Old and New

The other day it hit me: I basically in the place where civilization began. Here, on the border of Mesopotamia, is where the first cultures arose, the first cities were founded, the first languages established. I have been spending much of my free time poring over a guide book I bought before coming to Turkey - definitely a worthwhile investment. The book not only highlights tourist spots, but also tells a lot of the history of places all over Turkey. The more I read, the more I am intrigued. There is so much to see right at my fingertips - I only hope that I have the time and opportunity to go see everything!

At a different level, though, I am also looking at the wonders of my own city, a thoroughly modern place, as evidenced by the fact that my host sister took me to a Burger King today. I am loving city life! Although I have lived almost my whole life in urban areas, I have never lived truly in a city - in an apartment, with everything I need within walking distance, and everything I want accessible by public transportation. I cannot wait to be able to speak the language better, so that I can get to explore the city by myself.

I had heard quite a bit of discouraging information before coming to Adana - how hot it is, how it's not very pretty, how there's nothing to do - but so far, I have found it absolutely wonderful. The heat is, well, hot, but not much hotter than back home in Birmingham, and it'll cool down soon. Although it doesn't have the beauty of Istanbul, there is plenty to see, and the river that goes through the city is absolutely gorgeous. I've also found a lot to do - just walking around, exploring shops and cafes is a treat for me. I wonder what all I will discover throughout my next 9 and 1/2 months here!

Look forward to my next post tomorrow - it'll be all about the food!