In Koyna

We have come to Konya, the place where Rumi resided and where he and his beloved teacher, Shams, are buried. While our accommodation in Istanbul was in a world-class hotel in a world-class city where well trained wait staff knew which of the three forks and knives they should leave on the table, here we are staying in a guest house which is simple and warm. When members of our group surveyed as to who was hungry and interested in eating last night after the zikr has ended, the host went into the kitchen and began to pull bread and cheese out of the refrigerator.

The flight was 55 minutes and for our dinner meal we had the choice between a salad or a sandwich. I was delighted by the salad of fresh greens, tomato, boiled egg, green pepper and a bit of tuna. The small dressing packet was olive oil with lemon.

After gathering in circle this morning when our professor Ibrahim will set the day in context and give us some instruction, we will begin our pilgrimage in earnest, with a visit to the tomb of Shams to receive invitation to go to the tomb of Rumi.

The guesthouse has gifted us each a pair of fleece booties and given us the instruction to have them with us at all times, as sometimes the mosques are a bit chilly.