grizzling When the grizzling reaches a tipping point, signs point to home! I expect being home will be a huge culture shock. Maybe some of your appliances will break down to ease your way back into Seattle life.
Bittersweet Your story is so interesting. I think it's great that you have stayed long enough that you can actually balance the good and bad aspects of the place. I've been very concerned about the direction Turkey seems to be heading and our foreign policies don't seem to be helpful in that part of the world. At the same time, the lovely experiences with the people you've met and the places you've been are nourishment of an incalcuable sort. You undoubtedly will have the same reentry problems here - maybe you should blog on that as well for you will certainly see home in a new light as well and your reflections would be insightful for all of us. Thanks as always for sharing this wonderful experience with us.
WOW! I don't even know where to begin to comment! I was really excited reading about this trip! What a wonderful way to experience the culture. The description and pictures made me feel like I was puttering about day-by-day along with you. Turkey has an incredibly rich culture and history that I hope we can experience some day. How special to see the caves that will be underwater! Thanks for the wonderful travel report. Laurie
Amazing Report...and photos Bill: Thanks to Helen Moody, I tuned in. How brave you all are to tackle this kind of trip and not be in your 20s! . A wonderful report and fabulous photos. My compliments.
Extraordinary! When this arrived I was too busy to read it. I've just been immersed in your adventures and feel rather overwhelmed. What "age" to experience. The archeological discovery is particularly amazing. Pictures are spectacular. Thanks so much.
What an amazing trip - and a wonderful way to experience and learn about the region. We enjoyed the narrative and the pictures - especially Bill in the "headdress." Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you! I so appreciate your taking the time and effort to organize, write, and send these fascinating posts to us homebodies. May your sojourn continue to go well!
Shared experience I loved your comments and observations about that part of Europe. I too have just returned from the land of the bikes. My son and his daughter moved to a city near amsterdam. I decided visit them, and just to warm up my visit, took a River tour from Vienna to Amsterdam. both parts were eye openers to history, beauty, and right living. My son who wears a European suit to work every day still gets there by bike. the three of us spent a spectacular three hours in the Netherlands national park biking all over that diverse environment, stopping only for our picnic lunch. the story of healing, after many wars, touched me immensely. there is so much for Americans to learn from our European friends.
You both look happy and gratified. When you return, perhaps we can share a beer together!!
like others 'wow' I can't let Neal see your blogs or we'll have to come stay with you. In the middle of moving to Colorado and selling the house here so our adventures need to wait a little. Fun to read and see what you are doing.
love,
Heidi
Amazing What an amazing adventure within an adventure. I find myself wanting to see Mt. Nemru and Harran and view the ruins of a city built thousands of years before cities we thought were the oldest. Mind boggling. Thanks for sharing. Glad you escaped the earthquake and the border fighting. Stay safe.
Cindy
thanks Thank you so very much for sharing the richness of your experiences. It is wonderful to get these glimpses of lives most of us will never see. I applaud your continued reaching out to learn about the people of this country you have chosen to explore. And, you seem to be having a wonderful time doing so -- the best part!
In awe Dear Carol and Bill,
Though we have never, until now, gotten around to answering you, we have so enjoyed following your blog!!! In fact, it leaves me more or less speechless . . . .
So glad you are having a generally splendid time over there, making friends and being ambassadors as you are enjoying yourself, learning and contributing. Sending very best wishes and warm regards, Marjon
Looking through your camera and reading through your writing I am transported to that ancient region of the origins of our culture. Everything is impressive - but most I am struck by the beauty of the faces, the nomadic matriarchs, the Arabic mother. And how different can life be from what we see here as \"normal\", with so much integrity. Well, words are too limited - but what radiates from your story is beautiful and enriching. Thank you so much. Lex
Wowowow! I'm continually amazed at your ability to capture your experiences through your writing and photos. It's as if we were there with you. What an amazing place that is SE Turkey! Thanks so much for sharing. The boys loved the photo with the donkey, the boy, and the baby goat. And yes, we are so thankful that you didn't experience the earthquake firsthand.
WOW! The photos are so wonderful! I hope I can hear you talk about things when you are back in Seattle. More importantly, I look forward to being able to consult with you when I am able to travel to Turkey myself! You both look great! Carol, I love the hair!
Love to you both,
Denise
wow! Amazing pictures and information - thanks so much for sharing it!!! It makes me want to come back to Turkey and do that homestay thing - it's almost like a different country (the Kurdish region). I'm curious about the wedding - how is that you were invited?
Happy Thanksgiving! I'll be in New York with Heather and Eric. What are you doing- I wonder if you'll cook a turkey?? Please say hi to Annie and Chloe and all the folks -- big hug, Catherine
Thank goodness When I first heard the news, I thought you weren't in that area. What a relief that you weren't effected. Such sadness for the families impacted by such tragedy. I'll be looking for your next entry. Love, Laurel
Thank goodness! Carol and Bill,
I've been worried about you even before I saw news of the earthquake, since I knew you were going to the Kurdish area of Turkey, and have read about recent violence in that area. My goodness--you certainly seem to have dodged all sorts of bullets, real and metaphorical. All the best, Judi
Phew! Glad you are okay Thanks for posting about the earthquake quickly. Those of us in the U.S. weren't so sure how close you were to Van. Happy to hear you are safe and sound! Love, Kate
Glad you're ok! I head about the quake this morning - apparently there is quite a bit of damage. I wasn't sure exactly where you were travelling in the east but was worried! Thanks for the update! big hug, Catherine
How wonderful! Hi Carol & Bill,
I so love getting these blogs. You are creative writers and it's so much fun to see not only where you have been, but also your commentary. I love it all!
How much longer will you be in Turkey? I was hoping to visit sometime, but now I am knee deep in the work of the Search Committee. It's so very rewarding to do this work, and with some amazing people. I am getting to know some folks on a deeper level, and it's quite fulfilling.
Thanks again for your blog. You are an inspiration to me!
Lauren
Dismaying Carol & Bill - it is dismaying to read about your view of the poverty and dysfunction in the US - seen with your fresh eyes. I guess we grow accustomed to it. The Occupy movements are trying to tell our leaders we need more from them - hopefully they will hear us eventually.
Carol and I have moved to Antalya, Turkey where we will be living for two years. We wanted to live in another culture, learn Turkish, possibly teach some English and enjoy a beautiful place and friendly and welcoming people. We would like to experience Turkey as people who live here rather than as tourists, passing through.... full info
Connie
non-member comment
grizzling
When the grizzling reaches a tipping point, signs point to home! I expect being home will be a huge culture shock. Maybe some of your appliances will break down to ease your way back into Seattle life.