Reflections and Resolutions

31 December 2012
The time of year when we pause to look back on the year. Relish our triumphs, evaluate our disappointments, and plan for a fresh start. I kinda feel like I do this every day just on a smaller scale. :)

In the last week, I have been reminded countless times (ok, I can count them) that people have enjoyed my blog and are looking forward to the next one. Yeah, I've let posting on Facebook replace real writing. Sorry. I blame Facebook and you dear reader.

Facebook is instantaneous. It's magic. Those little icons in the upper left hand corner light up so fast to indicate a message, a "like", or a comment. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about (Ok, Andrea, you don't know :) but trust me, it's pretty cool.) Yes, I'm addicted to those. I love when I post a picture of any ordinary thing, and ding! Someone has seen it. It's like a silent conversation. Some sort of validation that let's me know, yeah, someone is actually curious about what I'm doing. I must admit though, my favorite is a comment or a message. Then it's really like a conversation from across the globe.

You dear reader are silent. I know you're there. I can see how many people view the postings. Yeah, bet you didn't know that, huh? Thank you for reading, but you're not Facebook. No magic. No zip. No ding. However, I like you and not just in the Facebook clicking kind of like you. I really like you.

I like that you supported me in this crazy adventure to teach overseas. You listened to my musings about Turkey. You watched documentaries with me about Turkey and Ataturk. You went out to dinner with me. You had drinks with me. (Man do I miss micro-brews and root beer martinis. Seriously. Delicious. Mad Cow in Greeley. Go if you haven't had one.) You were excited for my adventure but sad to see me go. You cried with me at the airport. You sent me emails and Skype messages. In the beginning. Now. We are complacent with each other. Me not blogging. You not commenting. It's sad because I really like you.

So in this time of reflection, I propose a revival in our relationship. A resolution if you will. I promise I'll blog about something every other week if you dear reader promise to talk to me. (Originally, I was thinking every week, but let's be honest.)You could send an email; you could message me on Facebook; you could even comment in the comment section below. Any message is a good message. I'm not picky.

It doesn't have to be long; it doesn't have to be insightful. Heck, you don't even have to use correct spelling or grammar. Just quit being a lurker and say something. Please? It really does mean a lot to me to continue my friendships back home. I think that is what I have learned the most on this adventure. No one really knows you like the people back home. The ex-pat community is small in Tarsus, and often it feels like they don't want to take the time to get to know people because someone is always moving.

It doesn't matter to me if you think what you're writing is boring. To me, it's a small glimpse into what is happening in your life that I'm missing out on by living in Turkey. Just like you get to travel through me, I need to know what's happening over there with you. Even if you just want to tell me about getting a great deal on some cereal because you had a double coupon, and it was on sale. Tell me. I miss you. All of you. And really, Facebook is cheating on the relationships I miss the most.

Here's to a new year, a new you and me, and a new relationship via Blogger.

Happy New Year!

Olive Oil

* This is the last post that was written on October. I forgot about it. I posted this before I posted the Resolution one, so this one didn't get many views. I think it got overlooked, so I'm posting it again. No, this does not count as part of the deal. I still owe you a post dear readers. ;0 
Enjoy!

Before I left the United States, I bought Lonely Planet’s guide to Turkey. I’ve always found Lonely Planet to be a good insider’s guide that allows you to act like a local yet still be a tourist. Their suggestions about events, attractions, and restaurants have always been worthy.

Lesley happened to be flipping through my copy and happened upon page 122. The highlighted blue box on this page reads “Slip-Sliding Away In Edirne.” She asked if I would be attending the slippery event. Probably not, as Edirne is in the extreme northwest region of Turkey near Thrace and Marmara – bordering Greece. Places I had not heard of nor have I explored since I’ve been here.

Yet, there was also a picture of this event within the Top 18 Experiences in Turkey-- Number 15: Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling. In late June/early July there is a festival in the city of Edirne where grown men and boys slather on olive oil and then wrestle each other for top honors. Honestly, it didn’t rank in my personal top ten.

However, last week (two months ago!) I was riding the bus headed to my tennis lesson (yes, I, too, see the discrepancy of me taking public transportation to tennis) when I noticed this poster.

Funny, not something that I would normally notice, but the picture is similar to that in my Lonely Planet guide. I quickly took a picture of the poster with my phone and asked my instructor to translate what I couldn’t figure out – where was this happening? and why was it being publicized in Tarsus? Just a quick geography lesson, Tarsus is in the southern part of Turkey – 30 minutes from the Mediterranean.

