Italy vs Turkey

I didn’t wake till noon. I had nothing planned for the day besides to look for stamps. I never found them. I’ll save the search for another day. Erika, Bo and Becca had quite the day. They went on a hike through Asia and got lost. I’m so jealous! Kevin and I wanted so badly to go on the trip and now that we hear of their adventure it makes us that more green with envy. Ughh!

It was three in the afternoon as Kevin and I waited for the others to return from the trip. Kate and Rachel were on an overnight excursion to the shores of Troy,(ya know like the movie?)  so we won’t see them till tomorrow. But due to the incompetent guides of the hike, Becca, Bo and Erika didn’t return until two hours later after their determined arrival time. They went hours without water and the panic of finding their way back to the buses was rising. I could only imagine the frustration and slight fear they had. At last they had returned and we sat as we heard their stories of the hot and waterless trek through Asia.

During dinner their were talks of attending the national soccer game of the Italians versus the Turks. And A.B.A. was at it again! We walked about forty minutes to finally reach the stadium full of outside vendors, fleets of police and lots of garbage on the streets. Erika wasn’t feeling very comfortable with the questionable atmosphere but most of us were just excited for this unique experience.

The cheering just wouldn’t stop. For the entire duration of the ninety minute game these Turks just kept shouting and cheering and chanting for their beloved team. We joined in at times, with parts that we could grasp to. They even came over to teach us some. It was  a roaring crowd and an exciting time. Some of the girls even bought Turkish jerseys they were so pumped. The game ended with a tie, but I only know this because Kevin, Becca and Lindsay stayed behind. Erika and I decided to head out early so that we could dodge the rowdy crowd that was bound to come rolling out from the stands. However, as were searching for the exit, the guards proceeded to tell us that we weren’t allowed to leave until after the match was over. Me being stubborn was not in favor of that ruling and made it clear that we wanted to leave NOW, even amidst the language barrier. But the point was made and we were able to crawl through our exit. They wouldn’t even open the gates all the way. It was quite scary and bizarre and I wonder what procedures they follow if a fire was ever to break out. Not smart!

It was smart to leave early though. Erika and I had a lovely walk home. We laughed and talked and I just really, once again, was enjoying myself. She is a light in my life that seems to never burn out. I can’t get enough of here outstanding comical spunk and her shared love for our time together. I don’t just mean me and her, I mean everyone. We love all the friends we have made during this voyage. I can’t explain the connection but we all feel like we’ve known each other for so long. We aren’t afraid to be honest with one another even when it isn’t something endearing. We can laugh and be serious and we all lookout for one another. I can’t say that I made friends this quickly at NYU. It took time to find the right group and at times I still feel like there are some loose ends, but here we are like glue and nothing is going to take us apart. Go A.B.A.!

And go to bed. It is an early night.

Today’s Expenses:

………………….......Lira………….Dollars
Soccer Game……15.00.……….10.00

Total……………...15.00.………..10.00

Explore. Dream. Discover.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. Hot dog stands in the U.S. vs. Corn on the Cob stands in Turkey.