varyin azure of the Mediterannean. mmmmmm......

The lack of stress

The lack of responsibility

All the beyond cool art/architecture/artifacts and the unique mix of cultures and civilization we experience (nearly casually!) on a daily basis. Not to mention-- being able to touch sculpture, hieroglyphs, etc from literally centuries and centuries ago! Ah the art historian - object feign in me is giddy!

Having all my cooking and laundry taken care of for me! Brian is really going to have to step it up as a roommate when I get home- haha :)

Mersin Lists - Sarah

I’m sitting in my “room” in Mersin after a day climbing through ruins (a special Turkish blend of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine tinged with Ottoman) and finished with my first swim in the Mediterranean. Pretty rough- I must admit!

The mother in my host family has several guests over today so after a brief visit, I took my leave for some rare downtime before the music concert tonight.
We spoke so much about our lists at the outset that I thought I’ll include some current lists from on the road:

Things I miss from home:
· Family and friends – of course but it can always be mentioned! Love and hugs especially
to Dad and Gma!
· Regular internet access (wawa…)
· Mexican food! And spicy – hot—food. Turkish food is very spiced and flavorful but rarely
does it ever register on my heat meter. Not to mention I miss my cilantro!
· Being able to NOT eat meat. Especially red meat. Thank god the FWMoA staff has been
helping me to become more meat-venturous!
· Autonomy. I know it’s for our protection and the intentions are nothing but the best—but
it would be great once in a while to explore unchaperoned
· Venti amounts of caffeine
· Smoke free indoors. Turks love their cigarettes so it will be interesting when the indoor
smoking ban goes into effect in July.

Things I thought I would miss but really don’t:
Driving
Texting
Work (or even knowing what’s happening…)
My own bed
The majority of my clothes
Television—the season finales of the shows I regularly watch

Cultural Experıences Abound - Dave

Yesterday was a relaxıng day as we vısıted an antıquıtıes shop, had some chaı and then went for a tradıtıonal Mersın lunch of what was lıke a specıal burrıto and very good. We have all enjoyed the varıety of cuısıne that each regıon has offered. A relaxıng afternoon ın and around a beautıful pool fılled the afternoon. Our host famılıes pıcked us up about 4:30 and we headed to our homes to change and go to the 'Resonance Quıntet' concert at the only Catholıc Church ın Mersın, whıch ıs also 155 years old , and very beautıful. A unıque piece of Art ıs a large pıcture made from glass depıctıng a black Mary holdıng a black baby Jesus. I guess ıt ıs one of two ın the world and the other ıs ın the US.

The musıc from these unıversıty students was fantastıc as they played pieces from Handl and Mozart and other destınguıshed composers. The oboe, flute, bassoon, french horn and a clarınet made beautıful musıc all evenıng.

We happened to hıt the mıddle of the Mersın Musıc Festıval as they had concerts every evenıng over a perıod of two weeks. It had been arranged for us to sıt at the front, just behınd other dıgnıtarıes. However, the lady ın charge ( and she really was ın charge) came over at the conclusıon and grabbed my hand and took me to the pulpıt to make some comments to the packed church audıence.

I complımented the musıcıans and asked for another round of applause, ıntroduced the team and expressed all of our apprecıatıon for the wonderful experıences we have receıved, the frıendshıps made and expressed thanks to the Chamber Presıdent for the lunch we had wıth hım a day earlıer. We were able to get a pıcture wıth 3 of the musıcıans at a receptıon afterwards.

A quıck trıp to the harbor to see about 150 saılboats that were a flotılla travelıng to Mersın for some gatherıng. One was from Delaware, another from London. They came from several parts of the world and thıs was the 20th year. The nıght dıdn't want to end as we headed for Mado's, the local ıce cream cafe (I had vısıted the nıght before) and had wonderful fellowshıp wıth the whole team and our host famılıes. So, even wıth a rest day, we experıenced so much of the culture and beautıful people and actıvıtıes around Mersın. Our heads hıt the pıllows somewhere around mıdnıght. Good nıght to all......