Turkish wrestling was coming to Tarsus. I had to go. While many of the foreign staff traveled during the Bayram holiday, I was here with two Canadians. I asked if either of the women wanted to go with me. Nope. Hmmm…apparently, they don’t value Lonely Planet’s suggestions as much as I do.  C’mon. This was Lonely Planet’s number 15! Of all the things to do in Turkey! Number 15, people! 15!

So, I rode my bike in search of the stadium. As I approached, it felt very roller derby-esque to me. It was similar in the way that there is definitely a subculture within roller derby. People in the stands were obvious fans, cheering on their favorite wrestler as he was introduced. The crowed was smaller than I imagined, but there was no lack of noise. People were there to watch their favorite oil clad wrestler.

Each wrestler had a warm-up ritual: some were out greeting fans, others were stretching, some were behind the scenes, and some were mucking it up with the refs. The crowd was well aware of the routine as well. Drums blared, musical was added, the national anthem was played, the mayor (at least I think it was the mayor or another governing figure) spoke, and the ceremony commenced.

All the wrestlers lined up and were introduced to varying degrees of applause. Each man stepped forward when called, and once they were in a line again, they crossed the soccer stadium in leaping jumps, waving with the opposite hand. I’m not doing a very good job of describing this part, but there is an exercise like this…kind of skipping and then getting more height by swinging your opposite hand. As they made their way across the field to the drummers, the ended the path by going to one knee - almost bowing.

Once to the other side the group of 20 or so separated; eight men gathered in the center; the others made their way to the opposite corner and waited. The eight men broke into four groups of two. And before I knew it, the wrestling began. Again, roller derby came to mind as parts seemed orchestrated, but once things got underway, it was obvious that the men were having difficulty. This was hard work. Pig wrestling came to mind. Oil. Squirming. Grunting. No squealing allowed.

Participants were slathered in olive oil. I mean slathered. Dripping off of them, running into their eyes, grass sticking to them. A mess. The men only wear leather pants – capri-like in style. Some have their names stitched into the pants. Additionally, I noticed they were wearing what looked like a knee brace of sorts, but it was just below the knee.My guess is that it was there to hold the bottom of the pant leg in place so competitors wouldn't be able to get an advantage of a loose article of clothing. 

As the matches continued simultaneously, referees monitored each pairing. Whistles were blown to indicate a man out of bounds; hand signals were used, and the winner’s hand was raised when a match was over.  One interesting observation is that competitors put their hands down the other’s pants. According to Lonely Planet, this is the best way to get a good grip. I’m not sure I want to know what is being gripped, but contestants who used this technique usually were successful in taking down their opponent.

I stayed for about an hour and found the event to be entertaining at least. Once I got home, I had to do a bit more research. The sport has been going on since the Ottoman Empire – that’s over 6 ½ centuries!  No wonder it’s Lonely Planet’s number 15. Not a bad way to spend some time in Tarsus.

Here are a few websites in case you’re planning your next vacation around oily men. www.kirkpinar.com 

 www.turkishwrestling.com

I was so enthralled that I took quite a few pictures. If you're interested, let me know, and I'll send you the link. ;)

Public Displays of Affection

Yesterday (Ha, really it was three weeks ago! It's taken me a bit longer to get back to this post.)was my first day off for the Bayram holiday. While other foreign staff decided to head out on a Blue Cruise on the Aegean, I decided to stick around Tarsus, Mersin, and Adana for the break. I figured not only do I have papers to grade, but I also have yet to really explore these three cities.

My first unplanned day quickly became jammed packed.  It started with a trip to one of the local mosques. On Monday of this week, Rüştü, one of the Turkish staff members, gave some of us a historical tour of Tarsus. Our last stop was at the mosque, and we were extremely lucky as the imam there let us inside. There were only a handful of people, so we were given an impromptu tour. Additionally, we were led to a special area where officials and heads of states usually pray.

Historically, people have been killed while worshipping, so a special area was built. It is an elevated area about eight feet high with a narrow staircase that leads to a platform. Most of the current officials don’t use the area any more as they claim they want to be closer to the people (sounds like a politician), but my guess is that the staircase is a bit too steep!

After the tour on Monday, Donna and I were able to arrange a time to come and take pictures during the day with better lighting as our original tour was in the evening. We met Wednesday morning only to find that we were the only ones there – no imam and a heavily locked door.

