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Didim

District 6060-Missouri with District 2440-Southwestern Turkey

It was hard to imagine what wonders could possibly still await us after our time in Bodrum.  The combination of being with the great friends we had met in earlier cities, the bustle and excitement of a district conference, and the addition of our incredibly gracious host families to our list of friends seemed to be the pinnacle of our trip. But, as we have come to be used to, Turkey held yet another surprise for us!  Our wonderful host families met us at an enchanting hotel, excellently appointed in marble and, of course, on the sparkling sea. We once again felt more pampered than Hollywood's most elite as we spent a completely relaxing afternoon getting to know our host families and playing in the water. Cindy and Keith were delighted to learn that they would get to practice their French as well as their Turkish (a feat which proved more than a little tricky; it seems that the two languages are similar enough that they are terribly difficult to keep separate!) After we left the hotel and were properly settled in with out host families, most of the group met at Nikki and Laura's host home for a delicious dinner and block party.  We all danced, and ate, and Ted got "engaged" to one of Nikki and Laura's host-sisters, and much hilarity ensued! Our days in Didim were very busy!  We were introduced to the Chief of the local Jandarma - the Turkish equivalent of the county police.  We were surprised to find that the Chief was a relatively young man to hold such a powerful position.  Ted was especially excited to learn more about the Turkish justice system from someone who could speak from first hand knowledge.  We went from the Jandarma to the Mayor's office, and spent the afternoon learning more about the town of Didim from the Assistant Mayor. While visiting the Mayor, we were joined by a couple visiting the Didim Rotary club from England. Not all of our time was spent hard at work.  We spent time wandering around the Temple of Apollo and imagining the power of the great oracles who lived and prophesized within its once-great walls.  We visited the Ancient Ruins at Miletus, and passed the road that led to Alexander the Great's home at Priene (though, there just wasn't enough time in the day to visit it!)  We had beautiful meals in shady courtyards, and learned to eat berries right off the tree (they looked a little like albino raspberries and were pleasantly tart!)  And, of course, we spent time at the beach. Perhaps one of the most memorable moments of the trip belongs to our families at Didim.  Our Rotary hosts arranged for us an amazing trip into a small village in the highlands above the city.  We were told we were going to "see a traditional wedding."  We sat ottoman style on cozy cushions, eating a delightfully traditional meal, while they explained the ceremony that was unfolding before us.  We watched as the village women circled the bride and danced, and then the men circled the groom, who's dance was symbollic of the eagle swooping to catch his prize.  The group was thrilled when we were included in the festivities; Nikki and Ted were volunteered to be "Married" in the ceremony, gleaning a very unique, first hand view of one of the most sacred cultural traditions. The Rotary Club meeting was yet another delightful experience.  We were once again joined by the other visiting couple as we presented our flags and introduced our life and work in America.  It was hard to deny emotions that accompanied giving our presentation for the second to last time. As we were seated on the bus - our first adventure with the commercial bus lines in Turkey - we were looking forward anxiously, while knowing that we would never forget the wonderful people and the incredible hospitality from Didim! The bus ride to Izmir also turned out to be a learning experience. Buses in Turkey have stewards that serve tea and snacks.  A comfort not experiences in the States.  We also saw a couple of cars speeding down the highway with large Turkish flags draped over the tops of the cars. We were told that these were new recruits on their way to join their army units.  In Turkey all males must serve in the military for at least one year.  It is considered an honor and that father's will not let their daughters marry a man who has not served his country.  The Turkish people we met all seemed to be very patriotic.  We notices that in every home, business establishment and school there was a picture of their hero Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.