The Famous Cup of Tea - Katy

Above is a photo of the famous cup of tea we have mentioned in previous blogs. A typical day doesn't pass without consuming 4 - 8 glasses of tea. You typically are offered tea at the end of every meal (or at the beginning with breakfast). Anytime you visit someone, the invitation for tea is extended and almost always accepted. As you can tell from the photo they aren't super-sized cups. Now that we've been here a couple of weeks we are all accustomed to the usual drinking schedule (and at times crave a glass). We do try to consume Turkish coffee when we can, which is also quite delicious. It is made with very fine coffee grounds that are boiled (w/ sugar if that is your preferrence) and served unfiltered in an espresso sized cup. You can usually get down to 1/8th of the cup left before you 'hit the grounds'. An interesting tradition here in the Mersin region is that it is often served with a shot of creme de menthe in the afternoon or evening. Yet another tradition we've come to enjoy.

The only downfall is that these beverages don't seem to have the caffine-kick that our systems are used to. I'm sad to report that we did stop at Starbucks in Adana on the way to Mersin to ease our caffine withdrawals. We just needed one hit, we will not foolishly waste our remaining time in Turkey seeking out more Starbucks.

One more day in Mersin, then off to Antalya for the district conference. It will be a slow day tomorrow (yeah!) so I'm sure we'll have another chance to post.

Relaxıng before Dıstrıct Conference - Dave

As Vıvıan and Erın's blogs and Katy's pıctures descrıbe, we have had several busy and very enjoyable days. The schedule wıll be lıghter today and tomorrow as we wıll be vısıtıng an antıquıtıes store owned by one of the Rotarıan members.....have lunch and hıt the swımmıng pool at an apartment complex where Erın's host famıly has a summer 'house'. Tonıght we wıll attend a 'Resonance Quıntet' concert at the Catholoıc Church. In Mersın, wıth a populatıon of 800,000 and nearly 2 mıllıon ın the surroundıng suburbs, there are some Chrıstıan churches and Greek Orthodox, although the majorıty ıs Muslım.

Tomorrow, my host famıly ıs also flyıng to the Dıstrıct Conference, but at 1:30 where our flıght ıs at 8:00 PM. We found out on Sunday that we would be flyıng from Mersın rather than the usual bus transport. I bekıeve the dıstance and curvıng roads along the shorelıne make ıt a dıffıcult and longer trıp by vehıcle. I feel we wıll also mıss some of the beautıful shorelıne. Due to the travel schedule, tomorrow wıll be lıghter as we wıll hıt the very large local mall (Forum) and then head to the aırport.

The host famılıes, travel partners and guıdes contınue to be very hospıtable and we contınue to make new frıends. Thıs cıty ıs buılt on top of centurıes of hıstory as Vıvıan so aptly ındıcated. I wısh I had taken my college Western Cıvılızatıon course a lıttle more serıously as thıs trıp brıngs ıt alıve.

We are all lookıng forward to the Dıstrıct Conference and ındıcatıons are that about 1000 people wıll be attendıng.

Musıngs from Vıvıan

I must admıt when Our hosts fırst saıd they were goıng to take us around to see the local arachaelogıcal and hıstorıcal sıtses, I was expectıng eıther neolıthıc sıtes or more Turkısh sıtes whatever that means. I was pleasantly surprısed that the sıtes and storıes assocıated wıth them were Hellenıstıc, Roman or both. Sarah and I were dıscussıng how we forget how wıde spread these empıres were. It ıs amazıng how these treasures are unprotected. Anyone can go and see them and those we saw were a small amount. We were told that many more hıde further from the water ınto the mountaıns. People even buıld houses on top of these cultural treasures.

It was nıce to have a lıght day to recover. I wasnit goıng to go ınto the water but the chance to swım by a genuıne prıncess's castle and the color captured me and I went ın and experıenced my fırst touch of the Medıterrean (Whıte Sea ın Turkısh).

My host famıly,s apartment ıs very close to the beach. I fıanlly was able to go for a short walk wıth my host famıly Mom(she ıs my age so let,s say sıster), her mother and daughter. I started the walk wıth grandma and she bought me a corn from a guy totıng ıt ın a cooler. She asked me somethıng ın Turkısh I was lıke what and there appeared the corn.

I love the sound of the ocean and sometımes when ıt ıs just me ın the house I go to terrace and drınk tea wıth a book. I have been surprısed more than once by host brother lookıng for me.

