Monday, June 25, 2012

Back in Grinnell!


I don’t know if anyone reads this anymore but I just wanted to give an update. I am back in Grinnell for the summer.

My plane ride home was long and somewhat uncomfortable due to my sunburn. But my long ride from Amsterdam to Detroit wasn’t too bad as I had a TV in front of me so I watched several movies to pass the time. I was very overwhelmed when I landed in Detroit. The biggest thing was that I heard English all around me which I haven’t heard in more then four months. It was also weird being welcomed to the US. Everything hit me while getting my baggage and I started to cry. But I got it together and took my baggage through customs and re-checked it so it would get to Des Moines. I went through more security in Detroit then any other airport. This is when I realized, my whole legs were blistered and were popping and getting my jeans and shoes wet. I was miserable and just ready to get home. We get on the plane to head to Des Moines but there was a mechanical problem so we had to get off the plane. Thankfully, there was another one available so we were just delayed about one and a half hours. I finally got into the Des Moines airport and ran to hug my dad. It was so great to see him. We drove home and I stayed up to talk with them and Mark but then I headed to bed.

The next day, my legs still looked horrible. I met up with my friend Molly at Dari Barn and I had my cookie dough cyclone I had been looking forward to. That night, my family goes to Pizza Ranch and everyone gave me sympathetic looks as I was wearing a dress and my back was really burnt. Mom and I then headed to the ER for my legs. Turned out I had second degree burns. I had to put ointment on them and keep them wrapped and was suppose to stay out of the sun. Well I was flying to Florida the next day to be with Darrell and his family. But it all turned out fine. I spent a week in Florida with them and even though I stayed inside most of the time, it was still a lot of fun. My legs look so much better. No more blisters and scabs. They are just pink looking but that will heal with time.

So now I am back in Grinnell until I head back to Beloit in mid August. It was great going to church yesterday morning and welcomed with lots of smiles and hugs. I am still processing my experience and just coming back home. I smile when I say home because home has so many meanings. Grinnell will always be home but sometimes it is weird to be in my room because I am just gone so much. Beloit is also home and Istanbul will also always be home. But for now, I am home in good ol’ Grinnell IA.

I am hoping to post later when I process more about my experience and how my summer is going. Thank you for all your prayers and support. You all are awesome!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Back in Istanbul But Leaving Tomorrow for America


I am back from Greece and what a trip! I had a wonderful with Melissa and Autumn but it is nice to be back home for a bit. Home being Istanbul. I will back up and tell you about the rest of my trip.

Our last day in Greece was really chill. We walked to the government building where we were told that some riots have taken place there due to the Euro crisis. We also went to the stadium where some events from the 2004 Summer Olympics were held. We had another delicious gyro and walked around and shopped. We then had to wake up very early to catch our seven am ferry to Santorini which is one of the Greek Islands. I was in and out of sleep the whole trip there. The hostel picked us up from the port and took us to the hostel which was really nice. It was much cheaper then Athens and nicer. We had our own little place with two rooms, little kitchen area and a bathroom.

Santorini was a real relaxing time. We went to the beach and just chilled. The water was so very blue and clear. When we were in the water, we could see the bottom very clearly. The beach where we were had black sand. It was really cool but not actually cool as it was super hot in the sun! It was much different from white sand as it was lots of little pebbles basically. I was in the sun quite a bit and it felt so good until I started seeing and feeling that I was burnt. So I spent the last day in lots of pain and applying lots of aloe. The trip home yesterday was pretty miserable. We were on the ferry from ten pm the day before until about 7:30 yesterday morning. Then I went straight to the airport with a bus while the other two went back to the old hostel as Autumn forgot some things. I was so out of it as I was tired, irritable and in so much pain. I really couldn’t walk much, more like gliding. Then we finally got on the plane which wasn’t too bad but still not fun. The worst was getting from the airport to my flat. I was wearing shorts to let the sunburn breathe. We got on a tram and then a metro bus and it was so bad as people kept brushing against my leg or my bag would touch it and it was so painful. It also was very hot and I was so sweaty. By the time we got of the bus by Kadikoy, I decide to take a taxi home would be the best opinion and it was. I was so happy to get back to my flat and relax and take some Tylenol!

