Is your name Suzy?
Trip Start
Sep 01, 2008
1
7
13
Trip End
Nov 14, 2008
Cappadocia,
Turkey
Friday, October 3, 2008
The narrow cliffs and stone pillars of the region are breath-taking from afar. One could spend hours perched atop one of the many view points in the area, mezmarized by the geological wonder of the place. We had other plans in mind for the day, however. Equiped with Chacos and head lamps, we set out to explore the caves that Turks have been carving out in the high rock pillars for thousands of years. It seems that the sheer number of these rock valleys and caves are such that what is geological and archeological wonder to us Americans is commonplace for the citizens of Cappadocia. There are no "DO NOT ENTER" signs or fences protecting the astonishing homes, stables, and churches hidden in the rocks and cliffs.
Along the way, the happened upon what looked to be ancient Christian cave painting. I was in total disbelief--it was too good to be true! Authentic iconography from the 4th century? Crosses and religious symbols from the Iconoclastic period, when Christians were forbidden to use human image in their religious art? Thanks to these incredible historical paintings, those musty caves became this Religous Studies major's dream come true. I put my art history and ancient language studies to the test, decoding the saints depicted in the cave images and reading the dead language scribble that framed them.
We had been hiking, climbing, and admiring for a few hours when we ran ino a friendly couple from Los Angeles. My gregarious travel companions had chatted with them about the giant painting of the Virgin Mary on the wall behind us when it dawned on me: I know these people.
"Uh...I know this sounds weird, but is your name 'Suzy'?" Sure enough, it was Suzy. She grew up in Costa Rica with a family I am close to back home in Redmond. I had seen photos of her for years, and met her at a wedding two years ago. And there we were--randomly crossing paths on the other side of the globe, in the middle of turkey, amid thousands of caves and rocky pillars. We spend the rest of the evening with Suzy and her husband, Andrew, wandering through ancient monastic cave passages and devouring delicious Turkish food.
One lesson I'm learning time and time again on these travels: Its a very small world.
Comments
Yay!
Yay for running into people in the strangest places. I am still so impressed with you not only being able to place Suzy, but remember her name. Suzy is also a good LA connection to have. Miss you!