Monday, October 15, 2012

T-Minus 1 Month

Well, I have officially been here for 1 month as of today. It doesn't seem like it's been that long, but saying that I still have 10 more months seems a lot longer, but I know that it's going to go by so quickly. Some of my highlights so far have been going to Cesme, which was some of the best swimming I have ever done. Ephesus, which was the most beautiful ancient structure I have ever seen, and yesterday when I got lost on a mountain with my Brazilian friend while we were exploring an ancient castle. I am really looking forward to Thursday which is when we start our road trip to Cappadocia.

While I've been here I have learned a lot about Turkish culture and the language. There are some differences and some similarities. Here is a list of some of the differences.


  • Going barefoot here isn't a thing. I always get told to put on shoes whenever I go outside the house.
  • They don't ware seat belts.
  • Turk's are incredibly patriotic about their country. They are even more patriotic about America than most American's are.
  • Instead of greeting each other with a hug, it's a kiss on each cheek.
  • Everyone is very hospitable, people you just meet will offer to buy you a cup of tea or offer you some sort of food.
  • When it comes to school, you stay in the same classroom for the whole day instead of moving around.
  • A bottle of water here is about 30 cents. 
  • I've figured out that the Turkish grammar structure is the same as Yoda's
  • There are a lot of stray dogs and cats on the streets here. 
I often get asked the question "Do you miss home?" I miss things from home, but not home entirely. I miss my kitty Joey, since none of the cats here are big enough, or fluffy enough to take his place. I miss the rain, but I guess everyone back home has missed it too from what I've heard. Mostly I miss not being able to share Oregon State's 5-0 season with my dad, since this season means a lot to all Beaver fans, and it's a shame not having anyone to share it with. Anyways, I can't wait to see what the rest of my exchange is like, but if it is anything like the past month, then it is going to be amazing. 

Guruscuruz
-Torvald

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