I am doing better today. My body is still very sore but I can actually walk normal. The only bad thing is my right leg now has blisters. I have been putting wet towels on my legs which relives the pain. I am now basically done with packing. I have two large suitcases and according to my scale, they are about forty-five pounds each and I really hope it is right! I also have my carry on and my coat that has several sweatshirts inside of it. I am taking a taxi to the airport as there is no way I could take public transportation. My flight leaves around 5 am tomorrow so I am leaving my flat about eleven.

It hasn’t really hit me yet. I have been saying goodbye to people for a while now and slowly been packing also. I was just at an airport yesterday but this time, I am going home home. I say home home because Istanbul has been home for the past four and a half months. I will always have a place in my heart for Turkey. I will miss Turkey very much but I am ready to go home. I can’t wait until I walk out of the plane in Des Moines and see one or both of my parents there! I have missed them so much!

So I believe this will be my last post in Turkey. The next time you will hear from me I will be in America. It is a long journey as I leave from Istanbul then go to Amsterdam, them Detroit and then finally Des Moines. I will definitely post when I get back home so don’t go anywhere! 

In front of the olympic stadium

My view for most of the trip :)

Autumn and I enjoying the water

Bad sunburn!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Hello Athens!


Well, I am in Athens!! It has been so cool walking around all the ruins and the streets of Athens. It was a long day on Monday as it started with a one and a half hour bus ride just to get to Kadikoy. Then it was a ferry, trans and then a metro to get to the airport. Everything went smoothly in the airport and we arrived in Athens about three. After taking a bus to the main square, we ran into two girls who were heading to the same hostel as us which was nice. We are staying in a six person room with three bunk beds. I feel like I am camp! We relaxed and went to the top of the roof which was so cool as we had a great view of the Acropolis.

Yesterday we had a free breakfast at the hostel which was bread and egg and then we headed to the Acropolis Museum which was so cool.  There were loots of ancient artifacts and statues. Then we went to the actual Acropolis which was awesome. It was a hike up the hill to get to the top but it was totally worth it. There were different temples and ancient buildings on the top. It was just amazing walking through the old ruins. We then walked around to find a travel agency to find tickets for the ferry as we are heading to Santorini on Friday. We then came across a Mexican restaurant it and was so tasty. We have all really missed Mexican!

Speaking of food, we have been enjoying lots of types of food. Yesterday we had this ham and bacon pizza cone. It looked like an ice cream cone but filled with cheese, meat and peppers and it was so good. We also have been eating lots of gelato as it is so delicious. We found one shop where you can get two different flavors in one cup for 1.5 euro. I should mention that I am here with two friends, Melissa and Autumn.

Today we went to the Agora and saw lots of ruins and also to the Church of the Holy Apostles. It was really neat going through this small church, knowing this is where Apostles had walked. We then ate a pork gyro which was so tasty. We are going to go an outdoor movie theater tonight which should be fun. I have been having such a great time on this vacation!
The view from our roof

The first olive tree


Autumn, Melissa and I in front of the Parthenon

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Hanging Out and Saying Goodbye


So these past few days have been filled with hanging out with people and having to say goodbye. It all started after a very good afternoon on Thursday as I finished my last final!! I am DONE!!! Anyway, I then went to my church for English Club. We talked about travel and vacation which was fun. Then Judith and I went over to the pastor’s house along with Jim who also goes to the church. We ordered pizza and just joked around with each other. We watched “We Bought a Zoo” which was much better then I thought I would be. I stayed up past three just talking which is a big deal as I usually go to bed around eleven. The next morning Clover, the pastor’s wife and a wonderful women, made us an egg casserole and it felt like I was at a church potluck! It was nice sitting around a table eating together and talking. Then in the early afternoon, I headed home and stopped at a mall and bought a cute green dress. I then mostly chilled and went to bed early.

Yesterday was really great as I got to hang out with a friend who used to go to Beloit who I hadn’t seen in about two and a half years. We went to the Prince Islands together with about five of his friends. It was just so crazy that we were hanging out in Istanbul! We rented bikes which didn’t go the way we planned. First the bikes were really horrible and when we tried to go up hills, most of our bikes would shift gears and do other weird things by themselves. The end result, we walked the bikes most of the way. Though we all enjoyed the nice ride down hill. It was also confusing where we were as the map wasn’t the greatest. I also realized how out of shape I am! So we didn’t get too far and headed back to town and had some delicious pide. We took a ferry bus back which was super fast but didn’t stop in Kadikoy but drove past it. So then I had to take another ferry back to Kadikoy but it was no big deal. It was so great catching up with Brian.

