The following day Can had a portfolio presentation at school (like parent-teacher conferences day back home). I was impressed with Can- he pretty much guided the entire meeting. His English teacher, a very happy British man, said that Can’s English is ahead of his peers. I am going to talk with him some time before school ends so I know what I should be teaching Can this summer. I hope he will be reading by the time I leave.
After the Can’s portfolio Zeynep took me to a mall where we met Huma, the AuPair coodinater. Before we went into the mall, security X-rayed our bags, checked our trunk, and make us walk through a metal detector. I guess they’ve had some problems with weapons in the past? Anyways, Huma just wanted to see how I was settling in and how the family and I are getting on. I really appreciated her checking in. She also brought me a city guide and a hand made blue ceramic bowl from the market. I’ve been looking through the book and there is SO MUCH that I want to see! I will have to figure out the public transit system. Huma said sometime next week I will get to see my cousin Sarah and her friend Alix, and we will all go on a tour of the city. Sarah if you are reading this expect THE BIGGEST HUG when I see you! I love you and miss you!
The hand made bowl from Huma- a new place to store my trinkets! |
Later we went down to the waterfront. I’m not sure what that particular area is called (I am going to have to start writing things down), but for your googling pleasure- it’s close to the Bosphorous. The view was amazing. Through the fog you could see the Asian side of Istanbul.
Istanbul is separated into two halves by the Golden Horn straight. Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents. Joining the halves are two bridges. I’m told that the European half houses most of the Greek ruins and old mosques, whereas the Asian side is more businesses.
Evil Pigeons |
At the waterfront Can and I fed pigeons. The birds were everywhere, flapping viscously every time we threw grain. Their beady little eyes followed our every move. I don’t know what it is about pigeons that I find so creepy... I think it’s because they are unnaturally malicious (it must be all that grain).
Beautiful bracelets! I want to buy them all!!! |
The Nazar is a talisman to ward of evil eye- a look thought to bring bad luck- and is commonly seen throughout Turkey.
This area is filled with winding cobblestone alleys, vendors scattered about and cafes and hookah houses tucked into the niches. I can imagine how beautiful this area would be at night. I also suspect it would be lively with all the tourists and bars about. We stopped at a cafe and I tried my first Turkish coffee. I’ve never been one to like coffee, but I will admit it’s pretty tasty. I’m not sure what’s different, the beans or the manner in which it’s brewed... I will bring some for my Dad and we can experiment.
First Turkish Coffee!! |
Today Lal didn’t have school and we hung out with her friend. We went to the park that is really close to house and flew a kite, played football and volleyball. Playing football with the kids is amazing for my self esteem. They think I am AWESOME at it! Haha, and I am learning a lot of tricks from them. The weather outside was great; beautiful and sunny with just the right amount of wind to fly a kite and keep us cool while we ran around. Overall really great day :)
Sending all my love home to the motherland! Missing you all!
P.S those of you who have emailed me and wish to comment and don’t know how, right below each post on the mid-right handed side is orange text that says “ x comment” demonstrating how many comments have been written. Just click it and it will take you where you can leave comments!
Jan i am so proud of you! your blog looks incredible and all your pictures and adventures sound absolutely fantastic. I am so happy that you are having a good time :) and i am SO proud of you. i will definitely be creeping this baby often. I miss you and I love you and I cannot wait to read more! :)--- Varsha <3 <3
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and I'm so jealous of your adventures so far! The kids and the family sound amazing! Of all the coffees I sampled in my European travels last summer (there were quite a few) Turkish coffee was by far my favourite so I hope you enjoyed it! All the jewelry looks so beautiful and your adventures sound amazing! I hope you're having the time of your life and I hope you continue blogging its definitely really entertaining to read and you're a fantastic writer!
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
Awh thanks guys!
ReplyDeleteVarsha- MISS YOU SO MUCH!! :) I miss my mama Varsh like crazy <3
Kaleigh- I think I might get addicted to coffee... haha the tea is really good too. Can't wait to make more money so I can buy lots of jewelry!