| My Impressions of Turkey by Angie Vik We came to study the past but I am most intrigued with its present. Turkey has a pleasant personality. Years have passed but it is not used up. It is old, but not tired, ancient yet alive. It has a refreshing oldness, an ancient newness, a long history of wonder. Turkey is a simple place: gentle, laid-back, uncluttered. A beautiful woman with no make-up. Time is slower here. There is something in the spirit of this people and land that we lack in America. The landscape is not a rugged, awesome, take your breath away kind of pretty. Rather it is quiet, steady, soothing, and accessible. I enjoy the three-part harmony of land and sea and sky. It's beauty transcends time, ideas, and the long line of people who have chosen to live here. We explored broken stones that mark the passage of time. Though once awesome and commanding, they are beautiful in their brokenness. Time means nothing to places like this. The people are warm, polite, and hospitable. Unhurried. I sense a lack of stress. Back home, I run on adrenaline. I haven't needed it here. I have pulled these impressions inside and I suspect that my memories will one day call me back. This trip is a huge blessing and I'm grateful to God and the people who made it possible. My cup is full and overflowing. |