Eastern Turkey

After walking up to the castle for the sunset I got distracted by a fruit market. (Cherries and other stone fruit are in season.) It should've have been be easy to walk back to the main part of town but I got lost. A whole family guided me in the right direction: grandma, aunts, mother, father, and children. I don't know how I got so far off. On the way they helped me practice my Turkish. By time I got back to the main drag we were old friends. All the women had on scarves and long sleaves. I had on short sleaves and no scarf. It didn't matter. They loved me and and it was like I was a family member going away. They took my picture. I didn't have my camera, which is typical. The grandmother hugged me the tightest and there were kisses on both cheeks all around.

I found an internet cafe and without my asking they kept bringing me chai. This was in Kars. I'm now in Van, Kurdish territory, sitting in an internet cafe and it's the same thing. They are so thrilled that I'm here and wanting to make sure everything is alright.

When I arrived in Van I was taken under the wings of two students. They made sure I got from the otogar (bus station) to the center of town and told me they would show me to my hotel. First we had to go their house where they lived with several other students. Of course, chai was served. They tried to teach me Kurdish, which is what everyone speaks here.

"No No No Don't get me confused! It's enough to learn Turkish." I told them I'd have my boyfriend call them and translate - that's Emino. Their English was limited so they called their teacher to come over. He spoke some English but really at that point I was overwhelmed. When I arrive somewhere I just want to check into a room and freshen up. They started making me dinner but I insisted, please no. I plan on seeing them tomorrow.

Just a little insight to the wonderful people in this area and all over Turkey.