Today, I went to my last Sunday at Nation’s Church. I will really miss everyone in that church. They all have been so wonderful and welcoming. The prayed for me in service which I was really touch by. They said that Judith and I have been such a blessing but they have been the really blessing! We went out for lunch for Iskander which is what Judith and I wanted. I also had to say goodbye to Judith. We rode the bus back to Kadikoy and then parted ways. She has become such a great friend and I will really miss her!

Currently, I have been packing! I am going to Greece tomorrow which will be awesome!!!! So I am basically packed for that but then I will only have about a day when I return before I head home so I am trying to pack most of my stuff before I leave tomorrow.


Judith and I

Brian and I on the ferry

On our bike ride

Clover, I, Peyton and Judith

Me, Doug and Ruth


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

I’m From America But I Live in Istanbul


I said this many times over the past few days. Since I went by myself on my trip, I met a lot of awesome people and usually the first question was, “Where are you from?”.  I loved how excited and happy people were when I told I am currently studying abroad in Istanbul. Everyone thought it was so cool and a great experience. I totally agree!

It was really great how I got to teach people about Turkey and tell them more about Istanbul. Mostly everyone I met had been to Istanbul for at least a few days. It was fun swapping stories and hearing about what they think of Istanbul. It is much different to visit for a few days then to live there for several months. I also got to teach Turkish to them which was funny as I don’t know that much. But I felt proud that I could teach them some key words and phrases.

It was such a neat experience going to Ephesus and Pergamom. Knowing that it was where Paul was and where the book of Ephesians was written which is one of my favorite books of the Bible was amazing. I will never forget my trip and like my dad says, I can now point at travel posters and say I have been there!

Side note: Just got done with my Gender final which I think went well. One more final tomorrow and then I am done!!!!

Another side note: There are many more pictures of my trip on Facebook, over 300 hundred. Enjoy :)

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Ephesus and Pergamom

What an amazing trip! I saw so many amazing places in just a few days! There is no way I can describe and tell you all about what I saw but I will try! Warning, this is long but I put pictures after I talk about them to break up the reading a bit.

After having a little trouble finding the hotel where I was suppose to meet a shuttle, I got there and had about an hour and half to kill before the shuttle came. I talked with the guy at the desk which was nice. He spoke English well. Finally the shuttle came but since it was rush hour, it took so long to get to the bus station. But I made some friends on the shuttle so it was fine. Most of them ended up being on the bus to Ephesus with me. This bus was pretty nice. More leg room then I figured and I ended up having empty seat by which was wonderful though I still didn’t sleep the best.

I was very happy waking up and being close to Ephesus. After almost getting off at the wrong stop, I got to the correct bus station where my guide was waiting for me. I was the first of the fifteen to be picked up. I really wished I could have changed and freshened up before the tour but no luck. Though when the driver and guide wasn’t looking, I changed shirts as I had a white tank top underneath and put my hair up.

First stop was the Isa Bey Mosque which is one of the few rectangle mosques. It was very pretty especially with the trees in the middle. We didn’t spend to much time here but it was a nice day to start the day. It was a beautiful sunny morning.

Then off to the House of Virgin Mary. It was at the very top of a giant hill. We were thankfully there early so there were not too many people but by the time we left there was. There was a house where people say that the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Ephesus, for those who do not know, is important for Christianity. Paul lived in Ephesus and wrote 1 Corinthians in Ephesus.

Then off to the main site of the ancient city of Ephesus. It was so awesome! I was talking with this guy and we just could not believe we were walking around the ruins. Only about 25% of the ruins have been discovered as it takes so much time. It makes you think what else is there. I saw many temples, columns, theaters and of course, the Library of Celsus. We spent lots of time learning about the city and though I don’t remember it all, it was such a wonderful experience.
First look!

Good view of whole city!

The Library of Celsus

After an okay lunch, we had the great pleasure of seeing how carpets are made (sarcasm). It wasn’t that bad as I had a nice conversation with a women from Australia. We then went to the Ephesus Archeological Museum and saw lots of Ephesus excavations. By this time, all of us were really tired due to all the walking and heat!

We then went to the Temple of Artemis. It wasn’t what I was expecting as there was not much left but it was still cool. It is one of the Seven Wonder of the Ancient World.


By this point, we were all ready to be done with tour but then the guide said there was a gathering to end the tour. We were all suspicious and it turned out to be this weird fashion show of jackets. There were about four young people showing of jackets and usually four of the same moves the whole time. And then we had to walk through all the jackets to get out and also through some jewelry. We finally got out and we all laughing about how ridiculous it was!

