There'll be new dreams, maybe better dreams, and plenty...

First.... ahem... hello? Is there anybody out there? I know some of you must be reading these rambling missives, but c'mon, leave me a comment, send me an email, something. :)

I have just a few more hours in Turkey and since I'm not sure what internet access will be like over the next week or so, I thought it made sense to write a little and post the latest pictures. Well, that is to say I'm not sure what internet access will be like in Moscow; I'm certain there's no internet on that long train through Siberia.

I was sad to leave Selçuk yesterday... so many great people there and so many good memories. I know I get to take those with me, but I did leave wishing I could stay longer. I had a bit of an adventure getting back into Istanbul, and have decided that as beautiful as this city is, I can't say it's my favorite part of Turkey. I think I'll have to come back some day and see some more of this amazing country and perhaps visit some friends.

As I'm getting ready to leave, the whole country is preparing for a huge national holiday. Tomorrow is Republic Day, which marks the anniversary of Turkey as a Republic (makes sense, right?). It's laughable really that I'm leaving tonight and missing out on this. (Just a note... one thing I would do differently if I were planning this trip from the beginning all over again, is not buy any of my airline tickets in advance.) Anyhow, Republic Day is probably most comparable to our Independence Day, but I'd have to say when it comes to patriotism, the Turkish are probably one up on us. The city is all lit up and seemingly every building and nearly every terrace has a Turkish flag or picture of Ataturk (or both) draped from it. Tomorrow everything shuts down for a big celebration. Leaving tonight is akin to flying to the U.S. and staying in Manhattan only to leave late night on July 3rd. I think I'd have the same reaction to that tourist, "Didn't you want to see the fireworks???" One of the guys in Selçuk asked me the other night, "Did you know anything about Turkey before you came here?!" If I'm honest, not really.

I feel as if I've learned a little while I've been here, but I have certainly been struck with how ignorant I am about this country. As some of you know, my great aunt was killed in Turkey years before I was born. Prior to coming here, that was probably one of the very few associations I had with this country. She was also on a trip around the world when she was struck by an automobile. I have never been too clear on the details; I'm not even sure exactly how old she was or when exactly she died. Probably younger than me, and I think it was the late 50's? I have to imagine it was such a different time for a woman abroad on her own. I wonder if I caught a bit of her spirit? I spent nearly five years of my life in her parent's house. I slept in the shadow of a beautiful cabinet built by her father, my great-grandfather, to house the dolls she sent back from the many faraway places she visited. I remember looking at those dolls as a little girl and wondering about her, this mysterious woman who traveled far and died too young. I wish I knew more about her. I think about her now and wish I knew what she saw here. What did she feel? How are we alike, I wonder now... Does she see me now? Or is she with me? A part of me? Maybe a part of why I was chosen for this incredible adventure or perphaps a part of why I chose it. Was it her voice along with mine that whispered, "Go... see...."?