We decided to take pictures of the outside of the mosque and figured something had been lost in translation; after about an hour, an elderly gentleman found us and led us to the opposite side of the mosque to a grave. It was obvious he wanted us to see it and attempted to explain its importance to us. We have no idea what he told us, but in the end we asked if we could take his picture. He obliged and posed stoically and military like.

Donna had a brilliant idea that she would set the timer on her camera and get all three of us in a picture. She set the timer, we posed, she joined us.  Just before the camera clicked, the gentleman’s arm quickly went around my shoulder into a tight grasp. A picture was taken. Donna checked the photo and noticed it was a bit dark. We tried again.

My gut was a bit hesitant, but I figured what the heck. It’s just one more photo. Again, Donna set the timer, we posed, she joined us.  His arm quickly came around my shoulder this time a bit tighter. Picture taken. Donna checked again, and it’s still too dark.

As I’m telling her in English that I’m not posing again, the gentleman attempts to kiss me on the cheek! Ewww! “Yok, yok, yok!” I yell. (A negative response a bit more stern than “No.”)  Ahhh, yes a fun start to a busy day. As I write, I honestly don’t know where he ran to, but he was nowhere to be found as we headed to the front of the mosque.

However, an imam had arrived and unlocked the doors. We were led inside and allowed to take as many pictures as we wanted. A payoff well worth the unwanted kiss…..well, maybe not, but Donna seemed to get a good chuckle out of it. It was amazing to be inside the mosque with our cameras during daylight hours. We profusely thanked the imam and went on to take some pictures of daily life on a Wednesday in Tarsus.

From there…tennis lesson at noon, Mersin at 3:00. Camera shopping and dinner at Subway. Yes, I did enjoy a spicy Italian sandwich with a Belgium beer. Delicious!  Beer at Subway needs to happen in the States. I have to say day one of break turned out to be more than alright…despite the kiss. 

My Arrival

Wednesday of last week (October 17) proved to be a very interesting day of teaching. First, I must say that I truly love all my classes and students. They are a lively group who I have genuinely taken an interest in, and I believe the feeling is mutual. However, one must remember that these are high school students. That begin said, here’s how my day went.

My first class of the day on Wednesday is two 40 minute periods of my largest class. Classes are labeled 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D. I see 10D on Wednesdays for two periods back-to-back with a ten minute break in between. (Don’t ask about the schedule; I’m still trying to figure it out. But, I don’t see the same class at the same time throughout the week ….ever. Yeah, it’s complicated.)

This group, 10D, has 24 students. These are the students who have decided not to take science or math the remainder of their high school career. An interesting choice, as many students at TAC plan to go into math or science related fields: doctors, dentists, engineers.  Not 10D; these students are more interested in the arts. Yet, some of these students are not quite as interested in the arts; they are just looking for less work. So an interesting mix is born.

One particularly clever student has earned a seat right up front. His cleverness and sarcasm has proven his intelligence, yet he is still learning the fine balance of when to unleash his mouth and when to keep quiet. Needless-to-say, I asked him to stay after the bell to discuss his interruptions. He told me “No.” Never a wise decision, so I asked  him to meet me in the hallway. Again, “No.” I asked one more time for him to come to my office which is five steps away from where we are standing. “No.”

Referral. And he is not welcome in my class until we have a conversation. Life is all about choices.

I find the dean, explain the situation, write the referral, and the student spends time in the dean’s office for the next class period.  As class begins, students ask where their peer is; I ignore their questions, and we continue with the lesson as planned. (He and I have since talked and are again on good terms. Wise man.)

Fast forward to the last two lessons of the day – I have 10C for two 40 minute periods at the end of the day on Wednesday. Today, they are taking a vocabulary quiz in the first lesson and reviewing for their upcoming exam in the second lesson.

In typical Turkish fashion, 10C has had difficulty remaining quiet during a quiz. Last week I gave two students zeros for talking during the quiz. This apparently hasn't deterred the class as they continue to talk during the quiz. From what I can tell, the talking isn't about the quiz; it’s about borrowing lead, borrowing an eraser, asking about another assignment. Whatever the topic, the talking needs to stop.

In hopes of quieting them and teaching them a lesson, I keep them one minute into their break. I explain that we’ll be practicing being quiet. They are not happy. Neither am I. I want them to be quiet during a quiz. They begrudgingly pass the one minute of silence and head to their break a minute later than their peers.

