In the footsteps

Across the big pond the other night to Turkey. Thıs was home from 1993 - 2001 and work brings me back once or twice per year. Bilingual and international schools galore.

Cloudy and cool in İstanbul this morning but bright spring sunshine here in Ankara. I'm following in the footsteps of President Obama who was here just a few days ago to address the Turkish Parliament.

The first nice surprise is Ankara airport's gleaming new terminal building with chrome and glass everywhere and a sky high atrium. The second surprise is the new direct highway from ESB airport to the city center. It took 20 minutes vs the old 1.5 hours on the road that curved through every village or köy.

I've spoken to a number of Turks who say the President's speech was well received including the touchy - potentially bombshelly - subject of Armenia. We (Americans) have to watch how sternly we allow ourselves to preach to others - despite every good intention of the new President. This is not unlike inviting the Japanese Prime Minister to Washington and having him tell us how we should better control the mindless gun-induced massacres that go on weekly in the US of A. Of course he would be right but... Giving a helping hand is better than taking the moral high ground or - what's the old saying - don't throw stones if you live in a glass house. You get it?

Alas, it's good to be back in the genuine comfort of Turkish hospitality and friendship.