Day 8 April 7

[jamesfc]

This morning we had an early knock on the door. Due to the snow and sleet, we went to bed early, but at 6:10, there was an incredible sunrise! We quickly dressed and headed down to try to catch a bit of this lucky surprise.

Guzelyurt sunrise

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We then returned back to our room and got ready for breakfast. We were invited to the house that the couple turned into a bread and breakfast and had a lovely breakfast sitting on the floor, traditional style.

Traditional Turkish breakfast

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One note as to why the former girl's school is now a hotel: secular schools are outlawed in Turkey - the US should be so enlightened! In Turkey they believe young children should not be forced into religion, but should decide when they enter high shool what religion to follow - if any at all.

After breakfast, we visited one of the oldest Christian Churches. It was used around 300 AD and is carved into the solid rock. A good deal of it is still intact, although the Church took a bit of climbing on my part to reach. I should mention that Guzelyurt is around 7000 - 8000 feet in elevation.

Nearly 2000 year old Christian Church

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Before we left, Meli took us to a neighboring village which is one of the poorest in Anatolya. She had helped some families there and when her friend saw her, she insisted we come in for tea and lunch - what a wonderful treat! The woman had returned to school and had taught herself to read. The people here are truely amazing and have to be the warmest, friendliest people we have ever met. We have met so many people here as strangers and departed as warm friends.

Meli's friend demonstrating her newly acquired reading skills

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Meli also explained the women's head scarves to us. They aren't worn for religious reasons, but rather are part of the traditional dress. The scarves are actually worn differently in different parts of the country and are dependent upon the traditional backgrounds of the women.

Meli had one more surprise in store for us - she took us near another small village and behind an old caravan stop, there was a huge sink hole filled wih water and two sheep herders on the opposite side. Well, the herders brought the sheep over to us and had to come up and shake our hand and say hello! As I mentioned before, the people here are incredibly friendly!

Sheep and sink hole

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Turkish shepherd

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Tomorrow is another long driving day! We are currently in Konya!

[MehlikaSeval]

Thank you for making it clear that Turkey is a secular country and we do not like to give children religious education until they can come to an age where they can comprehend question and take the education by their choice. The picture of my friend learning how to read and write is a precious memoriy of her determination
Thank you Jim your photos are superb Meli

[bbass]

Gorgeous pictures Jim. The countryside and people are beautiful and thanks to you we see are able to see it too. Brenda

[showard]

Jim and Carolyn wonderful pictures. It brings back memories. I have been following them all the way through. Talked to Sue last nite. Goldie is eating well. She has been limping on her left hind leg for a few days so Sue is calling the Vet 4/8/2009. She says the arthritis medicine has not helped this situation. This is all I can tell you. Do not worry as she seems to be a very capable dog sitter.