By A Body of Water, says Erin

Mersin has a slight unfair advantage over other cities we have visited. We are by a body of water and from where I reside at any given moment, I am usually minutes away from that water. I love the water. I was likely a mermaid in a past life. Today we had a chance to dip into the Mediterranean. It was paradise - the hues of blues and the salty taste. A group of teenage boys were tossing a ball back and forth in the water and behind them stood the ruins of a castle: the modern world meeting the ancient without flaw.

I am staying with a very sporty family. There is a lot of tennis being played among the families we are staying. The host daught, Sevin and the host son, Levent, are some of the best players in their age division in Turkey. Their home is decorated with metals.

From my bedroom come the sounds of horns. Never rude horns. Horns here are used like a tap onb the shoulder *Hey buddy, would you mind staying in your own lane. Thanks. Or *Hey Ms., I am going to pass you. Just an FYI. Thanks.
When I use my horn in the states, I am usually angery. Drivers here are not so angry. It makes me feel safe. Sometimes when I am falling asleep at night, I will count the seconds between each honk. It is therapeutic, similar to counting sheep or goats.

I came down with a stomach problem yesterday. Thankfully one of the rotarians is a doctor. He came to the rescue. Now, I am in tip top shape and back on the Turkish diet. We are eating typical Mediterranean cuisine which is much lighter: more fish, less dairy, more vegetables and vegetable juice. Today I tried the turnip juice. That was the only time I plan to try this juice. There are few things Turkish that I do not enjoy, turnips liquified is one of them.

Flowers fill the city and seaside. The colors are rich, competing to be the very brightest we have seen yet. Orange and lemon trees fill the city streets, which explains all the orange jams served and Turks eating lemons in the raw as if they were oranges.

Yesterday was a vocational day. We saw one of Ataturk's homes. In nearly every office and home I have entered, a picture of Ataturk is hanging. Sometimes we see his profile, in others he is staring you in the eye.

May I finish by mentioning my favorite trait of the Turks: they like to sing and dance. Any time music is playing, there is a little singing and a little swaying. These people have natural rhythm and lots of it. I am trying to pick up some of the moves. They are not easy. They execute their moves with a certain kind of cool, big arm movement, hips in the mix sort of style. You would be impressed!

Antakya 2 - Katy

All of us soaking wet after our guide, Joseph, made us run into the cave under 'Apollo's Tears'.

Our hike through Titus Tunnel. Joseph said it was an adventur hike, we had NO idea what we were getting into.

Antakya - Katy

Mosaics at the Archeological Museum in Antakya.

Preparation of the 'shredded wheat' type ingredient of one of our favorite Turkish desserts, Kunefe.

One of many busy streets in downtown Antakya.

Sarah, Vivian and I outside of St. Peter's church, the first Christian church.

Kapadokya 2 - Katy

The girls trying to push the giant stone door closed in the underground city. 'Stay away you invaders!'

Our first carpet demonstration.

Yet another beautiful fresco inside the case churches.

Kapadokya - Katy

Our first evening in Kapadokya, on the roof top balcony of the Rotary President's hotel.

The landscape of Kapadokya and the 'fairy chimeys'.

One of the amazing frescos in the cave churches.

A mysterious hole that we climbed into on the side of the cliff.

The amazing columned catherdal that we found once we got inside.

Photos from the Safranbolu & the Black Sea - Katy

Sarah passing a secret love note through the revolving cabinet.

Our favorite store front window in Turkey.

Part of the city scape in Safranbolu, one of the world hertiage sites.

The beautiful view during our drive out to Amasra on the Black Sea.

The view of the coastline in Amasra.

Mersın - DAVE

We arrıved at a tennıs club and were met by our host famılıes. Another wonderful group of famılıes. We headed out ındıvıdually to get some rest for the next few days. My host famılıes daughter (16) had a tennıs lesson at 8:00 so we ended up havıng supper at the tennıs club...dıfferent from where we met. The last hour of travelıng from Antakya to Mersın saw beautıful hıllsıdes of orange and lemon trees wıth new plantıngs ın many areas. The rollıng hıllsıdes are very beautıful. We arrıve ın Mersın and drıve through the crowded streets to our meetıng locatıon. As we have seen all along ın the cıtıes, you see cars, buses, motorscooters, pedestrıans and occasıonal farm wagons pulled by horse or tractor usıng the same road space. There are few road rules...just use of horns. A two lane road at a stoplıght mıght be 4 wıde as any space wıde enough to hold a vehıcle wıll be used. I wıuldn't recommend a tourıst drıvıng.

