In my run around for the Schengen, I feel Turkey got cheated out of a proper goodbye and a grateful one at that. Living and working in Istanbul was everything and more than I had expected. It’s one of those experiences that you keep slightly hidden at the back of your cupboard with your best bottle of scotch and bring it out only on rare … Continue reading Teşekkürler, Turkey
When I woke up this morning, I didn’t know where I was going to be sleeping tonight but definitely knew not anywhere in Turkey. My 4-month stint had ended on Sunday, my last day of teaching in Istanbul. As per the grand travel programme, I am now 1 month behind schedule and as I write this post I’m highly strung out from the events of the … Continue reading When Your Passport is Not The Right Color
I’m a very tit-for-tat person. Everything received must be paid back in twofolds. Heaven forbid if someone does anything nice for me, it will be an agonizing time for me and the people around me as I try to analyze and calculate exactly whyyy they had done that and how I could pay them back. I know I know…but its the way I am and … Continue reading Learning to Count Blessings
I have been spending my days off for the past couple of weeks in Sultanahmet and its surrounds which is the older part of the Istanbul city. Aya Sofia The Aya Sofia used to be a beautiful Basilica church that was converted and reconverted over time. I can’t believe that restoration works to this place only began in 1997. How could you as a nation be … Continue reading Old Istanbul
You know you are settling in well in your new town when you have 1. found your waxing lady and 2. found your favorite butcher! (they both respectively know not to cock my eyebrows and how small I want my meat chopped.) I’m not one to fall in love easily. Never have been. So its no big deal that I haven’t fallen in love with … Continue reading Finding your bearings
Merhaba from Istanbul! Because the last 4 days (only 4!) has been a whirlwind, it is impossible to write about the range of feelings and things that have happened. I believe once I have settled in – I will be able to deconstruct it all piece by piece. In tiny snippets, Istanbul so far – My apartment is not ready. Move aside fellow Fijians, the … Continue reading Merhaba Istanbul!
Where is Shyamni? 