I was then dropped of at my hotel and it was such a nice hotel. I told a shower and then chilled by the pool until dinner. Dinner was good and it had more selection of dessert then the main course. I crashed about 8:30 and thoroughly enjoyed my bed all night as I knew I had a overnight bus the next night as well!

I woke up a little after eight and had a decent breakfast at the hotel. I was surprised that I wasn’t getting picked up until 9:40 as my itinerary said 8. Thankfully I found out through a fax they gave me the night before. A small van picked me up and I discovered it was just six people on the tour. It did not start well though as we had to pick up a couple at the airport and their plane was late. There was an Italian couple who were very upset while a man from California who is currently working in Poland and I were just annoyed. We still had about two hours to travel before we would arrive in Pergamom.

We finally get to Pergamom! We saw lots of ruins some more intact then others. We saw the Sanctuary of Trahan, Athena and Dionysus, just naming a few. The Library of Pergamom is the second best in the ancient but there wasn’t much left of it. It was very windy but once again, it was really cool. We then had a super late lunch (3:30) and then we headed to an ancient medical center of physician and scholars. It was only for the mentally ill.  They said that death could not enter so they basically wouldn’t let anyone in that could die, like pregnant mothers and old people. The mentally ill would go into the hallways and pray to the gods through an opening the roof. Then the people in charge would talk back to them, telling them they would be okay. Of course, the patients thought the gods were talking.


It was VERY windy!


Statue of Trajan


Theater

After that, we drove three hours back to Ephesus, was dropped off at my hotel, then picked up by another shuttle and taken to a bus station to get my ticket and waited in another place for the bus. The overnight bus smelled but I was so exhausted I didn’t care. I thankfully slept mostly all the way and was woken up at six this morning saying we had arrived in Istanbul. A guy helped me figure out how to get to the ferry and then got on it and then my good ol bus 19 back home. It was so wonderful to arrive back to my flat. It was such an amazing adventure, one that I will never forget!









Friday, May 25, 2012

It Is Becoming More Real


I usually like countdowns but I am starting to not like this one. I have many emotions about the whole situation. Part of me wants to stay here. This has been my life for four and a half months. I have grown to love Turkey so much. But another part of me wants to go home, to see my family and friends and all my comforts.

Honestly, I am nervous to come back home. I do not know how I will deal with reverse culture shock . Each of my friends from Senegal experienced it and still experiencing it differently. I know some things will have changed. Time didn’t just stand still when I left. I am trying to keep my mind open but there is only so much I can do before hand.

I also am stressed due to these emotions and of course, finals. I am so ready to be done. I had my second one today and it went fine. Now it is onto my two hardest ones. I know I need to study and I am going to go to the coffee shop I enjoy studying at soon, but I have little motivation. This whole week has been like that. I think it is because my schedule has been changed. I no longer have classes and my days are different. I like to have a schedule. But it has a chill week which also has been nice.

I head to Ephesus tomorrow night with an overnight bus. Hopefully I can actually sleep. I am really excited to see all the amazing places! I would appreciate prayers for peace over the next few weeks. Thank you!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Three Weeks!


In three weeks, I will be packed and ready to head the airport in the evening. My plane leaves the 13th but very early in the morning so I am getting there the night before.

I am doing well with everything. I see that Isabelle got onto my blog so I hoped you all enjoyed that! I had my first final yesterday, Ottoman Empire, and I was happy about how it went. I have my History final on Friday and then my two Sociology classes next Thursday and Friday. I am so pumped for this weekend as I get to go to Ephesus and Pergamum! But since I still have my finals to worry about, I will be studying on the bus rides. Then in two weeks, I will be in Greece!!

I have many emotions and it is starting to become real that I am leaving soon. This week has been very chill. I haven’t had much motivation to study but I still have a little bit. Since Trista moved out, I am the only one in my flat and it can get lonely. Also since classes are basically over (last one is tomorrow as the professor missed so many classes this semester, she needed to make one up), I don’t get to see my friends as often. I am having a late lunch in about an hour with Judith which will be wonderful. I will really miss all my friends here but will be happy to see all of you when I return!

Friday, May 18, 2012

It's Me, Isabelle


Hey Guys! This is Isabelle, Abigail’s pillow pet. I have seen Abigail blog the whole time we have been here and she has never let me blog even one entry. Well, I thought it was about time that I get to write one so here I go!

