Home… sleep…

Merhaba!

I have just arrived home to Canada again!  It was a long trip and I am completely exhausted.  This will not be the last time you hear about Turkey from me because in my sleep deprived state, I cannot even begin to do justice to my past few months, or even my last day in Turkey.  There will be another post or two… or many, dedicated to Turkey and talking about my experiences there.

For now, I just want to mention:

1. Sprite bottles look short and fat now and I don’t know if that’s because they’ve been changed since I left, or if it’s because they are a different shape in Turkey.
2. Everything looks so much more colourful right now.  Maybe because I’m low on sleep and hallucinating things, but everything just seems so vibrant.
3. I drive like a maniac right now.  Again, is it because I’m tired, or maybe because I’m used to the traffic in Turkey?

That’s all from me.  Now off to sleep!

- Mike

Dolmabahçe palace and hamam

Merhaba!

So I’m finally visiting Istanbul!  It’s a pretty awesome city so far actually.  It’s much more crowded and busy than Yalova, but I guess that’s to be expected.  I’m currently staying in a very cute hotel in Sultanahmet.  It is pretty clearly the tourist area of the city since there are signs that I can understand, and everyone seems to speak english.  It’s… well, I’d like to say it’s nice, but honestly it’s just weird right now.  And if it’s weird here in Turkey, I have to ask myself how it will be back in Canada.  Will it be weird there too?

Anyway, I woke up very early this morning to take a trip over here on the 7:30 ferry, and then I spent most of the day with Kim, the sister of one of my friends in the school in Yalova.  It was a lot of fun actually, and Kim and I got along very well.  It’s almost too bad that she’ll be busy tomorrow since I think it would be fun to hang out with her a little more.  Ah well, I’d feel bad dragging her around to all the tourist spots anyway.

So Kim and I went to Dolmabahçe palace today.  It was… incredible, actually.  Incredibly opulent, and it had quite an amazing history.  Unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to take any pictures of the interior, but apparently I can download them from the internet.  It’s rather hard to really describe the palace and do it any justice.  I might try later though when I’m not quite so tired.

I’ve just come back from a hamam, a Turkish bath, and wow, what an amazingly relaxing experience.  I decided to get the luxury package that includes an oil massage, and it was glorious.  The hamam itself is like a giant sauna with a giant marble table in the middle that you’re supposed to lie down on.  With the package I got, I had an attendant wash me, and get rid of the dead skin.  It was really nice to be pampered like that, and my goodness did I ever have a lot of dead skin.  I definitely want to go back again, but maybe not with the massage, because it’s quite expensive.

Anyway, that’s it for now.  I’m going to sleep in a wonderful, comfortable bed, and sleep in as late as I want… well… until 11 which is checkout.  Tomorrow will be a big long day full of sight seeing and awesomeness.  I’m not sure there will be another update before I’m back in Canada because I’m not sure when I’ll have internet next.  I hope all o y’all are doing well.

Cheers!

- Mike

From the end of the silk road…

Merhaba!

So, I was in Bursa today.  It was a nice time, mostly I was shopping with my AIESEC friend to try and find souvenirs for myself from the city.  Bursa was at the end of the silk road, way back in the day, so they are pretty famous for their silk products.  Silk products which I ended up getting a couple of for fairly inexpensive prices.  And my good luck continues, the two stores that I decided to check out and see both had owners who spoke english, and very good english at that.  It’s pretty awesome.

Anyway, I’m off to Istanbul very, very early tomorrow morning so I need to get some sleep to prepare for another awesome day.  Hopefully I’ll have internet before flying out of Turkey on Thursday morning so I can update you on my trip.  Though… lately I’ve been doing such a good job of that, I’m not sure you’d notice.

Cheers!

- Mike

The Teacher is out…

Merhaba!

And so ends my teaching job here in Turkey.  I must say it was a lot of fun, and I’m really going to miss it here.  I had a joint going away party tonight with one of my coworkers.  She was accepted into a university in Izmir which is, I’m told, around 8 hours from here by bus.  It was a good time with the friends I’ve made.  Originally, we were going to head out to the beach for a BBQ, but plans eventually changed to have something closer to everyone’s homes.

I got some pretty nice going away presents too, and I’m not going to lie, I did get a little choked up after getting them.  I really wasn’t expecting anything, and I will most definitely be remembering Turkey when I see these things.

Also, to my friends in Canada, a brief warning.  I’ve gotten used to the Turkish habit of shaking hands and kissing both cheeks, and quite frankly, it feels weird not to do it when saying hello or good bye to those I consider friends.  So don’t be alarmed if I accidentally start to do that to you when I see you again.

I’m looking forward to travelling and seeing some sights again starting Monday.  First, I’ll be going to Bursa (hopefully) to see some friends there for the day, and then I’ll be back to Yalova for the night.  Then the next day I’m off to Istanbul to spend my last two days there seeing the sights.  Tomorrow though, I’m just going to be relaxing here in Yalova, and doing some packing and planning for my next few weeks before school starts again.

I’ll try to post some good pictures tomorrow, but for now it’s time for me to sleep.

Good night!

- Mike

Close to the end…

Merhaba!

