Unspoken

WARNING: Reader Discretion Advised. Contains Sentimental and graphic content.

I would like to begin in assuring you that everyone, including myself, is safely aboard the MV Explorer and headed home to the United States. But an incident took place that we, as a group, decided would be better to disclose after our loved ones could be assured that everyone was safe and sound. We apologize for our exemption and hope we can be forgiven for trying to protect our friends and families at home.

On July 20, 2009  I was attacked and mugged by three Turkish men in the streets of Istanbul, Turkey. The details are as follows:

 I was stupidly returning to the ship alone at about 12:30am after getting a duner and some tea. Three men approached me and announced themselves as police. They only flashed their wallet and at that point I knew they were lying but before I knew it they had pushed me and dragged me into a dark alley. I was immediately brought to the ground. I tried to get up and run but it was ultimately impossible. It was three against one and they had a strong grip. They started to strangle and choke me. I screamed for help but that just made them do it harder, so I learned my lesson to remain quiet. I told them that I would give them money, but they kept saying, “No Money, No Money,” and at that point I thought I was to never return. My family, my friends and the rest of the trip flashed before me as I continued to struggle, but I had seriously contemplated on giving up considering the overbearing ratio. They then proceeded to strip me of my pants and underwear. (I assure you nothing of a sexual nature was done to me. I think they just wanted to make me feel more vulnerable.) Nonetheless,  I thought my life was going to be over. They were still choking me and now smothering me with my own jeans. Fortunately there was no punching or kicking or any weapon of any sort.  Pain wasn’t their goal but why were they strangling me? Well, at last their grip had loosened a bit as one of the guys was having trouble getting my watch off. Shortly after that they had let me go. I don’t really remember this part but I do remember running naked until they were kind enough to throw me my pants. I couldn’t believe it was over. I was in complete shock and beside myself. Unfortunately they stole 90 dollars, my identification, my shoes and my watch which my grandparents had recently bought for my 21st birthday. (I’m sorry Nana and Barry)

 I ran as fast as I could with no shoes on the cobbled rock to the nearest populated place. I wasn’t far from the boat but I had no ID and I needed the police. I found a police man who brought me to the police station. This was quite unhelpful. The cops were more or less laughing at me as they stood and assessed my situation. I was dirty, bleeding and just wanted to get back to the safety of the boat. I even had to ask for water. The basic things that you think would come in such a situation and they were just non-existent. After about a half an hour I had had enough of the minimal progress and so I demanded that I be brought back to the boat in which I needed to direct them to. The police talked me through ship security and at last I was home.

I am forever indebted to the staff on the boat. Besides being beyond friendly they were outstandingly gracious in everything I needed. Christina was the first to hear at 2:30 and the last to send me off to bed at 4:15. Bo was also by my side for a good chunk of the time. I could see tears in his eyes. But I was fine. I was with the Physician’s Assistant Nancy and cracking jokes the entire time. It was most likely a defense mechanism but I had yet to cry over the incident. When they threw me to the ground, the back of my earring must have made a gash in the back of my ear and it was in need of stitching. Nancy put them in in no time flat! It was painless and I was extremely grateful for that. After an extensive review of my body for any more cuts, bruises or any other problems I was cleared to leave. My blood pressure was lowering and all signs were of a healthy nature. The only problem was this was the one night that the staff was doing testing on the ship’s water. There was no running water on the boat ANYWHERE. I was dirty, bloody, and sweaty, and I couldn’t take a shower until 4:30. It was 4:15 as I stood over the sink just waiting to get the blessed luxury of water.

I was alive though. I was in awe of everything I touched and everything I saw. I still wasn’t sentimental. It was all cerebral. The only time this incident has struck me with tears is now as I confess this to you readers and when I had to tell Erika. Her life is already paralyzed with fear and now I had to be the stupid one to provide yet another reason for her to fear life as we know it. I love life and only want to live it to the maximum. This incident hasn’t deterred me from anything yet. Instead it has made me that more grateful for the things I have and the people I love.

Life is beyond fragile and it cannot be taken for granted. Everyday is a blessing and everyday I try to remember that. I try to love the most, complain the least and live constantly. It is terrifying to think that ten minutes could have changed the course of so many lives, not just mine. For that I apologize. For that I am ashamed. Why did I walk alone? Well, no one was around, and who ever was around was either asleep or had no interest in going out. So I decided to go alone. The decision to go out alone could not have only ruined this trip for all aboard but ruined the lives of my loved ones for the years to come. Living in New York City has made me ignorant to the dangers that can face me daily. I seem to think I’m invincible just because I can walk the streets of Manhattan by myself, but it just isn’t the case, especially considering these foreign countries and I’m not afraid to admit my stupidity. But I, in no way, want to induce fear. I don’t want to scare families and friends from traveling or allowing their loved ones to travel. Instead take this: it is true, bad things can happen. But they can happen in the comfort of your own home. Don’t let this incident or any other for that matter keep you from living your life to the fullest. And I don’t want to be rude in saying that if I can have this outlook so can you.

I would like to take this time to apologize again for not telling you of this incident. I hope you understand the reasoning behind the decision. As a collective we saw it  best for everyone’s mind and safety. The staff strongly suggested that I do call and notify but I knew what I had to do. I’m sorry mom. I’m sorry all.

For the next couple of days I was extremely sore in Turkey. My throat was painful and my movement was very stiff. But I’m glad to say I had much support from my friends and the rest of the community on board. We took things easy: as you can see we saw movies and kept to low key trips. I still had a wonderful time in Turkey and do not and will not let this horrible incident taint my time at Semester at Sea. I still suggest everyone to do it and don’t worry they didn’t make me say that.

Please laugh this off as much as you can muster. I know you must take it with some amount of seriousness but we are already on route to Norfolk and I will be home once more.

Take care, truly.

Explore. Dream. Discover and Live.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. I love you all and thank God.