It’s hard to believe that this is the second time I’ve sat at this very coffee bar, in Turkey. I never thought I’d go to Turkey once, let alone twice, let alone twice within about 6 months.
I wasn’t a fan of Turkey when I came here on my last ship, it’s a very aggressive male culture, and as most of you who count themselves among my readers can attest, I’m not a vy big girl – and for hte most part aggression hasn’t been my strong point. It’s amazing though what can change in a few short months. Turkey no longer intimdates me, and as such I’m able to look at its beauty more easily.
Most people who come to Kusadasi do so to visit Ephesus, in fact that’s why the ship ports here (just like Petra is the reason we port in Jordon), but I was fortunate enough to see Ephesus on my last journey here – and that was not so long ago that I felt the urge to wander its craigs and ruins so soon. Instead I allowed myself a rare morning to sleep in, and followed by a stroll along the bright sunlit causeway to the small fortress island/park that stands about a mile (if that) from where we dock. I had explored the park before as well, but it’s a peaceful place ,and I’ve found myself in need of some peace as of late. Some of you know me well enough to realize I’m never one to do the easy thing, the typical thing, so, in search of something else to do, I took off my shoes, shouldered my bag, and proceeded to clamber over the rocks at the island’s base, finally finding a perfect perch where I could sit in the sun and dip my feet up to the ankles in the chilled torquise beauty of the Mediterrean, which was exactly what I needed at the time.
It’s hard to believe that in less than a few weeks the World Cruise I am currently stationed on will be over, the crew will face a massive turnover in Fort Launderdale and only a few of us will stay on for the relcoation to Seattle in prepaeation for the ship’s summer Alaska run.
When that time comes, these pages will fall silent again until such time as I find out where I’m going next…but in truth, we’re all trying not to think about it at the same time that we’re deeply looking forward to it. Ending a contract is always a bit bittersweet, your mind and body welcome the rest, you yearn for the chance to sleep in your own bed…you crave the privacy and normality that shore-side life temporarily provides…
But some things never change….
A gypsy I am, and a gypsy I shall always be…
Bright blessings
Shaughnessy