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"I decided to overcome my shyness and stopped at Ahmet’s house which lies alongside the Sufi Trail. At first, Ahmet did not believe that there was a photograph of him in the Sufi Trail guide book. His extended family, who were busy cooking ready to break their fast, welcomed me so wholeheartedly. A young woman, a teacher and with some English, arrived to facilitate our conversation. I was invited to stay for iftar, but I felt I needed to keep going to find somewhere to sleep in Orhangazi before darkness fell. They recognized my need and in spite of being Ramadan and before sunset, they gave me dinner straight away - such a beautiful gift. The food included special traditional dishes which tasted wonderful. Indeed, my best ever meal. I regret that in my tiredness, I did not think to take a photo. To my embarrassment, they asked if the tired dog, which had collapsed in the lane, was mine. I admitted he had been my companion all day. They then fussed around him with water and food. I hoped that perhaps he would remain with them, but no, he faithfully set off again with me.
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