We have now been in Turkey for about three and a half months. My how time flies! It feels like I was just let out of Abigail’s suitcase onto the bed in the dorm. I am much happier with the bed in our flat. It has a nice wall that I can lean on when Abigail is gone. There is a window by my bed which is nice. Lately the weather has been weird. One day it is super sunny and warm and then all of a sudden it will storm. The temperature varies a lot but lately, Abigail has left the window open a bit for some fresh air to come into the room.

I spend most of time on Abigail’s bed. I wake up usually somewhere on the bed as Abigail moves a lot and I never know will I will end up! Anyway, Abigail gets ready for class and I just chill on the bed. She goes to class and if she leaves her ipod on the table, I will listen to it for a while. She sometimes takes it with her as she likes to listen to music as she is walking to class or if she has time to kill between classes. But I like when she leaves it as I love listening to Taylor Swift and I am a huge RENT fame so I listen to the soundtrack a lot. I snicker to myself when Abigail returns and wonders why her ipod is always low on battery!

Abigail keeps her room pretty clean so I don’t have to worry about that. Though the stupid ants think they own the place. I hate when ants decide to make their home in our room. Thankfully they haven’t been too bad recently. I like when Abigail gets back from class because she usually goes on Maddie (her laptop) and starts listening to music. She loves Christian music and country. Though she does have this Other playlist with a mixed variety of pop/Disney songs. Yeah, weird combination. She usually Skypes with Darrell every night. She gets so happy when she talks with him. Well they don’t talk, they message chat as video doesn’t usually work. I sometimes say hi to him but since my nose is so big, I can’t type very well (I am typing this with my horn and it is taking a long time!). But she also Skypes with other people like Debbie, Val or her family.  She misses them all. Anyway, she loves to talk but you all already know that!

She usually heads to bed about 11 depending on when she has class. I enjoy cuddling with her as she turn off her light. She usually prays for a while and then she curls up and sleeps.

Yeah, so I haven’t experience Turkey like Abigail has but it has been a nice change of scenery. I did get to go to Cappadocia a few months ago which was fun! I might go to Ephesus/ Pergamum next weekend but I don’t know.

Oh, Abigail is back! Take care all you wonderful people!


Thursday, May 17, 2012

Surprise Visit In Class


I had a very strange experience in my Gender class yesterday. We were all sitting listening to our professor talk about sex workers when all of a sudden, the door flies open and a guy comes running in. A guy that looked like a ninja and who dropped a huge plant right at our professors feet and runs back out!  I had the angle that I could see a guy outside the door recording it. We were all so surprised and I almost had a heart attack! There was a note attached. It said basically sorry to take up a moment of your time but every minute soil is getting destroyed. Please plant this plant. It was something I would kind of expect at Beloit but not really here. But we all had a good laugh. Lets just say, it took a few minutes to focus our attention back to our discussion! 

See You Later Trista!


Last night, I had to say “see you later” to my wonderful flatmate Trista. She is heading to travel for about a month starting with Greece. She was going to take all her stuff in her old apartment and only take one backpack for her trip. People get on my case for a lot of stuff but she had lots of stuff! I will give her a break as she has been here since last September. Since she had so much stuff, I had to go with her to Kadikoy. We hugged several times and said how much we love each other. While I was on the bus home, I started to tear up and cried when I got home. She has been one of my closest friends here and I will really miss her. I will have to get use to having the house all to myself. I will miss coming home and having her to talk to but we will for sure stay in touch and will see each other someday.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Nations Church!


I am so grateful for my "home away from home" church here in Istanbul, Nations Church. The hour and a half bus ride one way is totally worth it. Coming into the 5th floor of the building, my heart just cries out for joy. I love walking in and seeing so many smiles greeting me. Well, not so many as this is a newly planted church but you get my drift. It is so nice to feel so welcomed.

I usually get there early with Judith and we mingle and talk with people. Then Pastor Payton will tell us to come over to the chairs and we start in with worship. I love worshipping with these people whose hearts are for the Lord. Then we have a few announcements and offering. Then we have a message. Usually it is Payton but a few times, a member of the church will give a message. After the ending song and prayer, every time they say, “Let’s now have cay”.

