being

The pace of life so very different,

the time to stop and say hello.

With their conservative dress and cheeky smiles,

the Turks appear mates to all -

welcoming tourists and friends alike

with their turkish tea or tasty delight.

You wander the streets,

decadent with rugs and pashmina's

all hand woven from ancestors in past,

they tell a story and their culture

so proud to be who they are,

regardless of how little they really have.

The poverty is evident in places,

yet their belief is to look after one another.

'If you know that your neighbour is hungry,

and you let it happen -

then you are not a true turkish person or friend'

It is not a dog-eat-dog world,

but a country of compassion and care.

The landscape so vast,

they call it 'paradise'.

Travelling a few hours feels like you are in another world,

one of caves or mountains,

ruins or waves

Turkey has it's hidden treasures.

'You Aussie friend, Aussie soldier,

come have some food' a phrase so commonly heard.

Not because they have to or want your money,

simply to have a chat.

This friendly way of life I miss,

similar to my own country.

I feel changed, calmer within myself.

I want to adopt to their way of life,

no rush or hurry to get somewhere,

just being where you are right now.

Enjoying the moment and letting it happen.

What will be will be.