GROUP JOURNAL FOR

Day 03 Wednesday, Aug 01

HANDCRAFTS OF TRABZON

ST SOPHIA

ATATURK’s HOME

Wow!!! We got to sleep later today as suitcases didn't have to be out until 08.30 We went to Seckineller Gumus and saw how filagre jewelry is made. It was very interesting and several could not resist the temptation . 1) Thin copper thread 2) Two threads wrapped 3) 30 people work in factory 4) Weave apporximately 25 pieces a day 5) Boil in acid/brush 6) Dip in silver water/bursh 7) Put in sawdust and dry with hairdryer 8) Work 8:30 to 6:30 paid by piece Visited St. Sophia Orthodox Church where the emphasis was on the Old Testament. There was a beautiful mosaic floor which was not stood on but by emporer, pontif or king. When they had sacraments they would bite the robe with Jesus on it rather than the host.We then visited Ataturk's House. He visited here in 1923. I particularly liked the bust of Ataturk in the garden with the words "The people themselves are the power and intuition" 1881 - 1938. The house was built in 1903 and the people of Trabzon bought it and opened as a museum. A funny incident was then Grelinde called Natasha by name and the male guide turned and looked quite interested!!!

Lunch was in Rize at a lovely restaurant "Kardelen" where we had a traditional regional meal of very hot pickled veggies, rice, bean stew and custard. Great food. We stopped at a fabric weavers. Rize used to make fabric from hemp, but now that it is outlawed they have different products. Three looms working. It is very repetitive and uses a punch out pattern much like a player piano. Beautiful fabric with gold thread design.As we passed through the tea gardens Meli explained that since Chernobyl is just across the Black Sea, the government bought up all the tea and foodstuffs for three years and burned or buried it so the people would not leave the area

A cross symbolizing Jesus

The cross on the halo identifies him as Jesus

    . Russia said that it affected Romania and Armenia more than Turkey We stopped for tea at Osmanli where we had a view of a bridge constructed in 1620 and watched young men on a rope diving and jumping in the river.  It was a lovely, cool spot.Arrive at Ayder and Otel Saray only to find out that they didn't have the reservation. The hotel was rustic with two beds and a small table between and WC down the hall. After many people were moved out of rooms, tripling up, using the annex and hair pulling by Meli, all had a place to sleep. Our next adventure was to the bathes. Eleven brave souls ventured forth and after complying with dressing (undressing) regulations, had showers (like Turkish baths), we reached the pool. It was sooooo hot that we became wimpy Americans (Carla made it all the way in). It was a great experience. Had cocktails at one restaurant where they served wonderful fruit. Pears with watermelon and bananas in the middle. Although Claire tried to get the recipe, we will just have to create on our own. Had a wonderful trout dinner. Later the dancing started. A young man playing the goat skin (Tulum) and three others joined him singing. Slowly the people began to dance. Kept adding young and old alike. Someone we spoke to said it was an every night assurance in the summer. So long as music is played they will dance. Police were present to tell them when to go home.
                                     This was an adventure filled day with many memories.
                                                        Thanks again, Love, Kitty

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