I love cay! Not just the cay and the treats but the time of fellowship. I miss just talking with other Americans and Christ-followers. Today, our fellowship was longer then usual which was awesome.  We had a band visiting us and they are performing tonight at the church. We went out to lunch to the Trump Towers mall by the church. We went to a nice restaurant and had a variety of food. Everyone was so full and so very happy. I really enjoyed talking to a few women, including the pastor’s wife Clover. They really care about me and tell me how happy they are that I am attending Nations Church.

I feel so blessed to be part of this church, even if I just have a few more Sundays with them. I will never forget the love I feel when I walk into the church, a church that looks nothing like church, just a huge room on the fifth floor of some building. I love it and I know God is working in lives of the people in the church and around that area. 

Football to the EXTREME!!

Last night the big match between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray happened. I was smart and stayed inside and away from all the action. However, I could hear yelling and shouting at times from my house. The outcome was that they tied 0-0 but this meant that Galatasaray one the Turkish league championship.

Some of my friends were on the European side and people were celebrating like crazy with shouting and waving flags everywhere. Today on my way to church, this guy was were a Galatasaeay shirt and we were heading to Kadikoy. Even though I didn't know what the two old men were saying this this guy, I knew that they were saying that he shouldn't be wearing that shirt around here as Kadikoy is Fenerbahce territory. Then, like Turks do, the old man shook his head and made 'tsk tsk' sound. I found it funny as I learned my mistake a few weeks ago!

To read more about the craziness:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18046286

The two teams going at it!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Interesting Dream


I had the most interesting dream last night. Let me tell you two things first. One, I have been watching a lot of episodes of The Office. Second, last night, I went to church and saw a women perform a drama of Esther and Mary.

In my dream, I was surrounded by all the members of The Office. One woman was saying that I was pregnant as her husband was my doctor. I was so confused because I went to the doctor for a different reason and since I never had sex before, it was not possible. The whole dream people were being mean and calling me names. I was saying over and over that I was a virgin but nobody would listen to me.

When I woke up, I was super confused! But then when I thought about it, I was feeling how Mary, the mother of Jesus, was feeling. Nobody believed her either and they all shunned her. Nobody believed her that the Holy Spirit came upon her and made her pregnant.

Anyway, dreams are interesting and thought provoking.


Wednesday, May 9, 2012

5 Weeks!!!!!



It is crazy to say that in five weeks, I will be on an airplane headed back to Iowa! Time is such a strange concept. When I first got to Turkey, time seemed to stand still. Febrary lasted what seemed like forever. But then March went by fast and April even faster. Now it is May 9!!! CRAZY!!!

Anyway, I still have a lot to do and see before then however. It have a week and a half left of classes then two weeks of finals. I have two finals the first week and two the following week. It worked out that I can go to Ephesus and Pergamom between my finals. I am really excited and I will have plenty of time to study on the long bus ride there and back. After my finals, I have a few days to chill and then I go to Greece for a week. Then I have a day to pack and then I leave! I will start packing before I head to Greece though because I always start packing early. So much to do but I am looking forward to it, well mostly the trips and not the studying for finals…

Several of my friends who are abroad as well made a list of things they will miss and won’t miss. I started this list a while ago and have added to it. Here it is so far.

What I will miss
Simit, beautiful hills, my friends from all around the world, doner, simple pure Turkish interactions, the ferry, Turkish hospitality, cheap food and clothes, bazzars, Trista, the parks

What I won’t miss
Getting yelled at by all the store clerks, yogurt, not having a microwave/oven/dryer, long bus rides, not understanding conversations in the classroom, cigarette smoke everywhere, kids pointing and laughing at me, stared at everywhere I go

There are days that I am just totally in love with Istanbul and want to stay longer. But then there are days where I am just ready to go home, to see my family and friends and have all my comfort things back. It is definitely a rollercoaster of emotions! But most of the days I am just content and striving to learn even more and enjoy the time I am here. So here is to the next five weeks!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Topkapi Palace


Yesterday, since my class was cancelled, I decided to visit the Topkapi Palace on the European side. It was a beautiful sunny day which meant that I got sun burnt but it was nice to just be in a t-shirt and jeans. As I got off the ferry, I went the wrong way and ended up having to walk through the Spice Bazaar to get there. I tried going around but the new James Bond movie is getting filmed around there so it is all blocked off. Anyway, I went through a huge park thinking it was the way to the Palace. A man said “Merhaba (Hello)” to me and we proceeded to have a short conversation in mostly all Turkish. I was so proud of myself! He directed me in the right way. As I was walking, a huge group of boys in high school walked past me and they said Hi. When I said hi back, they all started yelling and clapping. I also got some high fives. It was funny.

