Life On the Road

I have always wondered how life would be like as a rock star on the road... and now I think I do. For the past couple of days, we have been on the road on our tour bus for hours; only stopping for bathroom breaks, lunch, and of course, our destination. Today, our destination was the city of Konya, which was a seven hour bus ride! So how did we pass the time? 

Need I explain...

Today, we visited Mevlana Museum. 

This museum is dedicated to the 14th century mystic philosopher Mevlana. Known for his love for others, and unflinching concern for humanity, he was also a big fan of meditating- while spinning around. His unique meditations prompted his later followers to formulate his principles into a religious order; therefore, making him the accidental founder of The Whirling Dervishes (which we are going to visit tomorrow)! 

Not only did the museum contain his mausoleum, but there were a number of Korans on display that came from all different centuries, shapes, colors, and sizes! I noticed that people were trying, with excitement, to read through all the Korans, as if the Korans of the past and present differed. I appreciated the Muslim people more because of this because they showed me that they had a deep sense of respect towards the history of their religion. But if there was one thing that most fascinated me about the mosque (now turned museum) was that Muslims still use it as a place of worship! I witnessed Muslim of all ages, praying towards Mevlana and some of his followers' tombs, and tearing up at the displays of Korans, and that of the holy beard of Mohammed. That was a sacred sight for me, and I only observed in amazement that Islam truly has very faithful followers.

After our brief visit to the museum, we took a short stroll through the main streets of Konya, where surpringly, we were not tremendously hassled by the bazaar store clerks, but were rather hassled by stares (think of a group of multiracial students walking through a non-touristic street). We then headed back to our (fourth) hotel of the week: The Balikcilar Hotel,

where we dined in and celebrated Julian's 21st birthday (planning to celebrate his legality in the US upon return).

Late nights in a hotel? Check.

Riding on a tour bus across cities? Check.

Receiving stares or amazement wherever we go? Check.

Rock star status?   ;-)

Rock out,

Michelle Lumban-Gaol