It’s time to start the second lesson. I notice there is a bit of a difference as they come back from break. The 

bell rings. “Are there any questions over the poem?” I ask.

Silence.

“Really? Wow. This class is smarter than the other grade 10s. They told me this poem was harder than the last one. No questions?”

They stare at their papers.

“Good. I’m glad you are going to do so well on the exam.” I go around the room checking to see who has their poem. Most have not finished analyzing it. It is a difficult poem (William Blake’s “The Tiger”).

I can tell the silence is getting to some of them. They are starting to look to the student who has made the decision for the class not to talk to me. Dissension among the ranks.  I take full advantage of the opportunity.

“I’m so glad there are no questions as the exam is worth 100 points. It is by far the largest assignment we will have this grading period. You all are going to do so well.” I finish circulating, sit down at my desk, rifle through my notes. Wait.

One brave student raises her hand. “Yes?” I ask.

“Is the poem really only one stanza?”

“That is a great question! I wish I could answer it for you, but maybe your peers could help you.” All heads dart toward the one student. Murmurs have now become loud rumblings.  I wait.

“Oh, do you all need a minute? I’ll just step out into the hallway while you all talk.” I leave the classroom and shut the door. I time one minute on my watch.

My dean walks past. “Everything alright?”

“Yeah. Just doing a little teaching.”

He raises one eyebrow at me. Luckily the minute is over, and I must go back in the classroom before he can ask me anymore questions. I knock before I enter. Multiple students’ shouts can be heard. “Come in!” they yell.

“Any questions about the poem?” I cannot see the back wall as so many hands are in the air. Class resumes, and all students participate.

Yeah. I’ve arrived.

*Reading back through this post, I know it sounds boastful. But, I'm really proud of myself here as I should be. I was informed that I am the first foreign teacher to successfully handle a silent protest. Me: 1 Students 0. 

Rules of the Road

**the next four posts have been patiently waiting on my computer since early October. sorry for the delay.


After a month of riding my bike, I had my first close encounter, and it really wasn't even that close. More of an annoyance. I finished proctoring the SAT (yes, the same SAT that students in the US take), and I decided to stop at the local juice stand. Deliciously fresh juice from whatever fruit is in season. While I wanted some freshly squeezed orange juice, I knew that oranges weren't in season, but I asked anyway ;) Just wishful thinking. I had to settle on lemon juice and cherry juice. Sooooo goood! I’ll have to wait a bit longer for oranges.

As I was peddling to the green grocer to get some Izmir grapes (my favorite), a scooter cut me off.  I had to break really hard. It was a bit hairy, but I managed to stay on my bike, stop abruptly, refrain from cussing, and continue in my lane. I'm not even sure what prompted the incident -- except that the guy on the scooter wanted to get over to the curb. 

See? I don't think it looks so scary. However,
I must admit that this is one of the
tamer streets. There are many
roundabouts around town too.. 

Some people in Tarsus are amazed that I ride my bike here, but I haven't really been too worried about it. Honestly, it feels like riding in Greeley -- no bike lanes, crazy drivers, and bumpy roads. I've learned that if I just consider myself a motor vehicle then I’m fine.

There is no hesitating on the road. If you are going to go, then you damn well better go. No one is going to wait for you. No one is going to give you a wave to go ahead of them. No one is going to patiently ease into traffic. Just go! ;0 As I type this, it does sound a bit crazy, but it’s really not. One of the foreign staff members likes driving here because it is assertive. More intuitive than waiting on a light to change. I’m not so sure I’m ready to tackle driving, but buying my bike has been money well spent.

There is certainly a pecking order on the streets – buses are usually first, then cars, then cargo. Then motorcycles and bikes, dogs, and then pedestrians. Not kidding. Pedestrians must stop for everyone. There is no pedestrian area to walk in. No flashing white man to indicate it is safe to walk. I've learned if I'm walking to just follow the Turks ahead of me. They know when it's safe!

As I'm typing, there is a power outage. It happens often, but not too often. Just enough of a reminder to know that I'm not at home. It gets eerily quiet. No refrigerator running. No hum of the air conditioner. Nothing. Still. Calm. A nice way to enjoy the morning. Unfortunately, this also means no internet, so I’ll save as a word doc and post later.


