Well we finally got the internet working here at the project headquarters so I am able to update. I have not been doing a great deal of work the past couple of days, mostly cards and clue, in French which makes it twice as awesome (and Clue is pretty awesome to begin with). Today was our first day of field walking but we got rained out before too long so all I found was a roof tile. The project headquarters is a great place to stay the food is fantastic and regular and the accomadations are comfortable if simple.
The town is very interesintg there are a number of old Ottoman buildings and a large Byzantine greek inscription in the town square. The people are very friendly and try to be helpful even with the presence of a significant language barrier. Everyone in town is interested in the project and we attract attention no matter where we go, children especially are interested in us and they often drop by the headquarters in the evening to play sports. A child no older than eight schooled me at basketball and I have not even tried to join in the games of football.
The culture shock is not overwhelming but it is very noticable the mosques of the town issue the call to prayer five times a day summoning all of the local faithful to prayers.
The bus system is as good as had been led to believe, we were given ice cream on the bus before it had even left and the service was reminicint of an airplane. Speacking of which the plane rides to Frankfurt and subsequently Ankara were confortable and even omewhat luxerious with hot towels and free drinks, i was even bumped up to first class for the trip from Frankfurt to Ankara because i and an American were made to wait in line for an hour or so before being helped. After striking up a conversation with him i discovered that he too was traveling to Turkey on an archeaological project somewhat East of our own and pleasently spent a plae ride with him and one of his colleagues discussing our respective programs. I would love to relate some more detailed stories but as the computer is shared they will have to wait for later.
P.S. I did not have any jetlag, told you so.
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Great to hear from you. Glad the trip went so well and I think you are lying about the jet lag because a mother is always right about those kind of things. Stampede week was a lot of fun. We did another great hike on Sunday to Karst Springs (very cool waterfall). We have been getting David outfitted, so any advice on what to bring and what not to bring is welcomed. Take care, Mom!
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