The Turkish soldier was getting ready for prayer. He took off his boots and stood clean and barefoot. He faced Mecca, placed his hands together, and began to pray. He knelt, prayed again, and then lowered his forehead to the ground, praying a third time. When he finished, he folded his small prayer rug and tucked it into his jacket. It was a peaceful and impressive sight, seeing this soldier take a quiet moment during the midday break to perform the devotions of a true Muslim.
Getting Ready to Continue the Journey
A command was given, and the soldiers quickly got up, slinging their rifles over their shoulders and hopping back onto their horses. We moved on, leaving the shaded trees behind. As we rode, we could see the sunlit landscape ahead. The hills were pleasant, and soon we were riding among them at a steady pace Customized Daily Istanbul Tours.
Challenging Terrain Ahead
However, that pace couldn’t last long. The path soon became steep and rocky, making it impossible for the horses to continue. We dismounted and began walking. The hillside was full of loose rocks and many streams. It felt like walking through a muddy coal mine. We hopped from one rock to another, pausing occasionally to wait for the slower horses to catch up.
Approaching Ochrida
Soon, Ochrida came into view. It was a small town perched on a rock by the large Ochrida Lake. Behind it was a beautiful flat valley, perfectly cultivated—everything seemed to be growing in abundance, like a carpet of fertility.
Arriving in the City
We decided to push ahead of the other travelers from Monastir, as they had their own guard and we weren’t sure when they would catch up. So, we rode on towards the city, organizing ourselves in a respectful manner. Two soldiers with rifles rode ahead, followed by the captain, my guide, and me, with the rest of the soldiers riding in pairs behind us. As we galloped into town, the people came out to watch. Mothers, fearing for their children, rushed in panic, worried that the horses might hurt their little ones. But fortunately, no children were harmed.
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