For 5 years we came to Antalya for our annual leadership training conference and never took the time to visit Antalya. It is bliss to be with someone who can speak the language, know where to go, and what to do. With the cultural survival pressure less, I find my eyes, ears and heart more open to appreciate the uniqueness as well as the differences of another culture.
We go with Renata to a local market and it is once again a tantalizing experience for my senses: fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, cheese, olives, fish, meat are arranged and displayed with esthetic care. Crunchy carrots in geometrical patterns; row upon row of fat, shiny, red tomatoes; spinach, parsley, cucumbers and lettuce display all shades of green in this gastronomic patchwork quilt. My fingers itch to fix a crunchy, earth-fresh salad filled with all that is good for you. Renata steers her way with ease through the people and fills her cart with oranges, tomatoes, red lentils, apples, onions, lettuce, cheese and a bunch of happy flowers.
We go with Renata to a local market and it is once again a tantalizing experience for my senses: fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, cheese, olives, fish, meat are arranged and displayed with esthetic care. Crunchy carrots in geometrical patterns; row upon row of fat, shiny, red tomatoes; spinach, parsley, cucumbers and lettuce display all shades of green in this gastronomic patchwork quilt. My fingers itch to fix a crunchy, earth-fresh salad filled with all that is good for you. Renata steers her way with ease through the people and fills her cart with oranges, tomatoes, red lentils, apples, onions, lettuce, cheese and a bunch of happy flowers.
With Talya as our seasoned guide we see the old town, eat Döner kebabs and drink Ayran, a traditional sour milk drink; we visit the harbor where Paul landed 2000 years ago. I experience a strange, inexplicable discomfort as an ancient world that I only know from the Bible come alive in a modern day context. We all have a life to live at a certain place and a certain time – we all fit in to complete the puzzle of life…
We meet colleagues of Renata and James and visit the culture center where they work. We are amazed to see what they have developed with such dedication and vision.
Dinner is a traditional meal prepared by Renata’s Turkish friend. Andrej and Hugo have a lot of fun when they surprise call their friends, Christoph and Anna Kate, both students in the States, from their home in Turkey!
We feel replenished after a wonderful visit. Thank you Renata and Talya and James in his absence.
For more information about the St Paul Cultural Center go to:
Welcome to the St. Paul Cultural Center
www.stpaulcc-turkey.com
For more information about the St Paul Cultural Center go to:
Welcome to the St. Paul Cultural Center
www.stpaulcc-turkey.com
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