We met on Monday mornıng, some of us begınnıng to show some wear and needıng a good nıghts sleep. Tonıght ıs the Rotary meetıng and we are scheduled to meet wıth the Provıncıal Governor, sımılar to our Governor and had a wonderful tıme. In dıscussıng the commerce and ıssues of the cıty and the 2nd largest seaport, he arranged for us to vısıt the 'free zone' at the port later ın the afternoon. We had about 45 mınutes before vısıtıng wıth the Presıdent of the Chamber of Commerce and havıng lunch overlookıng the park and harbor wıth hım. It was a gorgeous settıng. We are all tryıng to cut back on our food ıntake as we are leavıng much food on the plates. The lunch can be 4 course.

That 45 mınutes was spent vısıtıng the Mersın home of Ataturk, the father of theır revolutıon.

We then took a bus rıde to the free zone and vısıted the docks...all guarded and needıng specıal permıssıon to enter....whıch we had. We also vısıted a factory and saw the process of makıng clothıng that ıs shıpped around the world. There are over 400 busınesses ın thıs free zone. Tıme to go as we are goıng to vısıt some of the hıstorıc sıtes around Mersın today and get a chance to swım ın the Medıterranean Sea. I hope everyone got a good nıghts sleep as I dıd last nıght and we are on the go agaın.

Wonderful Antakya & Being Road Ravaged – Katy

Our visit to Antakya was another special visit. Unfortunately we had all experienced a bit of what we were calling the two week slump, lest you think every part of the trip has been smooth. (Not that we are asking any of you to feel sorry for us.) We were just very tired…tired of eating so much food, tired of not being able to communicate, tired of being ‘on’ 24 hours a day, tired of not knowing what we are going to do from hour to hour. [I’m sure that all former GSE team members and leaders are thinking, ‘Yep…that’s right.’] These are probably the best lessons we are learning; the reinforcement of the need to be adaptable. You learn to readjust your needs, shift into a different mode. Downtime is taken in 30 minute segments, you cherish the time you have to shower and get ready because it is quiet. Fortunately, the two week slump really only last about a day or less for each of us.
We only had two full days in Antakya and they were beyond packed, both with activities and food. (I think that we could all do a little bit of fasting.) I really think we’ve been truly blessed with the wealth of rich history and beautiful sights that we’ve seen. Another highlight of this visit was attending the Turkish wedding on Friday night. The father of the groom is a Rotarian and graciously invited all of us to be his guests. There were quite a few similarities, but also some unique differences. First of all there were 400 hundred people on the guest list; we had commented that it was large by American standards. They said, ‘Antakya is a small city, everyone knows everyone.’ My host family and I showed up at 8:15, the wedding started at 8 pm and we were among the first to arrive. By 8:45pm, most people had finally arrived. (I’ve discovered that Turkish time is very similar to African time.) When you arrive you are seated immediately at your table (similar to assigned seating at an American reception). If there is a religious portion of the ceremony, it takes place a couple of days prior to the wedding with just a few people. Then around 9pm the bride and groom were introduced and they made an entrance into the room where they proceeded to have their first dance. Then they were seated at a special table in the middle of the room where a government official performed a very brief ceremony followed by the signing of the marriage certificate. As all of this is going on we are dining on our appetizers, drinking, and chatting.
After the ceremony was finished the couple was congratulated by their family and everyone applauded. Then the bride and groom went around the room to every table where they were wished happiness and a wonderful life. Gifts are not given in the traditional American sense, but rather gifts of gold and money are given to the couple at each table they visit. By the end of the tour of the room, the bride was adorned with beautiful gold bracelets and necklaces. [All of us girls decided that tradition wasn’t so bad.] Immediately after the ceremony was finished they music had started and the loud music stayed with us for the rest of the evening, and all of the different courses filtered out about 30 minutes intervals until the end of the night. (i.e. the second the ceremony ends...the party begins.) The music was great and bounced back and forth from Turkish pop to Arabic. There were some amazing Arabic dancers among the crowd and we were constantly shuffling to get a good view of the amazing hip action. My host father took me out for a spin on the dance floor. He’s a total goof ball and kept telling everyone that I was his American cousin. Sarah and Vivian were thrown into the middle of a Turkish/Arabic circle dance (similar to ones we’ve seen in Greek celebrations) with Vivian leading the entire group through the chaotic mass. It was a bit challenging for them as they had to learn the dance and lead the line at the same time. Our fearless dancers persevered. At the end of a long and thoroughly enjoyable evening we all headed home, anxious for sleep.

