wrestling and basketball

Turkey is officially hot! In the shade with a breeze blowing things aren't too bad at all but I was reminded early on today the importance of food and especially water when you're walking around. Lunch turned out to be... interesting, but it wasn't terrible. I spent a couple hours by myself and was able to find a gym in the area where the Youth International Greco-Roman and Freestyle tournament is taking place this weekend. That was pretty cool, I'm planning on going back tomorrow and hopefully meeting a couple guys. The tram ride that runs along a cliff above the shore of the Mediterranian is absolutely breathtaking! Beautiful, clear water surrounded by snow capped mountains in the distance--gorgeous! This afternoon Abigail, Randa, and I were going through downtown/old town Antalya and came across a basketball gym where the under 18 Turkish National Basketball tournament was taking place. We went in and watched for a while and I had the chance to talk to several people, one teen probably just a few years younger than me and then several other men who were there for a refereeing certification. I learned a lot from them about international basketball, it was a lot of fun! I'm looking forward to going back to the wrestling tournament tomorrow (maybe both if I have time), should be fun and informative!

Mike

Pictures from the first few days - part 1

a camii (mosque)

the trunacate mosque

the water of the Akdeniz (Mediterranean)

A statue of the first conqueror of Antalya

The view from our bedroom

Safely Here

Merhaba, Our team has safely arrived in Antalya. I think we all agree that the next several weeks will be amazing. After dropping our things off at the place we are staying, we walked down to the Mediterranean. Nate and I (Rusty) took off our shoes and walked in. At this point in time the sky was completely dark, but I could see my feet perfectly under two feet of crystal water. We are now headed to bed for a much needed rest. 

Rusty

Rusty is a Senior Biology Pre-med major from small town WI. He enjoys playing soccer and this will be his second trip outside of the US.

Jonathan

Jonathan was born on a farm in Pennsylvania. He is a junior in a small college. He is the youngest of 5 kids. He likes to be outdoors and to play sports. He has been to 4 countries outside of the US.

Nate

Nate is a 23 year old senior from IL, He is the youngest of six, four boys and two girls. He is traveling outside of the US for the first time and excited to experience a different culture.

Abigail

Abigail just graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This is her first time overseas. She is very excited to learn about the Turkish culture, loves working with people, and knows that this trip will be a life-changing experience.

Mike

Mike is a senior humanities major, who was born in northern WI, but has lived in 5 different states. Mike plays football and wrestles and would like to coach someday or perhaps teach. He has two sisters, one older and one younger.

Noah

Noah just moved to WI from sunny southern California. He loves going to new places, meeting new people, and is always up for an adventure.

Randa

Randa has a degree in English education, and loves traveling to learn about other cultures. This is her second time in Turkey, and she especially likes apple tea and real Turkish coffee!

Getting ready to fly

Hello to all those reading. Our first two days have been very eventful. We have been around the Detroit/Dearborn area meeting many people from the Middle East. We will be flying out at 4.00 pm today. My time is gone for typing now, but we will update more fully soon.