Destination: Turkish Riviera
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Before this trip, I was asked several times whether I had any reservations about traveling to rural southern Turkey with an American passport. Though the country is a prime example of secular Islam, some of my friends wondered whether the vibe beyond cosmopolitan Istanbul would quickly become more conservative. Ultimately, any concerns were misplaced. From exploring markets and bartering for jewelry to meeting locals and discussing politics, I never for a moment felt uncomfortable or unwelcome. At dusk one evening, as I walked around the ancient town of Fethiye, the muezzin’s call to prayer came over the loudspeakers in melodic Arabic verses. I could see some people in their houses following the call; others were walking home, unhurried, buying bread at the shops and stopping to chat with neighbors. I passed two kids who practiced their “hellos” and “how are yous” on me in sweetly accented English, and the serenity of the scene reminded me once again that the best moments on a journey are those that open our minds to the world and let us move beyond stereotypes and expectations.
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