I hope Bill Bryson can forgive my shameless plagiarism of his memorable title (a must read), but it neatly sums up my thoughts on traveling in the near east. We undertook this expedition largely as an escape, conveniently termed 'sabbatical', to mark the transition between two radically different epochs in our lives: we loosely planned to discuss what changes we would like to see in ourselves and our situation but never set any particular goals. Despite this, our experiences in Europe and Asia gave some ideas and inspirations we would like to bring home with us and I would like to share with you, my friends.
The most important lesson I learned was hospitality. Hospitality in the west is focused more on the generosity of the host, whereas countries like Turkey promote a form of hospitality that focuses on the honor a host is paid when a guest chooses to grace the host with her or his presence. To those in Turkey it is a great honor to have a guest come to visit; the host is willing to give of any possession and make great sacrifice of time and effort to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of the hosted. I believe we in the west forget that it is a much greater honor that our friends and family should choose to spend time with us in our homes rather than in their own. This epitomizes genuine, self-less hospitality.
The second lesson, no less emphatic or noble, is that bidets are an essential bathroom feature. No civilized society should be without! (Indeed, one could argue the degree to which a society without bidets could possibly be considered civilized...)
Finally, a lesson to those visiting countries in which English is not the primary language; learn at least rudimentary communication in the vernacular of the country you are visiting. Difficulty is, by the way, absolutely no excuse. If a six year old could say it, you should be able as well. All it takes is a few hours here and there before your trip, an investment well worth the many compliments and greatly eased communication your study will provide.
We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude (and money) to all of our friends and family (and creditors) for their support in the preparation and execution of this incredible experience. To each of you who sent encouragement and good tidings our way, we thank you sincerely. Thank you all for your support, we cannot wait to tell you all the stories of our adventures and hear of yours during our time away.
Gule gule (smiling, smiling),
-Adam and Kristin Veteto
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