So, later in this case meant reeeaalllly late. The city of Tarsus had no electricity for over 15 hours. This is unusual—or so I’m told. The school has a generator, so there was power there, but not at my apartment. I headed over to school for the day, and after nine hours of hanging out there, I decided to make my way back home.

It was a bit eerie riding my bike home with no electricity, but a friend gave me a headlamp to use in addition to the light on my bike. Once I got my bike inside my apartment building, the power came on. Whew! (October 7, 2012)

Random Musings

I just sent in my 2012 ballot from my living room in Tarsus, Turkey while still in my pajamas. How cool is that? Technology -- when it does what I want it to -- is pretty amazing.

Yesterday we went to Karatepe-Aslantaş National Park about a two hour drive. We also went to the Hittite Museum which was an open air museum. It reminded me of Konossos in Crete, Greece. Our final stop was the Kastabala Ruins. 


Notice Ataturk in the background?

While there we stopped at a rug making facility. It really wasn't a facility; it felt more like a home. All the structures were connected and within about 100 steps of each other. It was impressive to see where the yarn is dyed, the women weave, and the rugs are sold.  Lunch was also served. Çok lezzetlı! (very tasty)

Friday night a few people came over to my apartment, and we enjoyed the night on the rooftop. It was a great evening. A wedding must have been going on because we were able to hear booming music. Towards the end of the night, we were entertained by fireworks. Fabulous end to week three of school. Prior to everyone coming over, I went to my local market, and got some hazelnuts, dried apricots, deliciously salty green olives, and some tulumba (I think that is what is it called). On my way home I realized that I spoke Turkish from the time I left my apartment until I arrived home. Nice.

High school boys are high school boys -- no matter where they live. During passing between period seven and eight (last class of the day) on Friday afternoon, my tenth grade boys decided to eat or drink (it's a bit unclear) something extremely spicy. Needless-to-say, they weren't feeling very well. As this is happening, I was reminded of a time when this happened at Eaton High School last school year. Ahhh...the adventures of teaching high school.


So, when I go to post this, the font changes size and style. I can't seem to get the text to all be the same.  Hmm...guess I can only expect that technology is wagging its finger in my face saying "See, you're really not in charge.  I get to do what I want, when I want. " Hmmp... :O!

Finally...the Weekend!

New flip-flops!

This morning has been delightful. After a full 10 hours of sleep, I woke up refreshed and ready to explore. I rode my bide to venture into Tarsus, and I would consider it a fruitful trip: bought some cheapy flip-flops (had a conversation in Turkish); exchanged some USD (had a conversation in Turkish); bought some delicious baked goodies (had a conversation in Turkish);  stopped at school (shared said goodies with the guards in exchange for some tea and had a conversation in Turkish); met with Anissa, a fellow teacher who lives on campus, and decided we're pretty sure we're going to Bodrum for our October break (conversation in English); stopped at Migro, little grocery store, (conversation in Turkish), biked home! Whew! All before 12:30!

Don't get me wrong, my Turkish has a long way to go, but I feel fairly successful since I was able to accomplish my goals: flip-flops, money, breakfast, groceries. It's difficult not having a well of vocabulary to pull from, and it is interesting to see how people respond to my lack of language. Some say more in Turkish, so I simply nod, smile, shrug, spit out an "I don't know" move on. Some get louder as if I can't hear. Interesting tactic, yet ineffective. Some show off their limited English -- usually counting or "My name is..." This proves at least comical for both of us, and I know I have an understanding, receptive, helpful person. Finally, there is the person who knows I want to learn more and who tells me the Turkish words, points, and waits for me to repeat. I like the last two people.

New pedi!

Friday night was also great. I ended my first full week of teaching by meeting Suat Hanim (admin to the headmaster and extremely generous with her time) and Zamira (fellow teacher, neighbor, and new friend) to walk to get a manicure and a pedicure. Our first Turkish mani/pedi was fabulous, but even better was once Suat left us, we were on our own to navigate. The ladies at the salon were helpful as could be with suggestions for dinner; we both (Mira and I) wished we knew more Turkish, but we held our own. Looking forward to our next visit and conversation.

With freshly polished toes and fingers, we walked our way back to a greasy spoon for et tantuni (meat tantuni) and çıps (french frıes...of course with ketchup and mayonnaise). We had a delightful conversation wıth the owner with our broken Turkish and his "broken" English (far better than our Turkish). The evening could have only been better with a cold beer in hand!



New destination --Bodrum!

