Time flies… June 6, 2007
Posted by gse2turkey in Uncategorized.1 comment so far
From time to time we make references to ‘Turkısh time.’ Frequently this is in reference to the slight tendency of meetings and such to begin here, say, 10 minutes to an hour or so late. This is not a bad thing, it just reflects a more relaxed attitude toward schedules and timetables in this part of the world.
Today, however, I will use Turkish time to refer to the speed with which this trip is passing. All of us have remarked in recent days about how quickly the first three weeks have passed, and how much we will regret leaving this marvelous country next week.
I won’t try to sum up the last couple of weeks since my last blog–too much to include and too little time to post. There has been a scarcity of times when both Internet access and time to do more than the most basic checking of email have coincided.
Today was another vocational visit day. This one was different from the previous ones, however, in that we went separately to various destinations. I visited a private school, and this time sat in on 3 primary classrooms: first, fourth, and fifth grades. The kids were so enthusiastic and excited, and it was great fun to talk with them. Our conversations ranged from ’What is your name?’ with the first graders through more specific and detailed questions with the fifth graders.
There are many differences in the country since my last visit here a dozen years ago. Impressive progress has been made with infrastructure. Technology is everwhere. Schools are clearly improved with smaller classes and more progressive teaching methods. The narrow twisting roads through the mountains have evolved into wide twisting roads with passing lanes, and many of the roughly paved country roads have been replaced by smooth, 4 lane divided highways. Traffic in the cities is unfortunately also increased, but air pollution is coming under control. It is still a country of contrasts, though, and I suspect that it will continue to be so as elements of ancient culture and custom continue to coexist with life in the 21st century.
– Dick
