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!