A stray dog circles the rather vacant beach. Lean and leisurely, he weaves around people sunning themselves like he is a bored security guard. He heads for an unattended pile of belongings. He wanders up to the beverages, discarded clothes and sunglasses. Humans recently vacated this area. Humans left these garments behind so they could step into the sea. He sniffs at the brightly-colored beach towel, admiring it for a moment. Then, of course, he pees on it.
A woman standing in the water raises her hand to her forehead, to shield her eyes from the sun. She squints to get a better look. Is that a dog by her family’s things? The bold beast kicks dirt over the area he claimed, to prove he was there, to prove he paid a visit while they were elsewhere. He sniffs once more and dances away as a lady in the water waves at his departure.
–Kuşadası, Turkey


Mental note, don’t leave belongings on a beach with stray dogs.
Very wise choice, it seems.
I visited Kush [and Turkey] in 1986, then returned on a cruise a couple of years ago. Unbelievable changes.
What were some of the biggest differences? I know there is a lot of tourism there now, but was that the case before?
Great observations and story telling.
Reblogged this on CIVILIZATION OF TURKISCHLANDS.
Great writing is such a short little story.
Thanks! The dog did most of the work.
Beautiful Picture! Thanks for stopping by! God Bless you in your travels!
Thanks so much! I’m sure I’ll stop by again!