There are no words to properly describe Turkey. Pictures and descriptions do no justice to this amazing country. All I can say is you must see it for yourself. Below is an excerpt from my journal. Following that are a few facts about the country as well as a short lesson in the Turkish language. Enjoy!
"I am on a 10 hour overnight bus from Antalya on the southern coast of Turkey to Goreme, Cappadocia, the heart of this beautiful country. My ipod is treating me to a private session with James Taylor as the world passes by. He calmly sings and strums his guitar while I lean back in my chair to stare out into the darkness and distant lights of cities and stars. The waning moon low on the horizon dances on the treetops, sometimes dipping below them in a game of peek-a-boo as the bus proceeds north. Stacey taps me on the shoulder to point out a mosque. Spotlights shine perfectly to illuminate and display its grandeur, yet makes me wonder what colorful tile mosaics are hidden in its shadows.
"Each morning at daybreak, calls to prayer are broadcasted from thousands of mosques around this Muslim nation. In my deep sleep, they are a rude awakening reminding me I am a world away from family, friends and the comforts of home. But tonight, the mosque, moon and even my cramped legs and sore butt have made me feel more privileged than I have felt in a very long time. This moment of contentment and peacefulness is one I cannot explain. It just is, and for that I am grateful."
"Each morning at daybreak, calls to prayer are broadcasted from thousands of mosques around this Muslim nation. In my deep sleep, they are a rude awakening reminding me I am a world away from family, friends and the comforts of home. But tonight, the mosque, moon and even my cramped legs and sore butt have made me feel more privileged than I have felt in a very long time. This moment of contentment and peacefulness is one I cannot explain. It just is, and for that I am grateful."
Facts:
Population - 68 million
Size - 770,760 sq km (a bit bigger than Texas)
Countries that border Turkey - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Iran, Iraq, and Syria (They claim not to get along with any of them!)
October 29 is Turkey's Independence day! (along with *someone's* birthday...)
97% the country is in Asia, 3% in Europe (Russia is the only other country to be in two continents)
Religion - 99.8% Muslim (mostly Sunni), 0.2% Christian and Jewish
Language Lesson:
Hello - Merhaba (mare-ha-ba)
Goodbye - Gule Gule (goo-lay goo-lay)
Thank you - Tesekkur ederim (tay-shoe-car-ah-dare-em)
1 - bir (beer)
2 - iki (ee-chee)
3 - uc (oosch)
4 - dort (dirt)
5 - bes (besh)
6 - alti (alta)
7 - yedi (yedi)
The first five pictures were taken in the Cappadocia region.
Inside the cave dwellings of above picture.
Morning breakfast of Menemen and backgammon.
Calcium deposits and mineral pools of Pamukkale.
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