Day 17

Bob’s Sabbatical

Day 17, September 16, 2009

 

            Today
was a travel day, for the most part.  We
began with seven skits on the Nicene Creed. 
We were in seven groups of four, and each group had been assigned a
phrase from the creed to do less than a 5 minute skit or presentation.  My group’s skit lasted less than a minute –
is anyone surprised?

            We then
headed East on some country roads, seeing tractors, sheep, cattle, fields of
corn, hot peppers, poppys (government controlled crop now), olive and fruit
trees.  Along the way Steve talked about
the Emperor Justinian, who wanted to be greater than Constantine.  He built bigger, better buildings, i.e. the
Hagia Sophia, expanded the empire, etc.  He also called what is now known as the fifth
Ecumenical Council, Constantinople 2, in 553 A.D. to allow Christians to settle
some differences over the humanity/divinity of Jesus.  He and his wife are depicted in the mosaics
at Ravenna, Italy.  Perhaps Susan and I
can get there in October?

            Other
than lunch, which was more of the same, our only stop for the day was the ‘Green
Mosque” in Bursa, where we are staying tonight.  It was built 1n 1420 A.D.  It’s name comes from the green tiles used
inside.  Built by Sultan Mehmet, (same
name as our Guide), it is another reminder of how strong the Muslim faith has
been in Turkey, in spite of Paul’s and others’ efforts.  The Sultan’s balcony, where he would worship
and also hold private meetings is above the entryway.  It is not usually open to the public, but
because this is the Feast of Ramadan for Muslims, it was open today.  Mehmet told us that this is the first time a group
from St. George’s College has been able to go up to into it.  One of the reasons for the fountain
downstairs was to cover any conversations the Sultan may have been having
upstairs.  On either side of the main
area there are two things that look like columns, but are hollowed out so that
they are loose.  They are there to warn
of earthquakes.  If they start rattling,
people get out fast.

            Tomorrow
looks like a full day.  We will end up in
Istanbul (ancient Constantinople) for our last two nights.  It is hard to believe this time is almost
over, but I do look forward to being with Susan, Christopher and Sarah on
Saturday in Budapest.

    Peace,

      Bob