Dec 13 – Snowy Weekend

It has been enjoyable to be a part of what Wayne and Pam’s lives.  From assisting teachers at the school, going shopping with them, attending studies, enjoying the schools Christmas party to just sitting and sharing each other’s lives.

The drenching rain on Friday turned to snow that night and Saturday morning.  The busses were running and on time despite about an inch of snow on the ground and more coming down.  Wayne and I rode the buses to a men’s breakfast on the other side of town and 11 men attended.  The men were from Canada and the United States who represent families working for embassies, the armed forces, ESL teachers and employees from other companies here in Turkey.  We had a great breakfast spread including biscuits and gravy, pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee and orange juice.  All left full and blessed.  This all sounds rather routine but consider the fact that bacon is virtually impossible to find in stores where pork is religiously unacceptable. That makes bacon a special treat.  There was a good time of fellowship and a devotional and all left encouraged.  By the time we left, there was another ½ inch of snow and it continued to fall as we waited at the bus stop.

Enjoying the snow

The Saturday evening we enjoyed the school staff Christmas party including a white elephant gift exchange.  Again food and fellowship, this time at the school principal’s house.  We were blessed to get a ride to the party as walking and carrying the food about half a mile (90 percent uphill) would have been difficult especially considering there was now a couple of inches of snow on the road and it was after dark.  With everyone bringing something to eat, there were plenty of food choices and more than enough for everyone.  I drew the privilege of selecting the first gift and selected a gift that included a box of cheese nips and wheat thins and a bag of gummy bears and skittles.  They did not last long as the Any (no. 2) did not hesitate to steal these items (not significant to us in the US) she missed and wanted. Things such as these are so special because they are a reminder of home and more enjoyable as the tastes are tastes of home.  So the second gift was mine to select (a mug and scarf – how cute).  After I put the scarf on someone sang the line “don we now our gay apparel”,  which brought some laughter.  The items “stolen” most were memorable items not readily available in Ankara.  The gifts Wayne and Pam put under the tree included the individual selecting bacon or cheddar cheese with they can get at the Army PX.  This was also a hot item.  This is a reminder to us of how special it is to have things from home and the thrill of receiving packages from home or anyone in the United States (hint, hint). 

During the party snow continued to fall, the temperatures fell and the wind was blowing.  During our ride home, we could feel the roads were slick and we were sliding around.  While going down one of the hills, the van just started to slide and ended up sliding into a car parked on the side of the road.  It was a slow speed accident and no one was hurt but we all felt terrible as the van had some damage to the front grill.  We were almost home when the accident occurred so we walked the rest of the way home.  The car was drivable but they decided to walk back home themselves to avoid the chance of another accident.  The walk home was challenging as we walked into the wind with snow blowing into our faces, watched to make sure we did not walk on icy areas and had to make the final hill climb to the apartment.  The accident was definitely put a damped at the end of an otherwise great day and evening.

The snow continued to fall through the night and chapel services were cancelled Sunday morning.  People come from a wide area to attend the chapel and the snow and frozen ground would have made it dangerous and difficult for most people to attend.  That afternoon the four of us ventured out and walked to a local market to get some fresh produce.  Calling it a walk does not do it justice.  The roads had been cleared and we could have taken the taxi but since it was all downhill and we needed some exercise, we decided to walk.  There were a few sidewalks but most of the walking was on minor roads meaning you had to keep one eye out for ice on the road and an eye and ear out for any cars sharing the road with us.  We enjoyed the fresh air and long walk. It is always enjoyable to go to the markets as the produce is only days from the ground and the colors make a visual feast that is enjoyable to just look at.  Very similar to what we saw in Italy.  We than enjoyed the best Turkish meal at a local restaurant.  We each ordered a different dish so we could sample the different dishes and all four were excellent with a unique local flavor.  Definitely a place to we would recommend to eat. 

As we indicated it was downhill the whole way but there is no way to describe or picture how steep many of the roads are here.  Wayne and I had made the trip several days previously to visit an ATM and the climb back to the apartment is a calf throbber which would challenge anyone.  Coupling the steepness with the snow on the ground, the decision was made to get a ride up the hill. Once at the top of the hill, Jan and I walked around for a few minutes with the goal of walking off lunch and enjoying the 31 degree weather.  Do not challenge Wayne or Pam to a raise up a steep hill as there is little chance you will win and you will be fortunate to make it to the top without a muscle cramp in your calf.  Over the last week we have walked many miles with them and virtually none of it was on level ground.  Not having a car sure insures you stay in good shape.