It’s nearly my four anniversary living in Turkey. Can’t believe how time flies. I have truly enjoyed my life living here. I moved to Izmir last year and love it here. I feel at home here, especially during the pandemic. These are strange times and the world seems like a scary place right now. So having a place to call home is very important for your well-being. I have felt completely safe living here, especially during the pandemic. Most people are abiding by the mask and social distance rules. However, it’s been a year and I feel as though most people, not just Turkish people, but people around the world as well, are tired of being inside and wearing masks. It doesn’t bother me in any way, so I wear mine and abide by the rules. I hope everyone stays safe and we will overcome this soon, hopefully.
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Greetings from Turkey! Turkiye'den selamlar! It is hard to believe that I have been living here for a year already. Today marks my one year anniversary of living abroad in Turkey. This has been a great experience in so many ways. I have fully embraced living amongst the Turkish culture and learning the language. Turkish culture is very deep and traditional in its roots, dating back to the Ottoman Empire.
While, Turkish people are open and friendly, often happy to meet foreigners, they are very old fashioned in beliefs and traditional customs. For example, if you find yourself getting a cold or the flu, they typically will tell you to drink herbal tea or eat a special soup, made of lamb feet and brains. Yes, you heard this correctly. They do believe that eating this foot and brain soup will help cure a cold. I have never and will never eat that. I do not eat meat or fish, so I will gladly take a pass on the soup. In addition, some Turkish people believe that air conditioning makes you get sick. Every Turk knows that summers here are brutal, literal hell, as temperatures often reach 100 degrees F. Air conditioning is a must here, especially in the summer humidity. We all know that air conditioning does not cause you to get sick, but good luck trying to tell a Turk that. It is learning these little quirks about the Turkish culture, that I have enjoyed the past year. This year has been filled with great travel memories as well as some bumps in the road. It was through these bumps that I have managed to find my strength, resilience and became a more patient and understanding person. Patience and understanding for a different culture is absolutely necessary, not only for my own personal growth, but for the Turkish people I interact with, as well as the friends I have met while living here. I am always going to be American, but I am learning that nationality, religion, culture is all intertwined. Turkish people have the same problems as Americans. There are many similarities as there are differences. This is perfectly O.K. After all, we are all human. I gear up for another year here, I am grateful for this experience and thankful to call Turkey my home! So....Sonra gorusuruz (See you later)! Greetings from Mersin, Turkey. I have been back in Mersin for almost 3 months now and come to call this place my home. It took me returning to the United States to realize that living there is just not for me anymore. My heart was in Turkey and missed it so much that I started to make the transition to living full-time in Mersin. I am happy to be back and thoroughly love this country, the people, the culture, the lifestyle, and traveling to different cities. Just like anything else, it has it challenges. Language is the biggest problem. Not everyone speaks English but I do manage just fine and would't say it hinders me from doing anything. The other challenge is squat toilets. Yes, I said squat toilets! They are my worst nightmare! Most cities and villages all have squat toilets even though it's 2018. I am slowly becoming a master squatter. On another note....while you're in Mersin, you must try tantuni; a local food like a kebap. Be careful, they are addicting just like the çay.
If anyone has been to Mersin or Turkey, share in the comments section. I would love to hear from you. As we say here....Sona görüsürüz (see you later)! Günaydin from Türkiye! I have been living in Turkey for almost two months now. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and will be sad to leave next month. I have met some wonderful new friends, love the history and learning about Turkish culture, while trying to tackle learning Turkish. I must say, Turkish is a difficult language to learn, but I am determined to learn it for when I return. Yes, I am already planning a return trip to Turkey because it is just so beautiful here. It has everything from mountains to crystal clear blue seas. The coast line and beaches are simply breathtaking. When you get tired of swimming, you can simply relax by sipping on the endless cups of çay (tea). Çay is life as the Turks say. Çay is a way of life just as ekmek (bread) is. Çay is offered everywhere you go here in Türkiye, from cafe's and restaurants to the local chemists and furniture store. If you do not accept a cup of çay, it is a form of disrespect to the Turks. One of the endearing sounds of Türkiye is the clinging of the glass when stirring your çay. You must stir with vigor and make a lot of noise. You will often hear this sound in the background while even sitting at home. The call to prayer is also heard throughout the day. While Türkiye is different in some aspects from the United States, I feel completely safe and at home here. Türkiye has simply captured my heart and so has the Turkish people and culture. I love it here and wish I didn't have to leave. But, as they say in Turkish, dönecegim (I will be back).
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