Well, I finally made it to the continent of Asia. Who knew that the country of Turkey straddled two continents? Part of Istanbul is in Europe (where I have spent the past four days) and the rest of the country, including a small part of Istanbul, is on the continent of Asia. So, we took a night bus last night from Istanbul to the middle of the country.... a region called Cappadochia. It is know for its fairy chimneys and troglodyte dwellings carved into natural rock formations. We took a tour today to see them. Absolutely amazing! They date back to the early Hitite period. This is pre Babylonian, people!
It's crazy cool being here in a totally different world. I love it. I have only just recently (since moving out of the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul) began to feel a little like a freak, though. Me, Pam, and Lorri were the only women on the bus last night without the traditional Islamic scarves on our heads and we got quite a few stares. Do not get me wrong.... it's not bad.... just different, just as it should be... I am the minority. And it is totally acceptable. The people here are amazing.
Met an older couple from Canada that have a retirement home in the southern part of Turkey (a place called Kas but pronounced Cash). They have offered their place over to us for a few days and it might be too good to pass up.