I finally got to the Palace and was sweating like crazy. I waited in line to get my ticket but turns out, I didn’t need to get a ticket as I have this wonderful museum card so I got in for free! Score! I love the look on the employees’ faces when I show them my student card as they always think I am just a tourist. I got in and decided to buy an audio set so I would know exactly what I was looking at. The line wasn’t that long but it took forever to get to the front. The guy was super nice and friendly. After he explained how to use the audio set, he said to me, “Abigail, keep that smile on your face. It looks good on you”. It was really nice of him. He knew my name because I had to give him an ID card as a deposit.

So I walked around for several hours and it was really cool to see so many Ottoman Empire buildings, art and objects. There are four courtyards and several gardens as well. I decided to pay 15 Lira to go into the Harem which was the private area of the Sultan. It was really cool to stand and explore places that Sultans had lived during the Ottoman Empire. Even cooler because I have learned about several Sultans in my Ottoman Empire class!




Monday, May 7, 2012

International Day

Yesterday was International Day at Yeditepe. Basically every country had its own table and people were suppose to make food from their country and anything else related to their country. There are six Americans here this semester but two are on a trip and one doesn’t really participate with things like this. So it was Eddie (who also goes to Beloit), Autumn and I. We bought chocolate chip cookies, grilled some hamburgers and hotdogs and I made Snickers Salad. Snicker Salad, for those who doesn’t know, is chopped apples and Snickers mixed in vanilla pudding and whip cream. However, the pudding never set so I could just use whip cream. But it turned out well and everyone loved it so I was happy. We also had BACON!!!!!! We didn’t cook it until later so really only the Americans got some. But it was super exciting after not eating pork in about three months! We also were told to dress up like famous Americans so I wore my Hawkeye jersey and went as an American football player.

It was fun going around the other tables and trying so many types of food. I know mostly all the other international students so it was fun tasting their food and getting to know their culture a little more. There was also live music which was fun. I am glad that lots of people came because I was a little concerned that people wouldn’t. But it was a success and it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday.

American table!
















Judith with the German table












Trista at the Taiwan


BACON!!!!









Saturday, May 5, 2012

Lost in Translation


Even though I have been here for three months or so, the Turkish language is still a mystery to me. Of course I know some words and phrases that will probably come out of my mouth when I get back home. As frustrating as it is at times, sometimes it makes me laugh when talking to Turks and they try to translate to English.

I was with two of the Turkish friends at lunch in one of the cafeterias and I asked about a certain dessert. They were telling me it was “chocolate pasta”.  I was confused and asked “Like noodles”. They both laughed, as they do a lot, and I finally figured out that pasta means “cake”.

With the same two girls, we were in our Ottoman class and one of them asked me a question. She showed me a picture of a gorilla on her electric translator. She was asking about what are professor meant by gorilla warfare as the only gorilla she knew was the animal. So I then had to explain that our professor did not mean a real animal!

But it is also the other way around, I am trying to talk in Turkish. Usually if someone comes up to me and asks a question in Turkish, I say “English Pardon” meaning Sorry, I just speak English. Usually the then just stop talking to me. But on Tuesday, Trista and I went to a park to do some homework. While we were reading, two old men sat down. They then started asking us questions in Turkish. Since Trista has been here longer then me, she knows some Turkish. We were trying to communicate but it was so hard with the very little Turkish we knew. But overall, it was cool that the two men were trying so hard to talk with also.

On Wednesday, we were trying to convince our professor to make our final open book and I said “lutfen” (please). Everyone thought it was so funny and awesome as I never talk Turkish in the class. It was just really funny.

So even though the language barrier can be frustrating, it makes it much easier to manage when I think positively and not get so worked up about it.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Football Madness!!!


Wow, just wow. Football (soccer) here is so ridiculously crazy! Let me back up and tell you what I encountered this week in regards with football.

I was told earlier this week that there was going to be a football game on Thursday that was free and just for women and children. This was due to a punishment of all men after causing riots (ripping chairs out and throwing them on the field, running on the field). I was excited and wanted to go so Trista and I went to the stadium on the European side on Wednesday afternoon. We got our tickets and then walked around and each bought a jersey from the Spice Bazaar. We bought Fenerbahçe jerseys as that is the team in Kadkoy and it is also Beloit colors (blue and yellow).

