As I predicted, the weather turned icy cold and windy as soon as I picked up my bike from the store. I'm not even making excuses, either, I swear. Still working on finding a Pilates class, too.
Things are pretty quiet around here. Payday is coming up (on my birthday, if everything is prompt, which it usually isn't), so we're all short on cash and laying low until we get our dough. The days have been dreary and cold, making me long for sun and sandals. I know that will all come soon enough and before I know it I'll be complaining about the heat.
At the risk of being taken away in handcuffs, I must mention that the pirate DVD market here is incredible and I've picked up several titles to tide me over to warmer weather. There is also enough trading of DVDs and books among the teachers that I won't have to worry about entertaining myself for cheap. Nonetheless, if you are planning on visiting do not hesitate to bring along some books with you.
Speaking of visiting, a very nice young man will be here next week and I'm so excited! If you know who he is and want to put in an order for a cheap pashmina, let me know. I promise he won't mind that I am volunteering him to be a scarf mule.
More soon!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
bikes
I bought a bike today! I think I got a good deal, too - it's a used, deep red, lovely Peugeot (I didn't know they made bikes) in good condition. $80, including a good lock. They're cleaning it up for me and then I'll pick it up Friday, at which point it will promptly rain and destroy the lovely weather we're having. Now I just need a Pilates class.
Thanks for your worried messages about the earthquake. Thankfully, it was in southeastern Turkey and not here, but it's an understandable concern - Istanbullus live with the understanding that it could happen any time. I think the one that struck in Izmit in 1999, plus the predictions that a "major" one will hit Istanbul "within the next 30 years" really color Turks' identity. Maybe that's why they smoke all the damn time.
Thanks for your worried messages about the earthquake. Thankfully, it was in southeastern Turkey and not here, but it's an understandable concern - Istanbullus live with the understanding that it could happen any time. I think the one that struck in Izmit in 1999, plus the predictions that a "major" one will hit Istanbul "within the next 30 years" really color Turks' identity. Maybe that's why they smoke all the damn time.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
heaven
One of my students went on a business trip to London last week. He asked me if I wanted anything, and the first thing that popped into my mind was peanut butter (of course). I just had a peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich - bliss.
I also had kesme dondurma, shown above. Basically, it's extra-frozen ice cream that is sliced, and you eat it with a fork. It's scrumptious. This is why you all need to visit me.
Tomorrow I am looking into Pilates classes and bikes, so I can keep enjoying this food.
I also had kesme dondurma, shown above. Basically, it's extra-frozen ice cream that is sliced, and you eat it with a fork. It's scrumptious. This is why you all need to visit me.
Tomorrow I am looking into Pilates classes and bikes, so I can keep enjoying this food.
Friday, February 16, 2007
TGIF
Hello blog readers!
I'm settling into a nice routine here, which has been particularly nice this week due to some class cancellations. As I result I've had a bit more free time than I anticipated, especially after last week's series of 13-hour days. What have I done in my spare time, you ask? Well, I've taken some long walks, I've watched some episodes of Studio 60 (I'm so glad I put off watching that show till I got here), and I've taken some much-needed naps. I feel like I'm still trying to catch up on sleep from last week.
Istanbul is doing well. After a week of frigid weather, the temperature is back up to mid 40s-50s (F), making it extremely pleasant for walking and exploring. I've done quite a bit of both with Suzie. It's nice to have someone my age around. Also, speaking of weather, I went to my local cinema to see "An Inconvenient Truth" on Valentine's Day (alone, thank you) after lying around in pain after a mildly unfortunate lunch. I knew what I was in for, so I was prepared to be shocked and awed, but I was also pleased to see Al Gore doing something he clearly loves to do. Certainly this must suit him better than being president. Later, I talked about the film with my CNN weather reporter student, who is now the person I come to with any questions I have about Turkey (truly anything, except Armenia). He confirmed everything Al Gore had to say, and even provided me with extra information.
The same student took me to see the CNN Turkey headquarters on Sunday afternoon, a massive building in the middle of nowhere with impressive security. I got to see all the sets and broadcasting equipment, which made me as excited as a seventh grader. I forgot my camera, of course, but actually there wasn't much to photograph. Radio and TV stations always seem so exciting to me, maybe because they are so obviously participating in our lives in real time with immediate results. On that particular Sunday only the techies and minions were working, so the average age in the cafeteria was probably about 30. In fact, I don't think I saw anyone over 40. It was amazing, more like being back at McGill's cafeteria than the Turkish headquarters of a multinational corporation.
CNN weather guy is only one example of how great all my students are. No matter how deadly my schedule is, or how frustrating living here can be, my actual students make every day hilarious and unique, and I'm grateful for that.
