Though I know the Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand, I think Gandalf’s declaration to the balrog while in the Mines of Moria are easily applicable to the Turkish landscape here in Gazipasa as well. This land is beautiful, but ruggedly so, and every part of the countryside is determined to keep me from passing through.
For example, last weekend we went on a field trip to Selinus, a site not far from our location in Gazipasa. There are many interesting features to view at this site, especially the baths, tombs, and fortress on the top of the mountain. However, there are plants at that site that move for no one, not even archaeology students out exploring. There are the kinds with big, sharp thorns, and the ones with teeny tiny thorns about the size of a pin. The big ones are more difficult to hike through, but the little ones leave themselves embedded in whatever kind of clothing (or flesh) they touch, so I am not sure which of those plants is more difficult to deal with. By far the worst one is the plant that disguises itself as a nice soft green plant, which grows low to the ground, and just invites any weary traveler to rest on it under the shade of a fig or olive tree. Why is that the worst one, you ask? Because it is a liar, that is why. It masquerades as a plant good for rest, but instead of resting, anyone unfortunate enough to sit on it will spend their break time picking (you guessed it) more tiny thorns and prickles out of any part of their body that had the misfortune to come in to contact with the plant.
But wait! There’s more! Not only are there plants that are determined to stop any travelers in their tracks, the stones have it out for any would-be explorers as well. I expect that creatures with cloven hooves have an easier time scampering up and down the cliff sides, but it is certainly not simple for me. I pity all of you on this trip who have managed to get stuck walking behind me, because I either have to pick my way downhill slowly or risk falling and just rolling straight down into the Mediterranean below us (or maybe into some of those aforementioned attack-plants). Even on semi-flat ground, the loose, uneven stones are enough to cause some balance issues and turned ankles.
So, I have come to the conclusion that there is a bit of a conflict occurring in this place. Every person I have met here in Gazipasa has been very friendly and welcoming. From everything I can tell, the people of Gazipasa are happy to have us here. The land, on the other hand, may not be. The plants, stones, and steeply sloping hills are all out to do their best to impede my movement, and ensure I do not pass (or, it seems that way). Despite the land doing its best to stop me in my tracks, I am determined to make it through.