Tarsus Friends

Last week at school was work time. What exactly I'm supposed to be working on has been a bit of mystery, but I'm forging ahead with my normal get-ready-for-the-first-days-of-school routine. However on Friday, there seemed to be quite a frenzy from returning faculty. I felt like I was missing something, but I really don't know what exactly to expect; I figure if I can't get through the first week after 16 years of teaching, then there will be a bigger problem on Monday (tomorrow 10 Sept.). Wish me luck!

This morning after a delicous breakfast of pancakes, fruit, and some orange juice (potakall suyu), I biked to the local mall..oh yeah, here's the bike! Beauty, eh?

As most of you know, I don't regularly frequent the mall. I'm more of a thrift store gal, but I tell ya, there are some serious deals here in Turkey. There is a store called Kipa (said Keepa, like keep a secret) that reminds me of a super Target. I got quite a bit that was clearanced: dress for school (25 lira about $15), sandals (12.5 lira about $7). Best purchase but not at Kipa...brand new Nike tennis shoes for 67 lira...about $40. Not only good because they were a deal, but also I start tennis lessons tomorrow. Woohoo!

Yet, despite all this goodness, the best part of the day was on my bike trip home. It must be pepper (biber) season because I've seen people gathering outside their homes (ususally apartments in Tarsus) and seeding peppers. Not just a few peppers, but tons of peppers! Bags at least three feet tall full of peppers. Bags and bags of peppers! You can see there are actually two on the left in the picture. One is on the sidewalk and one is behind the two ladies.


Two sisters: the one on the right is Yaliz.
I'm not sure how to spell it.

I passed a family today -- right next to what I think is the neighborhood mosque -- and decided to stop and wish them "Kolay gel sin" ....may your work be light.

I asked if I could take some pictures in my ridiculously broken cavewomanish Turkish. Not only did they oblige,but they also tried to learn some English from my pocket phrase book. We talked for a bit ...me, again broken cave woman talk -- and I ended up joining in!

I stayed for awhile talking (um, yeah, at least trying!) and deseeding peppers, but I mostly listened and didn't understand. One of the younger girls ...probably middle school ...knew a little bit of English, and now the family wants me to practice English with her. At least I think that's what I got out of it!

 

It was an amazing experience. I felt extremely welcome; it was a nice way to get to know my neighborhood and to experience the kindness of the Turks. My impromptu meeting ended with a freshly brewed cup of çay (pronounced chai- it's tea, the natıonal drink of Turkey) which the sister on the left prepared. I have a feeling I'll be seeing them again.





Labor Day

I hope those of you in the States enjoyed Labor Day; I went to work. Labor Day in Turkey is May 1 and apparently a holiday with much history,  and it has only been recently celebrated again.

I must say I felt the last 24 hours have been quite fruitful: biked home from school yesterday (used a bike from the school), biked to school this morning (only was honked at once), ate İzmır grapes (delicious), asked the tech guy to install the printer on my laptop (successful), bought a bike at lunch (pink and purple -- pictures to follow), bought some olive oil (have no idea what the gentleman said to me -- smiled and nodded), observed exams being proctored (I'll have to do this next year), played some tennis at the Tarsus Tennis Club (nice outdoor clay courts), set up twice weekly tennis lessons with a fellow Tarsus teacher, ate left over salsa and refried beans...whew!

While I was busy, I felt like today I stepped out from the campus and started to get to know Tarsus and my community. There is still so much to learn; I'm sorry to keep repeating myself, but I'm still in awe of the learning. I swear my brain has grown in the last two weeks.

Just wanted to give everyone a quick update....Nothing insighful, but most of the day, I couldn't help but smile because I'm beginning to navigate things on my own... (well, I did take the translator with me for the bike purchase)...my learning is painfully slow and challenging, but I'm slowly gaining indepedence.

(Oh, and I learned how to insert a video into my blog! Sweet!)

Ahhh...Saturday!

You all are just getting your Saturday started to your long weekend. I'm just settling in to a quite evening with the AC cranked because it’s been ridiculously hot. I’m glad August is over in Turkey. I have not sweated so much in my entire life. (I actually had to look up the word ‘sweated’ because I didn’t know if it really was a word! It is.)

Walking outside my apartment results in immediately flat hair and a shine forehead...ugh. However, despite my aversion to 99 degrees and 1,000 percent humidity, I did venture out today. Four of us took the train to Mersin to get a few things at the mall. Sales abound as it’s back-to-school shopping time. Classes don’t start until September 10 here.

