What up!
So, I haven't blogged since I've been here. It should only be an indicator that I've having a great time and that finding an Internet connection in Izmit can be as difficult as finding a washroom with toilet paper.
After almost 20 hours of trekking to Turkey we arrived at the airport. The AIESECer who was "picking" us up showed us how to take the subway and then walk to the bus stop and take another bus to Izmit (our new 'hood). My intuition about my luggage being the biggest issue was spot on. As I dragged my bag through the streets of Istanbul, I noticed that my clothes were peeking out of the bottom. Yep, it ripped so I had to rely on the AIESECer to carry my body bag of clothes. I wish I could say I felt bad for the Turk but that's what you get for not coming with a car.
We arrived in Izmit and the same deal - had to carry the bag up the stairs of the "famous" bridge in Izmit. My first impression of the bridge was skewed to say the least. I arrived at my apartment - which is central in the city - and then had to walk up another five flights of stairs with my travelling caravan of luggage. Once I stepped foot in the door of the apartment, I booked it to the washroom so I could see what I'd be dealing with. I was so relieved to see that there was a real toilet! My excitement for modern plumbing was quickly robbed of me when my "flatmate" told me in broken English that it was broken. She then showed me the "WC" - it even sounds more luxurious than it really is. It's a hole in the floor. I expected to encounter this - but there when there is a real toilet two doors down it is a little difficult to accept. I guess in Turkey the motto is "if it's broke, don't fix it". The Turks just shrug their shoulders and say "what can I do sometimes"? Um, the answer ... call the freaking landlord! I should count my blessings because although there isn't an oven, there is electricity.
All the Turks tell us that the city is small and boring. I would compare the city to Ottawa - big enough that you're not bored and small enough to navigate. It suits me. I have started to feel at home - although having a closet or a dresser would be a little bit more to my liking. I would also appreciate more widespread use of deodorant - especially on the buses. It was hot - like I'm melting hot for the first few days. It has started to cool down to a mild 27 - 29 degrees.
Of course, there isn't a cup of regular coffee to be found in this place. Just Nescafe and coffee whitener - I still drink it like its water, or Diet Coke in my case. Jayson and I have found a little cafe by the AIESEC office and work. The owner and his friend are so assumed by Canadians. They invited us to watch their performance of traditional Turkish music. Hizmet, the "Izmit idol" sang "Black Train" and "Yellow Rose" for us, the owner, his wife, his parents and one admirer. They always invite us to come to their home or go across the bay for ice cream.
The food is delish - and mayo is standard on everything. Black pepper is a rare commodity - which is horrible. We drink the standard Turkish beer "Efes". I'm told it is the best Turkish beer - like I care, I've always been more concerned with quantity versus quality. Plus, drinking beer helps me sleep on my concrete mattress and sometimes lets me sleep through the drummer boy who strolls the city during the wee hours of the morning during Ramazan to wake up everyone to eat before sunrise. I don't even feel the littlest of guilt about the beer consumption with all the walking and sweating I've done. South Beach Diet? Why bother - I assure all the women in the world that the Turkish diet produces results. There are so many hills in this place that you feel like you have hit the gym all day, everyday.
I don't think that I will ever get used to the pace of life here. It is slowwwww. It seems like everyone is doing something but not too much gets done. The cafes are as crowded as if it was the last day tea and Turkish coffee were available. The communication is less than desirable - and not because of the language barrier. The AIESECers tell us as little as possible. Also, there is a real absence of conversation. You ask a question to generate conversation but you get a one word answer and then watch a Turkish conversation flow like nothing else while you sit there. Thank god for the interns!
All the other interns feel the same and we just chill with them all the time. They are from China, Egypt, Brazil, Russia, Japan, Ukraine, Chile, Slovenia and Indonesia. There is a real sense of friendship between all the interns. The cultural exchange has been amazing! It is so amusing to see the reactions of the locals with a pack of internationals wandering the streets. Yes, some people in the world have blue eyes - now stop staring!
Alright - I'm out but will blog tomorrow about our trip to Istanbul this weekend! Hoschakal!
Nothing but love, Britney
