Back to the Grind

Hey fam! Spring Break is now over and I can settle into a slower pace. Yes, a slower pace. Once my parents told me that our itinerary in Rome was essentially up to me, we were up and going all day, every day. It was incredibly fun, and I think they had a wonderful time (I did!), but it made out pace on the CSA look like a vacation. In Rome, we saw countless churches (they all blur together into one ever-changing kaleidoscope of fresco, marble, and gold) and ate way too much food (one word: gnocchi). Oh yeah, it also rained a little. You know that image of Rome that you see in the movies as eternally sunny and beautiful? Let's just say that no one films a movie in Rome in the winter. We had rain every single day, with the one exception being the only day that we did not spend in Rome. Overall, and despite the rain, it was a most enjoyable experience, and I cannot wait to go back. Oh wait, that's only a month away :)

So...that brings us to the present. The CSA is back in session. We are sitting in the Athens airport, awaiting a flight to Istanbul and eventually to Antalya, in the southwest region of Turkey. Personally, I have no idea what to expect. Turkey will be a completely new experience, one which past trips have thoroughly enjoyed, so I have high hopes. Perhaps this is a Classical influence escaping, but part of me sees this part of our trip as a kind of Argonautic journey to the mysterious East, the customs and culture of which is shrouded in rumor and whispers. Ok, maybe that's pushing it, but I've never been, so what do I know about Turkey? In many ways I'm sure it will be very different from my expectations and customs I'm familiar with. However, it is also equally possible that there will be more similarities that I expect. As Herodotus and Aeschylus showed us earlier in the semester, even the most foreign of peoples share a certain amount in common with us. Either way, I coming to Turkey with an open mind, willing to identify the value of a society that is uniquely rich in its own history and culture. I don't think I could have gotten this far into this semester without being willing to accept the new and different.

I have heard from a couple of sources that I should be more frequent in my communications, so I will try to provide updates on a more regular basis. No promises (we never know the Internet situation), but I will make a more concerted attempt to give y'all more posts. Please let me know if there's anything specific y'all want to hear about. Until then, take care and God bless!