I can’t believe how close I am to being on a plane bound for Canada again… It’s… well I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it at the moment.  I’m rather conflicted.  I’m both happy to be getting back to Canada, and sad about the fact that I’m leaving Turkey, and all the friends I’ve made here.  I mean, I’m now Facebook friends with many of them, and hopefully we’ll keep in touch, but I’m really bad about keeping in touch with people.

We’ll see what happens.  Anyway, I’m exhausted so I’m off to sleep now.  Oh, I got a going away present today too.  It’s a Turkey soccer shirt.  It looks very comfortable actually… and it really drove home the fact that I was almost on my way home… wow…

Okay, sleep time here.

Cheers!

- Mike

A fact of my life

Merhaba!

Today I ran into one of my former students on her way to work and help out at her mother’s cafe.  She invited me out after my classes to come visit her at work and hang out and talk since she couldn’t make it to classes due to Ramazan.  So I took her up on her offer and spent a good hour and a half talking to her and her friends who showed up.  It was a great time, actually.  She also served me this delicious dessert.  Think of it like… hmm… like if apple pie and cheesecake had a baby.  It looked kinda like a cheesecake, but it tasted more like apple pie.  It was utterly delicious.  It’s name was something I don’t remember in Turkish, but translated it apparently becomes “Chicken breast”.

Her mother owns this very cute, very homey little cafe.  The kitchen in the cafe looks exactly like a kitchen would look in a house.  It’s very cute, and I wish I had known about this place earlier.  I would definitely have gone there more often.

But this is the way my life seems to work.  I tend to find out about the good places, and the good things to do really close to the time that they don’t exist anymore, or I don’t have access to them.  For example, TV shows.  I always end up liking the ones that are canceled soon after they’re released, or I get into them near the end of their run.  It really sucks sometimes.  Oh well, at least I can enjoy these things for a little bit of time before they’re done.

Anyway, it’s time to go enjoy some of the delicious soda and snacks that are unique to Turkey.

Cheers y’all!

- Mike

The beginning of the end…

Merhaba!

And so begins my last week of work here in Turkey.  I’m rather sad actually.  I’ve really had a great time here, even if it’s not quite the AIESEC experience that I was expecting.  I really wish I could stay longer, but alas, my responsibilities are at last taking hold and dragging me home from this little break from reality.  One of my coworker friends actually said it best.  She said that when you’re in Turkey, it’s like your life in North America is put on pause, and when you’re in North America it feels like your life in Turkey is put on pause.  I couldn’t agree more.

Now, I know it’s not really the AIESEC way going back to something you’re comfortable with, but… I really do want to live here again next summer.  I’ve even allowed myself to fantasize about it, and man does it ever feel good to imagine living here for another three or four months next summer.  Minus the heat of course… I could probably stand to live without being so overwhelmingly hot again.

I was out at a coworkers birthday party tonight, and despite not understanding a good three quarters of what was being said, I had a good time.  I’ve actually gotten some pictures too that I can use my mad photoshop skillz to clean up.  (I am being sarcastic about my ability with photoshop… my work there is amateurish at best.)  Still, I’m going to give it a shot and see what I can do to clean up some of the pictures and give them to my coworkers tomorrow.  I was actually really happy to be invited, and even more glad that I actually went.  I should also let you know that strawberry milkshakes here taste just as fake as strawberry milkshakes back in Canada.  Also, I felt a little… out of place being the only guy there drinking one.  Now, in Canada I wouldn’t have thought twice about this but I’m not sure what Turkish culture says about a guy enjoying a fruity sweet drink.

This week is just going to fly by… and I really need to start making plans for next week when I have some free time.  There are some must see things in Istanbul that, well, I must see before I leave on Thursday.  I should go do that now.  And photoshop.  And sleep.  It’s going to be a busy night for me.

I hope you’re well,

- Mike

A day at the movies

Merhaba!

Today I was reminded quite clearly why it is that I don’t go out very much in the middle of the day; it’s too hot outside for me to be even the slightest bit comfortable.  On the other hand, I was able to brave the heat today, and it was well worth it to go see “Inception” today.

However, I don’t feel like discussing the movie here except to say that if you haven’t seen it yet, you should go to the theatre now.  I mean it, right now!  Go!  Why are you still reading this!  Get thee to a theatre, foul knave!

What I wanted to talk about here was more about the style of the theatre they have here compared to Canada.  The concept is basically the same.  There is a big screen in the front of the room, and chairs for many people to sit in and enjoy the movie.  The big difference here is the chairs, and how ridiculously comfortable they are.  It’s like sitting in an easy chair in your living room and watching a big screen TV.  It was lovely.

They also had twin seats or love seats in all the middles of the rows in the theatre.  It would make a movie date much much more comfortable and appealing, since you wouldn’t have that stupid armrest digging into your side while you’re all snuggling up together.  Of course, that being said I would still prefer to watch a movie at home on a date since at home, you can talk during the movie, or make snuggling and kissy noises without bothering other people who paid to watch the movie.  Also, it’s incredibly difficult to pay attention to the movie while making out, and I would hate to spend so much money on a movie in a theatre just to not watch it.