The walk to the train station in Tarsus took about 20 minutes; remember the 1,000 percent humitidy. Yeah, there won’t be any pictures of me until it cools off! :0  (There is more to the picture story, but perhaps for another post.)

 While the mall was good, and I did get a few sales (my new sandals were made in Turkey), my favorite part was coming back home and going to my local greengrocer and market.  By no means can I say my Turkish is even on a first grade level, I was able to say a few things and purchase the things on my list: karpuz, şeftali, domates, zeytin, ve kimyon (watermelon, peaches, tomatoes, olives, and cumin).



This is NOT my local greengrocer...This picture is from Istanbul.

Additionally, I was able to greet each person with a hello and good evening. The hard part comes when people start talking back to you. Ack! ;0 So much I don’t know, but not bad for my first venture out with the locals.

A week and then some...

I have learned so much in the last week. New language, new schedule, new campus, new apartment, new people, new city, new laundry instructions (I swear, it took over an hour and a half to do one load of laundry! But, I found the "Hizli 14" cycle. Laundry was done in 14 minutes! Hizli means fast, and I won't be moving the dial) I still do not know how to turn on my oven, but honestly, it's been too hot and humid to even think about cooking.

While it has only been a week, I have been impressed with the helpfulness of people. It doesn't feel like they are trying to impress you; they truly want you to be happy, to have a good experience, to like what you are doing, to enjoy your time here in Tarsus and in Turkey.

For example, one of the returning foreign staff members, Emily, remembered the crazy orientation schedule and suggested we (the new foreign staff) get a beach day instead of another day of shopping for our apartments. Mr. Hanna, the headmaster, asked our opinion and conceeded to the request. The school provided transportation - a bus that sat over 30- for anyone who wanted to go to Kizkalesi. Emily organized our group (14 attended) and even lent me a beach towel. Other members of our group were eager to point out attractions, lunch spots, and help secure lounge chairs -- with cushions.


A day of relaxing on the beach was greatly needed after the whirlwind of scheduled events. I spent the day swimming in the warm Mediterranean Sea with soft sand beneath my toes. I was able to swim out to the castle and spend some time trying to grasp the idea that I'm actually living in Turkey. Still so surreal to me. I asked the returning staff when it finally started to feel like home; they said it takes awhile. :)

You may be wondering why I was at the beach or shopping on a Thursday... 30 August is Victory Day when Turkey celebrates the victory over the Greeks in the Battle of Dumlupinar, a battle in the Turkish War of Independence in 1922. Yes, I hear firecrackers in the street near my apartment. What is is about independence and blowing things up?

*This is the same post on Facbook, so I apologiz if you've already read it. I promise my future posts won't be duplicates...

 

Hello, Friends! This has been one crazy week! Where to begin....Merhaba! That's hello in Turkish. I've learned some basic words, but I have not figured out how to navigate this keyboard wih all these extra symbols! Which means I can't log in to my email either! Oh my, what a steep learning curve!

I apologize for the longer post, but I have not had internet connection to post to Facebook or my blog.......in due time, in due time.

I left Denver on Sunday at 4:30pm and arrived in Tarsus via Denver to Chicago, Chicago to Istanbul, Istanbul to Adana, and a bus to my apartment .... yeah the one without internet...on Monday around midnight. Meeting on Tuesday at 9:00am...the driver arrived to pick up the four of us who live of campus. We were met with welcomes, smiles, and food. Tons of food...cheeses, breads...ekmet...simit, watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, coffee, tea. This is a typical European breakfast. So much food for our group! The good news is I won't starve! ;0

I'm sure you are all wanting pictures, but I have misplaced my camera and a few other technology items. Soon, I promise.

The week has been full of meetings, unpacking, setting up my apartment, Turkish lessons, training in Istanbul...that would make five flights in six days in case you were counting....more meetings, shopping for a bicycle and normal necessities, meeting new people, navigating a ridiculously crazy locking system on my front door...there are three locks which must be precisely turned three times and then I do the hokey pokey to unlock it...this does not include the locked door to the building which visitors are required to be buzzed into and the gate to the building. I'm safe. Repeat...I'm safe!

Just another example of my safety, Mira, my neighbor and fellow high school teacher, decided to walk home from school one day. We were fairly certain how to get home, but only by landarks as we don't know any street names yet. We got about five minutes from home, and we paused to discuss the final leg of our route. Our driver, Ramazan, pulled up along beside us. He had been secretly following us to insure our safe arrival home. I'm safe.

