Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Shephers and Bus Drivers



When my sisters and I were very young my Mom asked the three of us what we would like to be when we grew up. My oldest sister Jill decided she would like to be a Shepherd (which I say is just all too much Sunday School for one Kid!), and my middle sister Emily said she would love to be a school bus driver. High hopes.... we wont even touch on what I wanted (as it is an inanimate object...), but never the less. Our family often laughs about this and wonders how our parents had any faith in us at all with these as our aspirations! I would say we have done pretty well considering, and hey, I am still a human..... so there is that. What do they expect out of us?!?

In Greece also but especially in Turkey there are still Shepherds everywhere! Just roaming the hills calmly with their herds, sheep dogs close by. Personally I thought this was something of the past... from biblical times say..... how wrong I am. And in Jill's defense looks quite nice! I think it is a very honorable career choice, seems relaxing and also very useful. Quite appropriate too, as we are passing these herds on our way to Ephessus which is straight out of the bible!

Once again mostly in Turkey (as Greece consisted of Ferries and "moto quads" only), the main transport system up and down the coast and around town is by bus. They are HUGE and extremely efficient. I love the huge steering wheels that lay flat (as they do in the states...) but here buses are like airplanes. How? you ask. There are little stuard boys (20 some odd years old) who walk up and down the isle and offer you drinks (the likes of coffee, tea, "orange juice", water). They bring lemon cleansing oil around for your hands which is quite enjoyable and they stop once on long rides for snacks.
The Down side?.....
You have to be patient enough to make a few pit-stops for the occasional drug deal (which is dropping off anywhere from 3-7 various sized boxes and bags in the middle of the highway..... someone will pick them up?) and some occasional off-roading as well for the same purposes..... we're down for that.

So in conclusion, I find both of my sisters dream jobs very respectable and will no longer laugh.... as much. After all, I have seen many beautiful TREES along my travels but I have since come under the impression that I cannot become one, nor do I any longer desire to :)