My final day in Istanbul was fantastic. I went to the princess Islands which are just of the coast of turkey and hiked through there pine forests. I had lunch at this local deli where I talked with the father and son who owned it. They were from the southwest part of Turkey that borders Iraq and where Kurds live. The same people that Saddam had gassed and killed when he was in power. It was really interesting meeting these people that are a part of our recent history with the Iraq war. They were very kind and nice people and were very friendly especially when I said I was from the States, it seemed as thought their eyes lit right up. It almost made me think for a minute it would be kinda cool to go to the Iraq border meet some more Kurds then come back…but I didn't. I also had more pleasant interactions with some locals when I returned to Istanbul from the island in this huka café they were equally friendly and wanted me to come back tomorrow.

I greatly enjoyed interacting with the locals in Istanbul they were very friendly. This made me reflect on the US and the Islamic world and how perhaps the politics associated with each cause more separation or timid responses then the people. I was initially very timid to talk or engage with some of the people because when you are traveling especially in this region you want to keep your guard up and I did, but after interacting with the people you see, off course you need to still be mindful of your surroundings and the people you talk with, but most are just normal people with a different way of living and their life closely associated with their religion. They all were happy to help and very nice to talk with.

I have arrived in Krakow, Poland. I hope to see today if not tomorrow the affects when people are not accepting of another's beliefs and don't treat people like people. I will go to Auschwitz Concentration Camp. I am preparing for a very intense time there and look forward to absorbing the history of this significant place in history.

Shedafe

Kevin