Seedless grapes
Normal, standing-up above the ground, white, Western TOILETS
Using water from the tap, any tap, anywhere, at any time
Let me expound upon these three things. First, All the grapes in Turkey have SEEDS! Really big, yucky, brown seeds that are really hard to spit out and really gross to accidentally chew on. I really, really tried to eat seeds the first three days I was in Turkey, but I quickly gave up once I realized there was no way to salvage the problem. Second, Turkey has SQUATTER toilets. They are scary, and flat on the ground. Why in the world the Turks decided that women could squat over a hole in the ground is beyond me, but it was a very awkward experience. I had to use the SQUATTER toilets approximately two times and I have been traumatized for life. Luckily, Jerusalem has normal toilets, so I wasn't in danger for too long. Third, I brush my teeth and wash my face with the water from my tap in the bathroom, unfortunately Turkey's water is not quite sanitary. So, I was forced to use a water bottle and it's just the most unnatural feeling. I definitely take for granted tap water that I can use at any convenience. Take note of these things before you plan your trip to Turkey, other than these three things I fully recommend a vaca to good ol' Turk-a-lurk. Now onto what I did all week!
Istanbul=the best kept secret the world has to offer. Istanbul is gorgeous with lots of old buildings, beautiful architecture, a magnificent view of the Bosporous Strait, friendly people, and a busy, enthusiastic atmosphere for life. The night life is absolutely riveting with people outside at all hours going to parties, eating at outdoor cafes, and street entertainers everywhere. We spent the day touring around the major buildings that date back to Constantine's time.
The Ferry Ride :)
It's TROY time, Yes, I went to the actual city where the Odyssey and the Iliad took place. I was telling Steven how I went to Troy and he said "Wait with the big Trojan horse and Brad Pitt like in the movie?" Haha I was amused that I said Troy and automatically he would think the MOVIE--TROY! It just goes to show how boys and girls minds work differently :)
Assos! This was a tiny, little town with cobblestone streets and lots of older ladies selling their hand-woven stuff at their little stands. I loved the feeling of walking through an ancient, European city. The paths were very twisty and turny and it had a very quiet atmosphere. I think this was my favorite place overall, the view was also fantastic from the top of the mountain.
After Assos, we went to the Pergamum Acropolis where a huge theater sits on the side of the hill and the remains of a very large temple is at the top. We had to ride a tram to get to the top!
Ephesus! I believe we spent our fourth day here and it was an old city along the Aegean Sea. This particular picture below is the second oldest library in the Old European world. It was massive and so neat to see in person.
After the fish I flew back to to the lovely Jerusalem :) Turkey was an amazing, fun, historically-enlightening, and insightful trip, but it was good to go home to the JC--Jerusalem Center. I shall try very very hard to keep updating regularly to keep you all in the loop about my Jerusalem adventure! Miss you lots and keep commenting please :)
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteI don't think your mom having a baby should cause a mid-twenties crisis. Just think of all the sleepless nights and babysitting you'll get to do this summer...it will make you feel young(er)! Do they have maternity genie pants?! Just kidding. Love you and miss you sooooo much. So happy you're having an amazing time!
ps...they had squat pots in Japan. You get used to them...it's good exercise!
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