Last Update

I survived the bus ride across the middle of Turkey all the way from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Arrived in Adana yesterday after the sixteen hour ride. Now I remember why I went north in the first place: it is fricken hot here. I was able to meet up with my friend Merih last night though. We went out for drinks and plan to do the same tonight. It is always fun to see someone after three years apart.

Anyway, as this is a bigger city, I was able to find the English-language Turkish Daily News. Following the latest news about the Monica scandal and the bombings in Iraq, there was some more local trouble.

Few Americans know or care, but the US has maintained a base here in Adana for many years. Since the Gulf War ended in 1991 Incirlin base has been where all of the patrolling flights over the Iraqi no-fly zone leave from. There are over 5000 Americans stationed here. Anyway, for the last few weeks the Turkish workers on the base have been striking for higher wages. Considering that inflation here is about 70% I can understand how a raise now and then might be important. Anyway, tempers are starting to flare because the grocery, cafeteria etc on the base are closed down.

In the north (near where I just came from) a tourist hotel was burnt down and the owner shot to death by these wacky Kurdish terrorists who want to have their own country. Some people here accuse the US of backing some of the Kurdish radicals in some weird plot to stir up trouble for Turkey, Iraq and Iran where the Kurds live. More wars means more arms sales for the States they say. A Kurd was arrested here in Adana yesterday because they suspected a bombing tomorrow to mark the anniversary of the Kurdish independence fight.

In Korea, people are marking the 53rd anniversary of their freedom from Japanese rule. Unfortunately, shortly after their freedom, the country was split as a result of the Cold War. There has never been a formal end to that war, so there are problems at the border town of Panmunjom this weekend where the North will have a little party. American soldiers sit there too, wondering if the nonsense will ever end.

So, you think I am crazy? Why am I telling you this? Just examples of the insanity and problems that our country causes and Americans don't even know about. This is why tourists have to be extra careful when traveling certain places. This is why our embassies and federal buildings get bombed. I cant explain this stuff, but there is a reason for everything.

Anyway, that is the news from Adana this day. In other news, I passed the CPA exam with flying colors. I heard that my orientation and training at Arthur Andersen will start at 8:15am Sept 1st. Soon I will forget about the problems of the world and become just another drone. Tonight I will go out dancing with my friend Merih. Hope you are enjoying your life. Cheers, Aaron