To Grace

"Allah must have truly graced you today."

These were the words spoken from a Saudi Arabian family who were so kind to give us a ride down the mountain. They had come all the way from Riyadh to visit the ancient Mount Olympus of Bursa.

I simply sat there, awkwardly silent, not knowing how to respond, until Abe was able to cover for the silence.

--

This Turkey trip has helped me solidify my views on religion. I had the opportunity to glimpse into a nation still finding its identity after a swift conversion from a theocratic monarchy to a secular republic. However characterized as "secular", 99% of Turks are registered as Muslim, and a large aspect of Turkey is the plethora of magnificent mosques, structured and maintained beautifully.

Rachel, it made me realize that here was a place where--just like Riyadh--it was safe to assume that everyone practices Islam, and that everyday conversations, everyday interactions are influenced by this highly ingrained lifestyle. Simply put: I come a from a completely different world.

But more importantly, I know this hitchhiking experience will still be one of the most memorable and positive moments of this trip. Religion aside, this was the nicest and friendliest family we have ever met. I feel small--really small--for taking into consideration the American media-influenced perception of these people, as this family completely shattered these stereotypes.


Religion or no religion, at the end of the day we're all human beings. And it's so true that people need to reassess their views on others and realize that all the sterotypes are built up on the mystery of people not recognizing or understanding what the things around us are and what they truly mean.

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