One other thought on our travels in Turkey: we decided that we may be able to achieve world peace through our communal passion for fried dough and sugar. No matter what country that any of us have visit there has been some sort of consumption of delicious fried dough and sugar: beignets at Café du Monde in New Orleans, elephant ears at any American festival, churros with cinnamon and sugar in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico…and the list continues. If we can all bond over greasy sweetness, surely we can end all global conflict. Onto Mersin, thanks for following our journey; we can’t wait to share it with you in person. I promise to get photos up as soon as we have better access to the int

Antakya (Antıoch) and Kapodkya (Cappodıcıa) Impressıons - Vıvıan

İ haven`t written ın awhıle so I am goıng to combıne my ımpressıons of the two places. Both places ıncluded two of my bıg fears heıghts and claustophobia. Dave and the ladies have been wonderful. They have talked me through the rough spaces. On fırst hearıng we would be visitıng an underground cıty my fırst thought ıs awesome my second thought(s) how well lıt ıs ıt and ıs there a way out. The begınnıng was okay. I thınk the group had more ıssues wıth the ceılıngs. From the looks of thıngs the cave housıng was buılt for people who were 5'2 and under. (rıght up my alley sınce I am a tall 5'). Thıngs were well untıl we hıt the fırst tunnel.

All seemed well ıt was a short one. The second one I was not so lucky. It was a longer tunnel and we all had to crouch. Everyone went ahead and İ crouched ran through. My only moment of panıcyky was when we were backed up ın the one of tunnels.

In Antakya we were told we were goıng to the Tıtus Tunnel. I envısıon a lıghted pathway. Lıttle dıd I know. It was rocky dark and dıd I mentıon we had to become a combınatıon of Indıana Jones and an Olympıc gymnast to get through the balance beam walkway. Slowly our lıttle troop went through the cave. Thankfully there was a tıny bıt of lıght, a lot of feeling wıth your feet. We got the the other sıde more stressed than exhausted. Our guıde then turns to us and says do you want to rest or turn back. TURN BACK. We had to be Indy Gymnasts agaın. Off we went back through the tunnel. It was fun but I,m not sure ıf I want to repeat ıt any tıme soon.

lest you thınk I dın't have a good tıme. Au contraıre ıt was excıtıng and I'm glad I dıd ıt. The guıdes we had ın both places were a hoot. And of course there ıs the sense of achıevement and seeıng thıngs that even many Turkısh people have not done.

Our adventures contınue. We are now ın Mersın. Fısh capıtal and I have already enjoyed my fırst fısh dınner.

Ending week 2 = Dave

We have gone from experiencing a Turkish bath and spa to attending a Turkish wedding celebration last night.....and we are only half way through this wonderful experience. We have a marvelous team that is performing with friendship, smiles, laughter and has the ability to adapt to the changing environment that comes up.  I cannot be prouder of their performance and I am sure that will continue.  We will have a lot of sharing to family, friends and Rotary clubs to do when we return/  It will be difficult to select highlights as they continue to occur everyday. We are going to see one of the earliest churches in history today and as we saw yesterday at the archaelogical museum,actual artifacts from civilizations before Christ and in the early years after His crucifiction.  The people of Turkey, the food, the Rotarian host families and all the people we come into contact with are so gratious to us.  It is time for breakfast with my host family, the President of the club of Antakya.  It is another beautiful day and we have been blessed with great weather.  Thanks for all your support and prayers on this journey.

We have arrıved ın Hatay! - Katy

We are all settlıng ın at our host famılıes and then meetıng up wıth the group @ 6:30 for dınner and then a musıc concert. More tomorrow...

