It's very hard for me to believe that I have been here for a month and that my traineeship is half over! And, in that time, I have seen no rain. I have learned so much about myself since I have been here and I have enjoyed the freedom. The past week has been spent preparing and teaching English courses for the AIESECers here in the office. It may seem simple because English is my native language, but trying to explain why a term is used in English has been incredibly challenging. Add to the situation the fact that the students are at different English levels and a simple task becomes more difficult. I go in again today to talk about American culture at a language school which is usually really fun.
I want everyone to know that I am completely fine and safe despite what has happened at the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul. People do not automatically know that I am not Turkish/American (unless I start talking) so I am safe in my anonymity. Hopefully, an event like this will not happen again while I am in Turkey or after I leave.
At night, I usually run around with AIESEC friends and trainees until I have to catch the bus home. Elysia and I have made it a point to return to a particular cafe for their baklava. At the suggestion of her host father, we went back to the cafe to get baklava with ice cream and pistachio baklava. Yummy. A lot of the time we just wander around trying to get lost (not really lost, just to where we have to think about where we are) and taking in all the sights and sounds of the city. Yesterday we went up to Topane (which means arsenal) and tried Iskender kebab at a little restaurant. We both agreed it was delicious. I will pretty much try any kind of food here and I just cross my fingers that it doesn't make me really sick!
Most importantly, this weekend I am heading off for Antalya on the Mediterranean coast! We are actually staying in Olympos in tree houses so this should really be an experience. Apparently the beach is one of the longest pebble beaches in the world and it looks beautiful. The only catch - a 9 hour bus ride overnight tonight and Sunday night, but we will make the most of our few days at the sea! I'll try to post and put up pictures as soon as I get back on Monday! For now, look at the pictures I put up from Mudanya and a couple of city walks. :)
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2 comments:
I've got Bursa on my "USA Today" site (instead of Cincinnati -- of course I know what the weather is here!), so I've been seeing all the sunny/partly cloudy/fair/clear forecasts. When I check in really early in the day, it's about 90 degrees there. When I check in later in the day, it's around 70 degrees -- so I know it's nighttime.
I hope your weekend trip was good. How was the pebble beach?
Love, Mom & Dad
Natalie,
We are enjoying reading your accounts of Bursa. It sounds like you are really experiencing the country side and will make an excellent tour guide. I am impressed with your new food choices. I wasn't so brave when Uncle Fred and I went to Europe. Enjoy the rest of your stay. Our thoughts are with you.Uncle Fred and Aunt Paula
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