Wednesday, 28 March 2012

March 26

March 26

            Selcuk is somewhat of a magical and even an ideal locale.  It’s nestled serenely in amongst peach orchards, orange groves, ancient ruins, and semi-arid but spectacular mountains covered with olive trees.  Today, we explored these mountains.  We took a nearby street straight up from the Shepherd’s House and ambled toward the mountains as the street narrowed and sloped increasingly upwards, even becoming stairs at one point before we reached the base of the hills.  We first passed actual shepherds and a few tractors rolling bumpily down designated tractor paths and waved timidly before carrying on and upwards where white photo-snapping tourists rarely ever go.  It was such a beautiful hike.  We mainly stuck to the narrow tractor paths but also ventured off occasionally to blaze trails of our own.  Either way, it didn’t matter.  The mountains were ours and ours alone, and it was beautiful!  What a perfect time of year to be in Turkey!
Sparse shrubs and olive trees galore garnished the Spring-sprouting green hillsides that erupted vibrantly here and there with thick patches of colorful wildflowers.  At one point we came across a white horse tied to an olive tree grazing on outstandingly white daisies that surrounded it like a sea and blended the horse with its background.  It was truly enchanting.  Leah picked some flowers and approached it as close as she could and I stood back and took some pictures.  The whole scene was like something out of a fairy tale.  We also saw another tortoise tramping through the tall grass and this time I picked it up and Leah took the picture.  It’s skin felt so unique and its shell was so intricately and phenomenally designed – they’re such amazing creatures.  And their Creator is such an amazing God.

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