So yesterday, I wore my jersey all day and was very proud of it. As we got on the ferry, I was surprised I didn’t see anyone else wearing Fenerbahçe colors only the other team, Beşiktaş, which is black and white. A women about my age told me to be careful since I was going to the opposite teams stadium. I didn’t think much about it. I figured it was like in America where there is rivalry but not a huge deal. I was wrong. As we were walking, we had several groups of guys yelling at Trista and I. Mostly me as Trista covered up her jersey with a jacket. Then a group of guys that were yelling from the other side of the street with a huge flag, came over to us and started yelling. It was really scary. I then decided to put on my sweatshirt. I felt much better.

We get to the stadium and had to figure out which door to enter. There were so many people! After we got through on door, we went through another one. That is when I got pulled over by the policeman. Side note: there were so many police there! They pointed to the top of my sweatshirt where you could see a little bit of my jersey. They told me it was a problem as it was against stadium rules to wear Fenerbahçe colors. Well they said this in the little English they spook. So then we went back out and since I had a black tank top underneath, I took off my shirt and put just my sweatshirt back on and put my jersey in my bag. What happened next was completely unexpected.

As we were going through the doors again, they checked my bag and the policewomen pointed to my jersey. About five Beşiktaş fans walked by and saw my jersey in my bag. They all start screaming that I can’t go in there and I shouldn’t be here if I support Fenerbahçe . They did speak English well. I was trying to explain I would leave it in my bag and that I just wanted to watch the game. By this point, there were several police around and I was so mad and upset. So we just left. Trista was already having a bad day and this made us both in bad moods. I never thought it would be like this. I was warned they loved their team but not being able to wear the colors of the other team was not what I was expecting.

Today in class, my teacher said she saw that my team lost as I had class yesterday and was wearing my jersey. I then explained my story and she was also shocked. I guess the rule is new just this year. Anyway, that is my football craziness story!




















This was Wednesday after getting the free tickets

The Beşiktaş stadium

Waiting to get in
Us all covered up. This was in Kadikoy after coming back from Beşiktaş  and we really were not in the best moods but we were together so it made it better.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Identity


Before I left for Turkey, I would have said I was a female student who comes from a middle class family. Now that I am here, I mostly identity as an American female whose native language is English. It is so interesting just how my perspectives of myself and others have changed. Being in the US, being an American is normal but here, it is so rare. People are so excited to hear that I am from America.

Just today, after Trista and I went to a park to read some homework, we went into a clothing store. As were we were looking around, a woman asked where we were from. Then as we were in the dressing room, I heard the lady saying several times to other people in the store, “America”. As I walk down the street, little kids love saying “Hi” or “Hello” and when I say it back, they are just so happy. Never in my life have I thought about being able to speak English as an awesome thing and in some ways, a privilege. It has always been the norm but here, it is not at all the norm. All my European friends are jealous at how I can speak English so well and so are my Turkish friends. If I compliment one of them on how good their English is, they get really excited since I am a native speaker.

I realize that I am very sociological in the blog but this is how my mind works!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Black Sea!


Yesterday I traveled with four friends to Şile which is a city about two hours away from Istanbul by bus. I was very excited to get to the beach and just enjoy the day. Two of the people who came I had never met but we quickly became friends and we all talked so much on the bus. So much that we were told to be quiet on the bus! It was just so hard to not be excited!

So we got to Şile and we walked down the streets to get to the sea. It was a sunny day though cooler then in Istanbul so I was happy I brought a sweatshirt that I ended up putting on and off several times. We first went to the harbor for lunch. Though we had to find another place to eat as, of course they all only had fish, and I don’t like fish and Trista doesn’t eat meat. So we found this nice place to eat that had a great view of the Black Sea. We then walked to the beach!

I immediately took off my shoes and everyone else did the same. It was just so wonderful walking along the beach, our feet in the water. The water was cold at first but it felt amazing. I tried taking pictures of my footprints in the sand but it is much harder then it seems! We all were having fun writing words in the sand. We then took a break on some stairs while trying to get all the sand off our feet. We then walked around the Sea some more. Şile is famous for their cotton and their lighthouse. We saw the lighthouse as we were leaving on the bus. It was just a nice relaxing day.

Side note: I was planning on going to Ephesus (Efes) this weekend but it did not work out. I really am trying to go before I leave! 














First sight of the Black Sea!