Arriving in Selcuk

It took us 10 hours by bus to get to Selcuk, traveling part of the way via ferry across the Marmaris Sea.  Mark and I decided that next time we fly...that's a long time in the bus.

The family welcoming committee met us when we got in, men in the front yard and women and children in the house.  Of course no one speaks English, and with Mark in the front yard I was left to my own creativity to communicate with all of those women.  They asked so many questions - none of which I understood. After a while, they realized we werent getting anywhere with the talking.  It is important to note that even tho there is usually furniture in a room, everyone sits on the floor on the carpets.  And, it was probably 95 degrees (no exaggeration because the day had been over 100) in the 'ladies room'.


So, to limit the communication frustration, I started showing the ladies yoga moves.  We were already on the floor, so it seemed kind of natural.  This worked out great and got everyone interacting with me, without needing many words.  Mark came in after a while and joined in - much to their amusement.

We've slept on the roof of one brother's house because of the heat. This seemed like a good idea until 4am when the drummers started walking up and down EVERY street in town to wake up anyone who was fasting for Ramadan... and to wake up those of us who werent.  These are loud and rhythmic beats that could be interesting almost any other time than 4am. After one begins to settle down back to sleep, the call to prayers starts.  We found out that they had just installed a speaker system from the mosque on the wall next to our roof beds. ACCHKKKK.   Once that ended, the roosters started which got the dogs going.  About 6:30 the traffic started, joined by the morning train which passes about 50 yards away. Things quiet down then, but the sun is bright and hot by 8am, forcing you to get up.   I really need the strong tea served for breakfast each morning! 

 The family has been harvesting tons, literally, of peppers from the land they are renting this summer.  So, I was on the roof the other evening cutting these so they can dry - so we can bring some home.  Beautiful peppers, but also hot. Don't wipe your eye after cutting up hot peppers!!!

 

Mark's mom's house is over 100 years old. Now that it is cooler we are staying there. Shower is in the kitchen, peppers drying everywhere. And yes, the Ramadan drummers are on this street also, as are the roosters. The outside wall of the house is against a hill, so only a part of it is visible at the street.

Here is one of our dinners - peppers (of course), squash, kasatma (grilled peppers, eggplant, potatoes in garlic yogurt sauce). YUM.