The last few awesome days

September 19

         Today began perfectly. A group of us woke up early (5 a.m.) to hike up Mount Mycale. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the top of this mountain. Along the way we stopped a few times for the people in the back to catch up and counted the frogs. Frog count was 10. When we made it to the top we read the lesson of the week while the moon sank below the mountains. I had my camera on a setting that takes a picture ever 30 seconds so that I could do a time laps type shot. We took some group photos and waited about 20 more minutes until the sun finally showed itself. As the sun rose, in the distance horses came to the top of the hill. Lauren, who works with horses at AU got very close to them. It was a beautiful sight. We walked down the hill and got back just in time for breakfast at the hotel with the group. The whole experience from beginning to end was well worth it.

         After breakfast had our usual metaphysical meeting. After we packed up our bags and prepared ourselves for our “Meet the locals” presentation. Every group, though given the same assignment, had a very different and awesome way of presenting their information. Some people danced while others showed how to make Turkish pancakes. I cannot forget the judges! Our teachers and R.C. : Dan, Kristen, and Jessica were the judges or Greek gods as they called themselves, clad in togas and leave garnishing wrapped around their heads. This too was quite an experience.

         At around 12:30 we headed to Selcuk which was about an hour drive. I had lunch and fell asleep on the bus. When we arrived we were given our room (I am rooming with Nadine) and then walked as a group to a mosque nearby to create some artwork. I chose my theme for my trip’s style artwork, journaled a little, and talked to some amazing people. One was a tour guide and the other is from New Zealand and has been traveling the world once a year. I believe her name was Sandra. As she walked away she told me, “Enjoy your life Devon, make the most of it”. Speaking of making the most of life, the theme for my artwork is going to be “A window of opportunity”. Opportunity is what this trip has evolved to be for me and I am going to work with that idea throughout this trip.
         I went back to the hotel and swam with Dallen, Dan, and Casey. The water once again was refreshing and it felt good to lay out in the sun. After swimming I cleaned up a bit and walked upstairs to dinner on the rooftop of our beautiful hotel. We had salad, eggplant, rice, and bread. It was a very satisfying meal followed by walking around town with a group of people. We had tea and talked to two guys in the rug shop and had ice cream with one of them. We also leaned how to play backgammon (which I had forgotten how to play) and Turkish checkers. I like both of these games and cannot wait to play Rummy cubes with a local.

September 20

         Today was one of if not the best day yet. I did just what the lady back at the mosque advised me to do: I made the most of the day. The best part is that I did not expect any of it to happen the way it did, and it was wonderfully perfect. The day started out with the best breakfast we have had yet followed by reading section four of the lesson. We then got on the bus for a five minute ride to Effesus. When we arrived we received a tour from a woman who was an archaeologist and architect. She worked on the terrace housing here, which used to be all underground covered by rubbish from an earthquake. It was amazing how well preserved some of the paintings and mosaics were. I made sure to take lots of pictures and videos for everyone to see this incredible ruin.   

         Afterwards I sat at the ancient library and ate lunch with a few people. I went to talk to Dan about his art and out of nowhere I hear my name being called from an unfamiliar voice. I turn around and it is my friend Tory from the Airforce academy! I knew he was going to be in the city of Selcuk for a day or two, but due to the poor wifi at my hotel, we didn’t communicate beyond that. And on top of that, the site of Effesus is huge and packed with tourists. This just proves how there is one mind. Tory and I adventured around the ruins and the teachers allowed him to join us at the hotel.

         Tonight was individual dinner so Tory and I took a bus to them most beautiful beach I have seen in Turkey. It reminded me of Laguna Beach/ Dana Point because of all of the shops and restaurants along the water and there was a little harbor there too! Turkey is surprisingly similar to California. After we swam while the sun was setting into the sea, we walked around, had dinner and coffee, and took the bus back. It was hard to understand Turkish, but we managed. When we got back to the hotel we walked around the street some more. We talked to many of the locals and one guy gave me a fig, which I have been craving, and after we had some tea. I absolutely love the people here. I have met so many beautiful souls who have taught me so much about life. I walked Tory to the bus stop and sat with Casey who was talking with our friends from the rug store. We ended up talking to them for about two more hours until one in the morning.  Today was perfect. Tory taught me so much about just letting life take you places, and not to worry too much. Like one of my high school teachers once told me, “One of the best things in life is to always be uncomfortable”. To me this means to push oneself beyond your limits. Do things you wouldn’t normally do. Live life to it’s fullest potential.

September 21

         Yet again another magnificent day was had in Turkey. The day began with breakfast and metaphysical followed by a group of us driving to a beach nearby to go horseback riding on the beach. I rode a pretty white horse that was very sweet, but slightly disobedient. We rode through this long trail near the beach and ended the ride right along the water. It was so gorgeous and an item a lot of people wanted to do while in Turkey. We all had so much fun as well as a great leg workout. Afterwards we swam in the ocean for about a half an hour and headed back to the hotel. By this time it was lunchtime.

A few days ago a man told us that there is a market on Saturday so a group of us decided to venture out. It was pretty much a smaller version of a swap meet with lots of fruit, nuts, and veggies as well. I got a kilo of figs for 4 lyra which is about $2 and a ton of large carrots for 1 lyra which is 50 cents. The figs are so perfectly yummy. After talking with a shop owner and having some apple tea I headed back to the hotel to do some blogging and work on art.

Later tonight we have date night in which the asker asks and askee to join them on a date. Molly asked Dallen and I so tonight I shall learn more about these two fellow classmates. We may also learn some Turkish dancing by the rug shop owner on our way back. Everyone here is so friendly and welcoming and I cannot wait to bring this essence of their culture back to the U.S. This little city of Selcuk is wonderful and I would recommend it to anyone.