Again, I apologize for the length, the lack of pictures, and my rambling. Hope you all are doing well.

The last few weeks...

...have been more stressful than I imagined possible. I knew I was going to have to tackle a project every day this summer if I was going to feel prepared to move. But honestly, I'm starting to question how much longer my shoulders can reside in my ears!

I can't remember anything if I don't write it down -- although that isn't completely new! ;0 Sometimes I go to write something down, and before I even get to my never ending to-do list, I've forgotten what I was going to write down. I've also noticed I've been clenching my jaw...probably a bit of teeth grinding too.

Yesterday, I had some strawberry sorbet after lunch. Seems like a nice dessert, right? It was, but later that afternoon, I went to get something out of the fridge, and I had put the rest of the sorbet in the fridge.  Not such a good place for sorbet, but at least I caught it before it was a mess.

Just a few days ago, I thought I'd make some nachos. Nothing fancy - melted cheddar cheese on some tortilla chips. I put the pan in the oven on broil and then I went to write something down (see first paragraph as to why). I swear it wasn't a minute, but I actually had flames in my oven! I have *never* caught anything on fire in all my years of cooking. Oy vey! (Smoke alarms were averted, and no animals or people were harmed in the making of said nachos.)

I could continue with examples of my brain being too full of things to do, things I'm wondering about, things I'm looking forward to, and people I'm going to miss. But, I must get going on my to-do lists as this adventure is going to begin one week from today.

However, I will leave you with this stunning picture my friend Jill sent me. It's things (and people) like this that make me take a deep breath and know that everything will be fine... even if the sorbet melts. <breathe>

Facts about Turkey

If you're like me, I knew nothing about Turkey. I've found some interesting things in my research and thought I'd share. I'm sure there will be much more to learn! :0

Mstafa Kemal Ataturk

1. Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Anatolian remnants of the Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa Kemal, who was later honored with the title Ataturk, or "Father of the Turks."
2. Ataturk's picture hangs in every classroom in Turkey and statues of him are in every town.
3. He is credited with modernizing Turkey -- replacing the Arabic script of the Turkish language with Latin alphabet, granting women the right to vote in 1930s, amending relationships with bordering countries.
4. Turkey is bordered by four seas: the Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Marmara, and the Black Sea.

Bosphorus River

5. The population is over 70 million in Turkey -- 98% Muslim.
6. Half of the population live in cities; the four largest are Istanbul, Ankara (the capital), Izmir, and Adana. (Tarsus is about 40 minutes to the west of Adana).
7. The city of Istanbul is on two continents (Europe and Asia). It is separated by the Bosphorus River -- the narrowest strait used for international navigation.
8. Turkey, a NATO member and on good terms with Israel, has been a canditate for EU membership since late 2005.
9. The weather in Tarsus has all four seasons, so I'll need to pack my swimming suit and my turtlenecks although the winter is rather short and more rainy than snowy.
10. The Turkish monetary unit is the Turkish Lira (YTL). I'll be paid all in USD -- a portion of my paycheck with go into my US account and a portion will go into my Turkish account. The exchange rate as of today is 1 YTL to 1.80 USD.



I think that's enough learnin' for one day!

New Beginnings

I decided to start this blog to document my teaching in Tarsus, Turkey. Just in case you don't know where Tarsus is located, here's a map. :) It's about 30 minutes from the Mediterranean. Mersin (also seen on a map as İçel) and Adana are larger cities than Tarsus.

I got the job when I attended the International Teacher's Fair at the University of Northern Iowa. I know, international and Iowa don't usually go together, right? ;0 But honestly, the fair was amazing! So much energy and excitement. Once I was there, I knew I had to go.  I would highly recommend going to the fair if you have ever considered international teaching.

The school is Tarsus American College and is an IB school. I'll be teaching ninth and tenth graders literature and writing. All students in Turkey take a national test at the end of eighth grade. This test determines their placement into the first year of high school. Students have a five year high school with their first year preparing them for the next four years.

But, now that school is out in Greeley, Colorado, I'm just waiting....oh, and packing too! Packing and pitching! Ok, ok, I have been catching a few games too, but it seems like I have been going through stuff for ever!

And as I'm seeing Facebook postings about people who have already started their international adventure, I'm anxious to get going. But, for now, I must wait and pack.