Turkey has been both entirely what I envisioned and nothing I could have possibly imagined. The people I have encountered have been more than kind to me and to my fellow interns. It’s a kind of hospitality that has to be experienced to be fully appreciated; the people here are overflowing with enthusiasm and good will. Even when the language barrier becomes an issue, the people are so warn and inviting even through Google Translate. Early on my phone was ruined by saltwater. I was greatly concerned as access to reliable internet is difficult without a secure data plan, so I was out of the loop on schedule announcements and it could have been a detriment to my completion of blog posts and readings. Luckily, Gazipasa brings out the best of people. Tim and Frank were instrumental in helping me find ways to fix my phone and shuttle me to an from the phone repair store, Conrad–a British man living in Gazipasa–helped translate and arrange for my phone to be fixed and Mahmoud and Aaron were the men who fixed my phone efficiently and with meticulous detail. All of these people helped be with generosity and liberal cheer that helped make that uncertain time far less stressful. Turkey, in my experience, brings out the best in people, be they American, Brit or Turk.
This warmness of character also applies to the weather. The physical stresses on our bodies recently have pushed many of us to our limits. Multiple people have been sick, multiple have felt the extreme effects of the heat and all of us drink far more water than we’re used to, but I’m quite proud of how we’re adjusting to the work and the climate. The work we’ve been doing on site has been incredible, clearing rocks and brush to begin our excavations has been tiring work, but work I have grown to be incredibly proud of and continue to be proud of. Everyone pulls their weight tremendously and our work ethic and the culture within our group is so positive and uplifting. I could not have made it this long this well if my coworkers were not so kindhearted and compassionate.
I’m also quite proud of my diet here. I am absolutely a picky eater, no doubt about it. I always have been and to some extent I may always be, but I have really branched out a lot since I’ve gotten here. I am eating foods that at home I would have been disgusted by and pushed away just to be pleasantly surprised by the delicious delicacies of Turkey. I am particularly fond of the chicken dishes I’ve had here such as Tavuk Yogurtlu and a chicken dish I had at the beach–beyond delicious.
All in all, the people have made me feel at home here. I am more than excited to see what new wonders we’ll uncover on site, what new ways I can expand my palette and what great new memories I’ll make with my friends.