Part 5, Turkey 2011: Gateway to the Middle East, Urfa & Harran

[___io___]

From Cappadocia we embarked on the long drive out of Western Turkey and into the East where Westerners rarely tread. Our first stop was mere miles from the Syrian border in Harran. Famous for being the home of the prophet Abraham, its beehive dwellings and for being a top contender for the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the world, it's

Comments

[snowcoma]

I could be totally off here, but I believe that in some cultures it is considered highly insulting to speak to women who are married, thus implying courting. If I'm right, that might take some of the sting off of being ignored.

As always, the pictures are stunning and your rich descriptions are a pleasure to read! I wish I was a millionaire so that I could send you on vacations around the world just to experience the sights and experiences through you.

[___io___]

That is true, but on some of these occasions, I was not w/my husband and I didn't notice people checking out my hands. But even if that was the case, the sting and culture shock is still there, because there's the implication that I'm someone's possession and not my own person.

And I would gladly do this professionally. That said, I got some exciting news recently -- over the next 6 months I'll likely be sent to work in India, Peru or Uganda for the U.S. Embassy!

[tripartite]

beehive dwellings and for being a top contender for the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the world
It almost looks like your on Tatooine. ;)

they seem to like anything old-school and AK
They are durable. I wouldn't be surprised if that one fired.

it has been believed that these carp are their sacred descendants.
Did you go fishing? I've always wondered how sacred carp tastes. ;)

[___io___]

It does look like Tatooine! And yep, good old Kalashnikovs -- you can bury 'em in sand for a decade and they're still fire like new. And nope, all vegetarian here! ;)

[tripartite]

I thought so. I'm glad you agree. Either I'm not crazy or we are. ;) Also true and probably well tested. Hooray for loose tolerances! Aw, I always wanted to know how sacred fish tastes.

[___io___]

The problem with those guns is the terrible accuracy -- but I guess whatever gets the job done...

[divuar]

Stay in black even when you arer in the Middle East :D
Great photos and travel notes!