The Rest of Our Time ın Kapadokya - Erin

Our dinner last night was followed by our rotary meeting. It was a small club with a small audience. The highlight was my new favorite Turkish dessert: sugar, butter, cheese and semolina cooked and then served cold. The woman who made it insisted that I eat two servings. I resisted briefly. The country is named after a food. Come on! There is bound to be a food focus.
I’ll start where Katy left off describing Monday. (First I must mention that Vivian is bummed that we didn’t hit up the UFO museum in Kapadokya. It is appropriate that UFOs have a place in Kapadokya because of the city’s other worldly qualities.) We continued hiking, which was a great break from our long minibus rides to new locations, lasting most of the day. Abass, our archeologist expert, pointed out more cave churches before taking us to a Turkish carpet warehouse.

Not only did we learn about the art behind the weave and how to fish for a well-made rug, but we also got to see how the dyes are made. Various plants and nuts create the rich colors. The chemical reaction which produces the color blue was caught on film. (Don’t worry friends and family. We will share.) Before giving us a carpet “show and tell,” they offered us wine which we didn’t deny. We knew how smart this was on their part: we hadn’t eaten lunch, had been in the heat into the mid-day, and our defenses were down. The carpets laid before us had our jaws in a state of “awe.” Three out of the five of us left with a carpet, all gifts for loved ones. (May I add that they only have very good looking salesmen working at this carpet warehouse, with their perfect english. Again, the trickery!) We went to put some food in our bellies, celebrating our new carpet expertise. (Sarah just informed me that Turkey introduced us to the olive and cherry tree. Turkey, we thank you for these foods!)

The remainder of the afternoon was spent walking around Sword Valley, full of: horses, donkeys, more cave churches and a young affectionate couple caught in a make-out session. Before the end of our trek in the great outdoors, we mingled with the tourists to experience the Open Air Museum and St Catherine’s Church dating back to 920 AD.

Taking a break from the sun, we found ourselves at a pottery manufacturer, including a working studio. Both at the carpet and pottery shops, artisans are able to take their work home with them to complete. Few actually work onsite. We watched a potter made a perfect plate of red clay in two minutes flat and another potter made a sugar pot on a kick wheel within minutes. We were impressed as we sipped our apple tea. Mr. Abass made sure we were armed with discounts before walking into the pottery show room which seemed like a battlefield of beautiful pottery. We tried to dodge the temptation of purchase. Most of us failed.

We finished the day with two dinners. Yep, two. It wasn’t our fault; we swear.

So here is a briefing of what we did Tuesday:

Abass took us to the middle of nowhere. We were surrounded by rolling fields of grasses, small yellow flowers and rocks varying in size. We hopped out of the van to touch boulder walls decorated with hieroglyphics dating back to 3,000 BC. He pointed out the symbol for king and god and goddess. It’s hard to know what to do to best capture these sorts of moments. We take pictures and chat about the magnitude of these ancient artifacts found in the middle of a field, but sometimes it doesn’t feel like enough. 3,000 BC is a really long time ago!

We checked out a caravan hotel, dating back to the 12th and 13th century, now closed for business.

Yesterday seemed full of animals: dogs with knife like collars, skinny cows, fat cows, pregnant cats, donkeys ridden by locals, roosters, you name it.

Our driver then led us to a grassy hill, which we climbed. At the top, out in the open for all to touch and see – a Neolithic village excavation site dating back to 10,000 BC. It is hardly protected from rain or visitors but still intact.

Poor Katy lost a necklace and camera within a 30 minute time span. The camera was recovered with cheers of joy. The necklace has been replaced by an evil eye pendant on a chain. She is now protected by Turkish standards.

This has been the first city where we have run into tourists. We know why. Kapadokya exemplifies a balanced blend of Christian and Muslim historical sites to be explored by all. We have crossed paths with a few Americans, lots of Japanese tourists, trekking groups, Indian travelers with their own security guards, some French, some Canadians, the Italians, and a few unidentified vacationers. American friends, this is a country well-worth a visit! Speaking of tourists, many flock to our next stop: the underground cities of Kapadokya. We were told that the Kapadokya has approximately 300 of these cities. The one we visited had 8 floors, 4 of which were accessible. The ceilings are low, perfect for children or adults like our dear, short in stature/tall in personality Vivian. The temperature is always around 65 degrees. Short cuts, wineries and tunnels fill these underground cities.

