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Quiet Morning
The scene was much the same in the morning. Nobody seemed to miss me when I slipped out of town and walked up toward another hill.
The wind got stronger as I approached the top. I found a big bush to hide behind, sat down, and read someone else's travel diary. I am almost done with my Dark Tower book, so I have picked up this Japanese nonfiction book again. It is the diary of two guys who hitchhike from the Straight of Magellan to Alaska. Interesting stuff. After a while, I decided it was time for me to get on with my own adventure.
Dolmus Again
Took the same minibus back to town. The ride really is better than the actually plateau. It would have been more beautiful to stop in the town just before Cambasi, though I have forgotten the name now. I sat next to a woman from Adana (my next destination) who speaks English well. She was mildly interested in my trip. After the usual questions though, she asked me why I didn't learn Turkish before coming. I had not yet shown her just how much (little) Turkish I know, but she evidently thought it wasn't enough. I told her that I had visited ten countries this country and couldn't possibly learn all of the languages. Despite what she says, it takes a good two years at least to learn a language. I asked her if she thought it was better I stay home. Most Turkish people (surrounded by unfriendly neighbors) never travel outside of their country. She thought that maybe that is better.
I used to think about this a lot. What is the point of going somewhere if you can't talk to the people. Not only is it a pain for the locals who have to learn English for you, but you can't really learn anything about the place without talking to the locals. So, I generally try to learn enough of each language to get by for shopping and whatnot without bugging people too much. As for the superficiality of having seen a place, but not understood it... I think there is much to be learned just by watching people. Foreigners generally don't know anything about Turkey and Turks surely don't know any more about the West than what they see on Dallas or read in the papers. The world could do with a few more tourists who go to faraway places and realize that all people are people. They have their own problems and strong points and whatnot. Anyway, that woman troubled me for a bit, but I managed to get on with my travels.
Nother Night Bus
Back in Ordu, I bid farewell to my favorite hotel owner. I tried to give him some extra money to make up for the free breakfasts and all the trouble I had caused. He wouldn't take it though. At the bus station, I met a guy who studies at Hacitepe in Ankara. He works at the Metro bus company in the summer and was surprised to see a foreigner in his office. He immediately invited me back for tea.
Turkish Cay
Many travelers find themselves drinking up to ten cups of Turkish tea per day. Luckily it comes in small glasses, but it is strong stuff. Because it is small and cheap, it is easy to share a drink with just about anyone anywhere. Just yell out "two teas" and someone will come over with two glasses and saucers. Many times I am cautious about the strangers offering me free stuff, but most people are just genuinely nice. Muret and I had two glasses of tea together before I took off on the 16-hour bus for Adana.
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