I’m really excited to see coinage. Years ago, I collected quarters for the different state depictions. I enjoyed seeing what imagery was believed to represent each state best. I’m excited by the prospect of seeing the Hadrian commemorative coinage for a very similar reason, to see imagery, such as the eagle representing Cilicia.
I am most interested in exploring the connection between the local community members and outside visitors throughout history. For example, we read about the connections such as those between local heroes and those between the community and Septimius Severus. I just moved to a new town that was about the tenth of the size of my old town. Through it I’ve been able to note some large differences in the way that families and neighbors interact between the two different towns. I am excited to see how the connections are present in the past and in the current community in Gazipaşa.
It’s not as exciting as exploring Turkey, but I would like to spend the first day unpacking. When I travel, I tend to live out of my suitcase rather than taking the time to unpack. I want to change that so that I’m prepared to unwind in my room after time at the site.