Time Flies, Turkeys Do Not.

**Note: Post Date is July 22, 2009**

Walking around you can certainly feel the effects of this city being the largest in Europe. Either in population or in area, you feel quite tiny amidst it all.  There are people everywhere and that isn’t necessarily a good thing especially considering health conditions and environment stability. Like Naples, parts of Istanbul were quite dirty and underdeveloped. People were always in the streets or in park-like areas. I justify these constant gatherings to maybe worst conditions in their homes. Outside might just be more desirable. In the U.S. we definitely enjoy our days at the beach or the park for a barbeque or games, but at the end of the day we love the security of our own homes.

Most A.B.A. members had went to a Turkish bath. I was not willing to step out of my comfort zone for this one. Kevin had a big burley man massaging his bare body and that just wasn’t my cup of tea. But Turkish Tea….I love! It is of an apple flavor, it doesn’t need any additives such as milk, sugar or honey. It tastes just as good cold as it does hot and I have enjoyed many glasses during my visit.

It was our last day and with the others living in luxury, Erika, Nina and I enjoyed our own idea of luxury with another American movie: The Proposal with Sandra Bullock. I absolutely fell in love with this film and it is now one of my favorites. I had no expectations of this film besides a trivial and fun plot, but surprisingly it was uplifting, sentimental and quite hysterical. It made me miss love and heightened my desire to be in a relationship again. At times I’m lonely and worry about my relationship status as I look at my future but I understand that this adventure is meant for me. Not in a selfish way but in a personal and educational way that will facilitate my growth as an individual and scholar as I enter the real world. I hope that my endeavors come with a significant other but if not, I’m perfectly content with the amazing friends and family that I hold dear to my heart. But the movie was still amazing and I want to see it again! I’m completely obsessed and can’t wait to own it on DVD.

So being a theatre major and being someone who attends much theater intermissions are quite the normal procedure. However rarely do they present themselves in a movie theater, except in Turkey. Both in Transformers and The Proposal our movie abruptly cut out. The lights came on and people started to leave. We were caught off guard and quite confused and using our French skills were able to ask someone. It wasn’t a long intermission but I’m not opposed to this radical idea. It not only allows contemplation and discussion about the movie but it also allows us to go to the bathroom! I think we should start integrating this system into our movie system in the states.

Turkey was undeniably the most unique country thus far. It’s population is 90% Muslim and 4 to 5 times a day the Mosques hold a Call to Worship. At this time amplified voices sing or chant to beckon the citizens to come pray to Mecca and to their god, Allah. Even though these rituals take place quite frequently each and everyday, no one seems to recognize their importance. Everyone simply continues right a long with their daily activities. There are more tourists that visit these ritual prayers than actual Muslims. This struck me odd, but also made me feel better for not going to church. I undoubtedly believe in the higher power of God but don’t necessarily agree with being submissive to the human structures of religion such as church and the bible. It seems some Muslims don’t either.

 After the amazing time at the movies, it was a quick stop at the grocery store before we waved goodbye to Turkey.  We now sail through the Bosporus and are headed for the Black sea. We will be in Bulgaria by noon tomorrow and have no idea what to expect.

Today’s Expense’s

………………………........Lira……………….Dollars
The Proposal………….8.00.……………..5.33
Ice Cream……………...1.50.……………..1.00
Grocery Store…………10.00.…………….6.67
Doner………………….....3.00.……………..2.00

Total……………………....22.50.…………..15.00

Spain: A Surprising A
Italy: A Disappointing B+
Croatia: An Awesome A+
Greece: A Delightful B
Turkey: A Resisting B+

Only 3 countries left.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. There are no turkeys in Turkey.