I've been getting some complaints that I don't write often enough so I'll try to work on that. Until next time!
I'm settling into a nice routine here, which has been particularly nice this week due to some class cancellations. As I result I've had a bit more free time than I anticipated, especially after last week's series of 13-hour days. What have I done in my spare time, you ask? Well, I've taken some long walks, I've watched some episodes of Studio 60 (I'm so glad I put off watching that show till I got here), and I've taken some much-needed naps. I feel like I'm still trying to catch up on sleep from last week.
Istanbul is doing well. After a week of frigid weather, the temperature is back up to mid 40s-50s (F), making it extremely pleasant for walking and exploring. I've done quite a bit of both with Suzie. It's nice to have someone my age around. Also, speaking of weather, I went to my local cinema to see "An Inconvenient Truth" on Valentine's Day (alone, thank you) after lying around in pain after a mildly unfortunate lunch. I knew what I was in for, so I was prepared to be shocked and awed, but I was also pleased to see Al Gore doing something he clearly loves to do. Certainly this must suit him better than being president. Later, I talked about the film with my CNN weather reporter student, who is now the person I come to with any questions I have about Turkey (truly anything, except Armenia). He confirmed everything Al Gore had to say, and even provided me with extra information.
The same student took me to see the CNN Turkey headquarters on Sunday afternoon, a massive building in the middle of nowhere with impressive security. I got to see all the sets and broadcasting equipment, which made me as excited as a seventh grader. I forgot my camera, of course, but actually there wasn't much to photograph. Radio and TV stations always seem so exciting to me, maybe because they are so obviously participating in our lives in real time with immediate results. On that particular Sunday only the techies and minions were working, so the average age in the cafeteria was probably about 30. In fact, I don't think I saw anyone over 40. It was amazing, more like being back at McGill's cafeteria than the Turkish headquarters of a multinational corporation.
CNN weather guy is only one example of how great all my students are. No matter how deadly my schedule is, or how frustrating living here can be, my actual students make every day hilarious and unique, and I'm grateful for that.
I've been getting some complaints that I don't write often enough so I'll try to work on that. Until next time!
Saturday, February 10, 2007
tourist again
Today I went back to Sultanahmet with another teacher, Suzie, who is British and also the only teacher younger than I am. After a lonnnnng week of working really hard it was nice to be a tourist again, and remind ourselves why we're here.
It's not hard to remember once you see places like these:
The Aya Sofia...
...the Cistern...
...and nice cafes in the Grand Bazaar (where I bought the bathrobe to end all bathrobes).
Life is pretty good!
It's not hard to remember once you see places like these:
The Aya Sofia...
...the Cistern...
...and nice cafes in the Grand Bazaar (where I bought the bathrobe to end all bathrobes).
Life is pretty good!
Monday, February 5, 2007
tunes!
I just bought $10 computer speakers and improved my quality of life by about 800%.
I also went to Asia today and took photos, but I also have a headache so you'll just have to wait.
Instead, watch this awesome video of Cem Karaca:
I also went to Asia today and took photos, but I also have a headache so you'll just have to wait.
Instead, watch this awesome video of Cem Karaca:
Saturday, February 3, 2007
fun
Hello, gentle readers. Sean was here this week so I was busy being a hostess (and teaching of course). There's nothing like having an old friend around in a new place - it helps maintain sanity. You need that person there to say, no, you're not crazy, it is weird that they seat you in the cinema, it is difficult to know where the bus is going, and so on. I also learned that in spite of its hefty price, my apartment is great because my living room can convert into a very nice guest room.
My new American friend Anil (of purse-snatching-witness fame) also joined us on some of our jaunts, which hopefully eased Sean's burden of keeping me company. Strength in numbers!
Anyway, on to the photos.
PS - if you can help me edit the html of this blog so the text part is wider (and the photos look normal), let me know!
Anil at Markiz, a lovely patisserie:
Sean at Markiz:
Sean on the Bosphorus, during a freezing hike:
The travelers:
Drama:
Birds on the Bosphorus:
Dolmabaçe Sarayı, which was closing right as we arrived (of course!):
Why stand in the cold if you can have a profiterole?
more later!
My new American friend Anil (of purse-snatching-witness fame) also joined us on some of our jaunts, which hopefully eased Sean's burden of keeping me company. Strength in numbers!
Anyway, on to the photos.
PS - if you can help me edit the html of this blog so the text part is wider (and the photos look normal), let me know!
Anil at Markiz, a lovely patisserie:
Sean at Markiz:
Sean on the Bosphorus, during a freezing hike:
The travelers:
Drama:
Birds on the Bosphorus:
Dolmabaçe Sarayı, which was closing right as we arrived (of course!):
Why stand in the cold if you can have a profiterole?
more later!
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