Western Turkey - Writing

Arriving into Turkey, we had no idea what to expect. Would I get stared at for not wearing a burka? Would people speak English? How developed were the towns? We took the boat into Ayvalik, Turkey and got a room in a disgusting little place that sat right off the downtown strip. Strong winds in our face and a chance to customize ourselves with Turkey was needed, but Renting a single room in a house was absolutely terrible. Our first experience in our lives with bedbugs. Gross. We slept in all our clothes and were out the door as early as possible the next morning.

After a short afternoon nap in our disgusting room (we didn't realize we had bedbugs until late that night), we went out for a stroll through the town. Walking down the sidewalk, the town was vibrant: people walking the streets, full restaurants, cars, motos and bikes racing by. Out of nowhere, the Call to Prayer comes on these loud speakers that reach everyone in the city. The street went from absolutely bustling to completely dead quiet and everyone faces up toward Meca. It was a surreal experience that still makes my stomach fill with butterflies by the meer thought of it. Cars stopped. nobody moved, dead silence like we were out at 3am. The only movement was off in the distance made by an oblivious tourist couple who didn't seem to notice their surroundings. Ryan and I try to melt into our surroundings whenever possible. We try to follow the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". What an experience that will hopefully stick with us for awhile, such calmness and serenity.

Leaving in the early morning, our only choice for a road was one of the main highways to lead us toward Istanbul, our goal. Turning onto the highway, we passed a buggy being pulled by a donkey and carrying three adults eating ice cream cones. Now this sight made us both smile for the image onto itself but also the fact that we just passed a donkey pulling a cart. So old fashioned but something that still exists this day in age. We often had people stop and look at us throughout Europe, but nothing like we experienced in Turkey. Ryan would get a huge smile before eyes would turn on me and a look of confusion cover their faces. At first I could not figure out what was going on, but the conclusion I came to was that not only were we riding bikes with bags on the sides, but a woman was also participating. I think women don't tend to be seen in these situations. Anyway, once the initial shock was over, we would get huge grins and big waves and those who could speak any English would say very slowly and loudly, "Hello! Where are you from?" It was such a great way to travel the country. People were extremely friendly everywhere we went, one guy even stopped on his moto to chat with us.

Along the road, there was stand after stand of gypsies selling fruits and vegetables, women in headdresses, waving and smiling most of the time. The greenness and mountains of Turkey surprised us. Wanting to stop for lunch, we decided to head a bit off track and head into a town that was the only town for quite a ways. Riding through these towns, I would stop beforehand and wrap a buff (similar to a bandana I guess) around my head to cover most of my hair. I wanted to try and fit in as much as possible. Well, we rode in through town and the looks we got were unlike any before. The cafes where the local men play cards and drink tea, coffee and beer, completely stopped, mouths agap, followed us with their eyes as we rode by. Kids on the streets and the woman chatting and cleaning outside their homes did the same. We were such an oddity to them and am guessing something most have never seen. Finding a well decorated and refurbished bakery, we went in for some lunch. All homemade treats, family owned and extremely excited to have Americans in their shop. Again, the language barrier was a bit tough. If you happen to go to Turkey and they don't speak much English, "vegetarian" actually means with meat:-) They liked us so much that even took a picture with us outside! As we ate, the young boys in the neighborhood all stood around our bikes, looking at them in amazement. If I remember correctly, we ate three stuffed breads and had four teas (the specialty is tea not coffee and it is delicious) called chai, and I believe the total came to 5 lira. What?!?!?! Such a difference from Europe.