Today we start out in Istanbul and end in Safronbolu. What does that last name sound like? Yes, the deliciousness of Safron! Hoping to purchase some for cheaper than U.S. prices. Going to Koc University (do not have Turkish alphabet on here so cannot spell it exact). It is said Koch. Then going to Bogazici University. It is said Boyazichi. I have learned some already about Turkish and super excited to report on more.
Just checked into the hotel in Safronbolu. Very quaint, almost chateau style. Old. Lovely. Very excited to explore tomorrow, but it is 9:00 p.m. Am skipping dinner to talk with children. Eating is so late here, especially during Ramazan.
Below I will post pics of today and annotate later.
Koc University. Beautiful, private university. More American style.
We studied poetic tradition of Ottomans. The above poem was by a woman (extremely unusual). Very fascinating. Poetry was used as way to seek the divine and also about longing for love. Because of the cultural sensibilities, this was done in a longing for an androgynous being, usually in language of pre pubescent boy, because inappropriate to speak publicly about women. These were oral poems recited publicly.
Our teacher for the morning.
My cafeteria lunch at the university.
Don't you think these exit signs are much more fun than ours? I have understand that sense of urgency at times. :-)
We had a Turkish language lesson. I can now count to five and say some basics. Easy, phonetic alphabet.
Crossing the bridge to the Asian side
Countryside from my 6 hour bus ride
Our hotel. Has a sweet appeal, especially after a 6 hour bus ride. :-)
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