Here I sit in my 8th floor hotel room looking out at the Mediterranean Sea and it is a beautiful morning. Cliff swallows are darting and soaring outside my window and the morning haze is lifting. We are set to enjoy a day in Antayla.
This section of the Mediterranean coast is known as the ‘Turkish Riviera’ and it is beautiful. This sea port has played an important part in our biblical history as this is a port city that Saint Paul would have sailed to and from on his missionary journeys.
Yesterday we travelled from Konya through snow capped mountains and rich farm land. The mountain pass was spectacular – we have a great bus driver. The crops we saw growing included oranges, pomegranates, strawberries, almonds, lemons, and field crops like wheat, alfalfa, cabbage and spinach.
Our stops yesterday included ancient ruins at Side, Aspendos and Perge. Perge was amazing. The ruins went on and on – showing the remnants of a large bustling city. It developed from a Hellenistic hilltop settlement to a proper Roman city. The ruins show quite clearly where the agora (market) stood with its many stalls and shops. There is also a wonderful example, through foundational ruins, of the Roman bath. Saint Paul visited this city and preached here. (Acts 13:13 & 14:25). So we are moving into the section of our tour that connects with our Christian story.
I forgot to mention in yesterday’s blog about our experiencing the Sufi religious expression of “Whirling Dervishes”. This was a powerful hour of sitting to witness their form of dancing meditation. This was a completely new way of experiencing the Holy and many of us found it both impressive and spiritual. You might want to google Whirling dervish to learn a bit more about this form of spirituality.
I don’t think that I have mentioned the shopping yet! Like any group of tourists we have been scouring every stall and shop to find the perfect souvenirs. We have also been treated to a jewellery making shop profiling the fine turquoise from Turkey, a carpet shop where many of us dropped quite a few Lyra with carpets for home, and a pottery shop. Each of these were good lectures on the process and the product and the owners were rewarded by our support of the Turkish economy!!!!
Today will be a leisurely day – a tour around Antayla and then the afternoon to explore or relax by the pool and seaside. This tour is such a gift to explore another culture and to connect with our religious roots all the while doing it with a great group of travellers.
