Wow, are we really going to make it to Day 365? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see. So far traveling has been intense at times, but mostly a big, relaxing break from the roller coaster of goodbyes, reunions, preparations, and more goodbyes since the JET Program ended back in July. London was a total blast with Kevin’s friends from study abroad, and our brief stint in Amsterdam was beautiful.

Now we’re in Turkey, and I’m amazed at the incredible history here; I had no idea. Every historical site has a little bit of everything: statues of Greek gods, monuments to Roman emperors, a building where the Church claims Mary spent her final days, 50-carat diamonds and emerald-studded thrones of extravagant sultans, hairs from the prophet Mohammed’s beard (I know, what?), part of the skull and an arm of St. John (even crazier, right?) the list goes on and on. It’s like a smorgasbord of Christmas Past.

Also, we’ve been in a couple of famous mosques and I must say there are the most dazzling colors and intricate designs inside! Although Turkey has had a very rich history of so many powerful ideologies we grew up learning about, the endless mosques and 5-a-day calls to prayer make it clear which belief system rules here. However, today is the first day of Ramadan, the month of fasting during daylight hours, and I saw quite a few people hanging out and eating ice cream around 5PM.

Besides soaking up the sights, day-to-day life has been interesting. The most annoying part has been the guys on the street trying very hard to get us to buy something from them, whether it’s a carpet or a meal or a bus ticket. They say, “Excuse me, where are you from? How are you? What’s your name?,” and you try to answer quickly without stopping and without being rude, which is pretty hard to do. When you’re in a good mood, it can be fun, but when you’re tired from a long bus ride, it is really hard not to yell at them to leave you alone. Kev and I really haven’t figured out the best way to handle them, especially when we actually DO want what they are selling. The guidebook gives a lot of advice on how to get the best deal, and doing it right is like cracking a secret code or something. I think we are getting better, albeit with baby steps.

But when people aren’t trying to get into your wallet (and actually, even when they are), many of them are overwhelmingly charming. I was waiting in line for the bathroom and this woman behind me spoke cheerfully A LOT in Turkish and didn’t seem to care at all that I didn’t understand and could only reply with shrugs, nods, and smiles. Maybe I’m used to Japan where most strangers/store clerks/waiters are polite but fairly serious when dealing with people because here I’m often surprised by people’s sense of humor. When Kev told a guy in passing he didn’t want to buy a carpet because he doesn’t have a house, he said, “If you buy the carpet, I’ll give you a house for free!” It was hilarious.
Well, I’ve written enough for now, hope you’re enjoying the site and please keep checking up on us! -Val