I must confess that it seems very strange to me that the height of man should ever reach such great size. I find it difficult to believe that people could naturally grow to such enormous stature. Yet, there are stories and physical signs that cause one to wonder.
Mr. Wood, an ingenious and skilled man, who made very accurate maps of the Straits of Magellan and the islands there, as well as of the coast from the River Plate to Valdivia in the South Sea, once spoke to me on this subject. He told me that he had seen several graves in the southern parts of America that were nearly four yards long. These graves greatly surprised him, especially because he had never seen any living American who was even two yards tall Customized Daily Ephesus Tours.
Because of his curiosity, he decided to open one of these long sepulchers from one end to the other. Inside, he found the remains of a man and a woman buried together. They were placed in such a way that the woman’s head lay at the man’s feet. This arrangement, therefore, reasonably required a tomb of such length, and it explained the unusual size of the grave without proving that either person was a giant.
Returning to the Road and Its Entertainments
But to return to our journey and the diversions along the road, we sometimes came upon Turkish fairs. These fairs are usually held in large open areas that are enclosed and divided into streets and passages. Each section is arranged according to the type of goods being sold.
At these fairs, a traveler may easily amuse himself with a wide variety of small wares and goods very different from those found in our own countries. There are many curious objects, simple tools, clothing, food, and ornaments. One cannot complain of a lack of variety.
Music is also always present at these gatherings. Though it is simple and not refined by our standards, it still provided some entertainment and added life to the fair. The first fair we encountered was at Lescova or Lescovia, on the River Liperiza in Serbia Reminders of Mortality Along the Road.
Freedom from the Plague
It was a great comfort to us to find that the country was mostly free from the plague. This fearsome disease was something every traveler dreaded greatly. We encountered it only once, at Frestim, a large town on the plains of Kosovo.
When we arrived there, we were taken into a very good house and welcomed into a large room. The room was well furnished with carpets and other decorations, showing that the household was wealthy and well kept. However, to our great alarm, we found a Turk lying sick in the same house, suffering from the plague.
Fear and Flight in the Night
The Chiam, following the usual Turkish manner, made little of this danger and showed no concern. However, some of us were not so calm. The risk of infection was too great to ignore. After a brief discussion, we decided it was best to leave at once.
We quietly departed and traveled through the night until we reached a Gypsies’ house among the hills. There, we were kindly received and well accommodated. This humble shelter, though simple, brought us great relief, as it offered safety from disease.
Reflections on Travel and Uncertainty
These experiences reminded me that travel in distant lands is filled with sudden dangers and unexpected comforts. A fine house may hide deadly illness, while a poor dwelling in the hills may offer safety and rest. Such contrasts are common on the road, and they teach the traveler to value caution, humility, and good fortune wherever they are found.