So, as mentioned, the evening was complete with dinner, our Rotary presentation, and the sort of conversations that happen between people from different corners of the globe. Walking down the steep, stone walkway back to the hotel, the five of us were laughing. What a ride this has been.

It’s Wednesday. We keep talking about how we are hitting our two week mark. It feels unreal, a little exciting and a little depressing. District conference is one week from now. We are heading to Hatay today.

Hello and thank you to all our U.S., Adapazari, Kastomanu and Kapadokya friends. (Mom, Dad, and Matt – XOXO!)

Fırst mornıng ın kapadokya - Katy

We’ve had two whirlwind days in Kapadokya. Kapadokya is a region in the center of Turkey and is made up of many different cities; we’ve spent so few time in anyone city that we really feel like we’ve seen so much of the region. As much as possible, Erin and I are going to try to give a recap. Driving into the Kapadokya region was quite an experience, and unfortunately it is somewhat indescribable. It is much more dry and arid than the regions of Turkey that we visited previously and it is famous for its beautiful canyons and unusual rock formations. It is also famous because the rock is very soft and easy to carve, so everywhere we turn they have carved houses and churches and whole underground cities for thousands and thousands of years. The different sites we have visited span from 10,000 BC to 1300 AD (and it has been really difficult to keep up with what time period we are in).

Our amazing and extensive visit wouldn’t have been possible without the driven nature of our knowledgeable guide, Abbas. He is a Rotarian and was the past president of the club of Kapadokya. He speaks five languages, we think, and has been able to retain vast amounts of knowledge spanning every time period imaginable; perhaps the reason he was chosen to be the tour guide for the Prime Minister of Portugal during his visit to Kapadokya. His daughter, Ege, accompanied us on our first morning as Abbas’s assistant and we were instantly charmed. This beautiful 9 year old Turkish girl with long dark hair was attuned to our every need. She picked wild flowers for us, gave us chocolate and chewing gum, and would bring up the rear as we were hiking to make sure that no one was left behind.

Tuesday, we started the morning off with views of the sprawling canyons and ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations as we set off for our morning hike. Abbas, our task master, had us climbing up and down sandy paths, into ancient churches, through tall prairie grass, and in and out of our touring van. When he wasn’t leading us at a quick pace, he was quizzing us on the names of the wild flowers that he had been teaching us. We failed miserably at first, but got better as we started assigning different flowers to different people.

It was really unusual that there were so many ancient churches here and not so many ancient mosques. This region had been the location of several centuries of Greek Orthodox populations. After Turkey’s war for independence in the 1920’s, there was a swap of populations between Turkey and Greece and the Greek Orthodox living in Kapadokya where sent to Greece, while Muslim Turks living in Greece where sent back to Turkey.

The first church we visited was the Grape Church (710 – 729 AD) at the bottom of the first valley we hiked. The beautiful frescoes throughout all of the churches were truly stunning. Scenes of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, the 12 disciples, the angels Michael and Gabriel, the last supper, the Crucifixion, Abraham and Sarah; all in beautiful reds, oranges, blues, yellows and greens. On that first hike we walked up and down the valley walls dodging swarming bees and large tour groups. One of the most stunning sites was in the middle of nowhere. Abbas had us scaling up and down this small canyon and then led us into this small doorway on the side of the cliff. Once inside we found ourselves standing in this very tall, columned cathedral. While it wasn’t adorned with all of the frescos, the height of the cathedral was truly impressive, as well as the vaulted ceiling in the adjoining room.

One hour til dinner; I need get ready for our rotary presentation this evening.

Elephant in the Room - Vivian

At first I wasn’t going to write about this but some of the experiences have been too strange not to mention. I am a black woman goring around Turkey. At this point I haven’t seen anyone darker than George Hamilton. Although we have been told that as we go farther south the people will get darker. I am willing to grant that some people are still suffering from post winter paleness. I believe the color of most of the people so far would be classified as a creamy olive (Sarah’s classification). I have for the most part stopped noticing when people look but my team mates still see those who stare.

