I’ve been told in order to get over a lover it takes one month for every week you dated. Well, it’s been about a week since we left Turkey and I don’t think three months will be long enough. Luckily, I’ve taken some pieces of Turkey to sustain me for a bit. What did they do before digital cameras and Skype?
I think the thing I miss most about Turkey is being able to wear my curiosity goggles shamelessly. As a 25-year-old, you have a “why” daily quota; one I fill to the point of slightly sloshing over the edges when moved. When in another country, people find it refreshing that you want to understand them. When in the country of your origin, you’re supposed to know why people can’t bring their dogs into grocery stores and why some people only hug with their shoulders.
For the next few weeks, I’ll continue to ask questions of Turkey. Why is a country with such a rich history scared of their own culture? Should they be? Why is the media filtered when the average citizen freely speaks their mind?
Because we were free to interact with the culture in our own way, I have more than enough questions. However, I think Turkey is still searching for some of the answers, and the rest of the world is sitting back and speculating. I’m happy to join the crowd.
A Few Tips For the Next Group:
1. Bring a water bottle: You’ll want to fill it up at the hotel every morning. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy water throughout the day.
2. Make as many contacts as possible: And hang out with them! You only have the opportunity to meet and talk to the locals once.
3. Go somewhere in or around Antalya on your free time: We went to Kadir’s Treehouses in Olympus and it was SWEET. I’ve been told the whole region is nice.
4. Bring sunscreen: AND wear it.
5. Try everything! I can’t stress it enough. It may cost you a bit more in the end, but the investment pays off.
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