Two weeks already?!

So really, I'm sorry about pictures. i do want to post some more but now the computer at this dormitory is not uploading my photos so...All you get is words.
From Bursa...which is an incredibly beautiful place nestled in the mountains I took a bus with a young guy named Fahim to Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. We took the 11:30 bus which took 6 hours and put us in Ankara at 5:30 am. the buses are great here...very comfortable. A huge difference from the shared taxis in Tunisia and needles to say the small, cramped bus /cars in Senegal. But alas 6 hours is 6hours and a tall man grows restless after 2. I tried to sleep but have never been blessed with this ability to sleep in transit very well so I arrived tired. It is cold in ankara but I was given many gifts in Bursa including soft wool thermal underwear. Man...what a gift. I could not ask for a better one I can tell you that much. I was also given a wool sweater with more of a Euro look so I fit in better but mainly I am happy I am warm!!! I got some gloves and socks as well as gifts and had bought a knit beanie in Tunisia. Ill have to shed all of this shortly but it is worth the extra weight.
Ankara is a nice modern city but it lacks the history of Istanbul and Bursa. Abdul Raheem and I visited a famous mosque and tomb and took a nice long walk today but a few days is enough here. But I have gotten some much needed rest after being paraded around as an honored guest from America. I am not complaining but it was a bit tiring. So now I have been staying put at the dorms owned by the same people in istanbul whos arm stretchs long in Turkey...what great people. I have been practicing English with the students here and have been getting a kick out of that as well as learning some turkish. It is very nice to be arund young people who all have a great understanding of Islam and how to practice it as well as the valued morals not always ween in most Muslim lands. Im off to Konya tommorow and have been invited to stay at the dorms there as well so...the hospitality continues! thank God!
I also tried to apply for a Syrian visa based on the thought that the country is so clse to me that I should at least try. I have always wanted to see Damascus...but it looks like it will have to wait. Abul Raheem and I went to the embassy (syrian) today and they said that they do not issue visa for Americans outside of DC. Ah well. I might try at the border but I think that I might just cruise around Turkey a bit more and then head back to Istanbul. There is still plenty to see there and some friends are coming in from England so I'm looking forward to that. Then it will be off to Jordan as shceduled or maybe a bit early.
Next report The town of Rumi!!!