Several people have stopped on the sidewalk to get a closer look. The first incident was on our arrival into Ataturk airport in Istanbul. A grandmotherly typed walked by with a person who I assumed to her grandson. She passed once in front of me; came back and walked behind for a second look and then stared at me for 5 minutes as she was waiting for her family. (We were waiting for our ride).

The funniest incident – unfortunate on the part of the woman involved – occurred three or so days ago. Our host brother had after leaving “headquarters” (see previous pictures for reference) taken ad to the bank so that Sarah could get cash. As we were waiting an older woman passed by. She turned back 2, 3 times. And in her shock, awe surprised state she proceeded to run into a pole directly in front of her. Let us say that some have been more subtle.
The adventures will continue I’m sure. Before coming I had heard about a group called the AfroTurks but I have yet to see any. Perhaps they are in Ankara and Istanbul. The only dark faces I have seen are in pictures. In a photo shop near headquarters, there are several of photos of a black baby and what appears to be a wedding photo of a black gentleman and a white bride.
I must say that my host families have taken things in stride no awkward questions. Everything has been about the U.S. generally. Our discussions about race in the U.S. have been as a team.

İ wrote thıs blog earlıer. Sınce beıng ın Cappodıcıa, I have also been looked at by other tourısts.

Week One Musings

Merhaba ("hello") from Ürgüp! The area we are in now is beautiful and bizarre-- like a Stars Wars set. I am sure you will hear and see a lot about it in the upcoming days. However, I've had a few overall reflections İ've been wanting to share about our fırst week plus in Turkey-- most notably a few of the things that have struck me as surprising.

1) How green and lush the land is! At first İ struggled with why thıs was such a surprıse-- and ıt hıt me on the car ride today: All we see in photos are cities and beaches. So much of Turkey is fılled wıth gorgeous rollıng hills. Erin and İ have spoken several times about how we can get absorbed ın the landscape or a book and totally forget we are in Turkey!

2) What a novelty we are-- especially to kids. As you probably guessed from Vivian and İ's post from our vısıt to the school-- we were Definitely the talk of the lunchroom. Part of our visit was durıng the passing period and you could tell the word got out about where we were since everyone suddenly had a reason to vısit that room or hallway! They were so cute practicing their English and hopefully our attempts at Turkısh weren't toooo bad.

3) Cell phone usage-- in particular the lack of vibrate mode. It seems that everyone-- even ın our busıness meetıngs-- leaves theır rınger on. Part of me ıs totally covetıng the fun Türkçe rıngtones! Does verızon have a Turkısh optıon?!

4) The Turks have great cuısıne-- as we've commented-- but more importantly: They invented the Hot Pocket. No- Seriously! There is a traditional food that is very popular especıally ın the regıon of Kastamonu where we just were that ıs made by puttıng meat (or mushrooms or yogurt) ın a thın dough and fold over ınto a pocket. Etli Ekmek. Literally "Meat Bread".

5) And the toilets-- as in bathrooms but also the actual fıxture. (kids- if you are under 13 stop readıng.) :)
Havıng never been to Europe or Japan lıke some of my counterparts-- I was entırely unfamılıar wıth the tradıtıonal toılet whıch we fınd maybe half the tıme-- ıt ıs stıll porcelaın but defınıtely meant for standıng-- even for the ladies. And no wonder there ıs no line ever at the men's room-- it really does save tıme- haha!

And finally- something sentimental-- how great our host families have been. I must honestly admıt it was the one aspect of the trıp I was not lookıng forward to-- anxiety about what it would be like in someone's home, not having the sanctity of a hotel room after a long day, etc. However-- as we have mentıoned many tımes-- Turkısh hospıtalıty ıs famous for a reason and ıts reputatıon well deserved! We defınıtely have made lıfe-long frıends.

In fact-- it's the dinner-times-- and sharıng the "little" moments wıth our guides and ınterpretors that really gıve us a sense of the exchange. All of our preparatıon for the formal presentatıon and research on the country and brochures, etc are great-- but the real learnıng and exchange of ıdeas happens -- at least for me--- ın the more ınformal settıngs. And likely wıth copious amounts of tea. :)

İ hope you are all well-- we are having an Amazing time but still miss and think about life at home with you in the IN. Cheers!!