Exploring Assos... and the beach

Well... Today was absolutely amazing. We started off the day by having breakfast on the patio right next to the Mediterranean Sea. The food is amazing. The hotel is very accommodating and even has a few items that are more common in America; even a few members of the wait staff have spoken english with us. After breakfast we went to Assos and were able to walk up to the Acropolis. (top of the mountain) The views from on top of the mountain were so beautiful. We were able to see the sea, islands, and even our hotel. At the top there are ruins from the Temple of Athena. We were able to see some of the columns that are left and then a miniature replica of what the temple would have looked like. It was pretty cool to see what the temple would have looked like and then to see what is left of the temple.

From the Acropolois, you can see our hotel out on the end of the peak, jutting into the Agean Sea!

After we visited the site of the temple we were able to see a mosque. It was really cool to be inside a mosque and have Cenk tell us about the significance of many of the things we saw. I found it interesting that there are individual sections on the carpet where people come in and pray. They have very specific rules and steps to follow when praying or when entering the mosque. I found this experience to be interesting because I have never been in a mosque.

Not a typical looking mosque but a particularly old one

Going into the Mosque requires removing your shoes at the door out of respect for the place of worship.

 Inside the mosque--The center niche in the wall is the mehrab that shows the direction of Mecca for prayers. On either side are places from which the imam might give a Friday sermon.

Muslim prayer beads--99 beads for the 99 different names for God in Islam

When we left the mosque, we were able to stop at the shops on the way down the hill. I loved looking at all of the souvenirs the local people are selling. Several of us bought linen shirts, jewelry, and other little things to help us remember Turkey. We then drove a little ways to a Theater. While there Michael was able to sing us a song. We were all surprised at how great the acoustics were.When we left the hillside, we went down to the Harbor and were able to get a nice treat of ice cream. It was different than American ice cream, but it was so yummy. Several people in the group got a ice cream sandwhich of sorts.

Then we got back on the bus and drove back to the hotel. When we got back we were able to go to the beach and spend time in the ocean. For me it was really nice to be on the beach. The beach is one of the places I feel closest to God and I really enjoyed the time relaxing on the beach. We then had dinner as a group at the hotel and it was great to hear how everyone was doing. After dinner we had a meeting and were able to share some of our experiences with the group and ask Cenk questions about our upcoming home stays.

The water was clear and cool, very refreshing and fun! (and with poppies growing everywhere!)

I am really enjoying Turkey so far. I have seen so many beautiful things already. I love the history and the fact that we can walk up and touch things that were here in the first century as well as walk where Paul was. To me that is crazy cool. I am really looking forward to seeing more of Turkey and learning more about Paul and his travels as well as the seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation.

We all are having a great time and enjoying the culture and beauty of Turkey.

Liz Jackson