But the biggest and most noticeable difference is that in Turkey, they have an intermission during the movie.  I actually appreciated it this time because I had to make use of it and visit the WC.  However, it wasn’t long enough so when we got back to the theatre, we ended up missing a few minutes of the movie.  However, if I didn’t need to make use of the break, I imagine it would be very distracting because it happened right in the middle of a rather high action scene.

All in all though, I am very glad I went to the movies today.  The movie itself was awesome, and I got some great ideas for if I ever want to open a movie theatre of my own someday.  Also, it provided good blog material for me, which is something I’ve been lacking lately.

Hope you’re all doing well!

- Mike

Music and Lyrics

Merhaba!

Well once again I fail at remembering to update my blog every day.  I’m trying, I swear!  Sometimes though I guess it just doesn’t cross my mind that I should update my blog.  Teaching today was the same as ever.  Okay, actually it was better than it usually is because, the students I had today were very talkative and they wanted to know about Canada, which is always exciting for me.  It tends to bring out my patriotic side a little bit which I’m sure sounds a little more energetic than I usually do.

Anyway, after work today I called up my now former room mate and went to hang out at his place.  Man, he’s got a nice place and an extra bedroom.  And it’s much much cooler than this cramped little dorm room… and also it’s much cheaper.  If I had a lot longer to stay in Turkey, I would give serious thought to accepting his invitation to move in with him.  I’m actually still tempted to hang out there and sleep there a few nights, that’s how much cooler it is than here.  For now though, I’ll just settle for hanging out at his house most nights. =P

It was really nice to actually visit him though, and the visit felt different than it did when we were actually room mates.  We actually had a really great, really long conversation instead of just intermittent conversation while we were both preoccupied with our computers, or phones, or something else like that.

Anyway today I wanted to talk about songs and music, hence the title of the post.  Yes, I realize that it’s a movie.  Actually it’s a rather cute movie that I secretly enjoy.  If you tell anyone I’ll have to visit some imagined unimaginable horror upon you.

But actual music and  the lyrics of a song are important to me.  Music has a great effect on my mood, and my mood greatly affects my taste in music.  Most of my trip I have been listening to the band Great Big Sea because… well… in my mind they’re pretty much the quintessential Canadian band.  It was nice to have a little taste of home while I’m so far away from it.  Lately though, I’ve been introduced to a band called Planetoid.  They’re quite good, in my opinion.  They classify themselves as sci-fi rock, which is actually pretty awesome.  They may be a little over the top in the description on their website, but gosh darn it if I don’t like them for it.  It’s one of those kinds of music that is pretty good when you first hear it, but somehow it finds it’s way into your brain and makes you want to hear it again, and again, and it gets better every time you hear it.  At least that’s how it is for me.

Also, it doesn’t hurt that their songs lyrics mostly involve taking over the universe.  Which brings me to my next point.  The lyrics of a song can literally make or break the song for me.  I don’t care how catchy the tune is, if I don’t like the lyrics, I can’t enjoy the song.  On the other hand, if the tune is only alright, but the lyrics really speak to me, it easily finds it’s way onto my playlist.  Granted, if the tune and the lyrics are great, then that’s even better.  Sometimes, I can overlook some shoddy lyrics if the tune is decent, but most times I can’t.

The best example of a song that is catchy that I hate, but hear all the time, is (no it’s not “The Final Countdown” despite what some of you who know me might think) it’s this song.  Now, I like to think I’m open minded but I really can’t see how comparing a girl to a hoe, or calling her a sexy b*tch isn’t disrespectful.  If a lady could explain this to me, or doesn’t find it disrespectful please let me know.  It’s a catchy enough song, and a popular enough song (I’ve heard it here in Turkey many times) that I’d like not to cringe every time it comes on.

Of course, I might feel this way because… well… I feel chivalry isn’t dead, or at least it shouldn’t be.  Again, everything is a matter of perspective, and I think mine could use a bit of a shake up regarding this song so if anyone can argue for it, please do. I’d like to get some new opinions to consider.

Anyway, those are just my thoughts from the day.  I’m off to try and sleep in the unbearable heat again!  Cheers!

~ Mike

Food

Merhaba!

Sorry for the lack of interesting posts for the past while.  Work has picked up and left me feeling a little exhausted at the end of the day.  Also, there’s not that much of interest going on in my life these days.

One thing remains largely the same though… I’m loving the food here.  I also am starting to love it more now that I have the ability to order food that I actually want to eat instead of just getting random foods.  For example last night I had a great meatball sandwich, and this evening I had an omelet and french fries.

One of the other things that I have recently discovered is that I have eaten some strange foods here.  In fact, the first night I was here I had a special local delicacy of meatballs that are made from raw meat.  Then again, a couple of days ago I at kokoreç, which is a turkish food made out of intestines.  It’s rather tasty, and I love it in a sandwich.  Of course, now that my father knows I’ve eaten intestines, I won’t be able to talk my way out of trying haggis.  Ah well… it could be good.

I’m actually looking forward to finding other foods I haven’t tried yet, both in Turkey and in other countries.  I’ll let you know what I find.

- Mike