A Canuck's Experiences in the City of Two Continents
Arrival in Turkey: September 1998
How many days I had to prepare before I started teaching: the weekend
Where my first apartment was: Buyuksehir - off the E-5 heading towards Buyukcekmece
First School: English Time
How much was my first salary: About $600 US per month, apartment included
My Roommates: Two Canadians both from Ottawa
How long it took me to venture into Sultanahmet: over a month
How long it took me to prepare for my first class: Hours and hours!
What my students thought of my first class: They thought I spoke too fast.
Greatest moment ever: The "surprise" birthday party thrown for me by first class.
Worst moment ever: Death of a fellow teacher (Bill); also the 7.4 August 1999 earthquake; Another account here
Was I ever pickpocketed: Yes, but it was my own fault and they took my decoy wallet.
Reason for leaving ET: Molly left. She was replaced by Evil Murat.
What I thought of my first hamam: Like a giant marble beehive, except for the half-naked Turk pummelling the hell out of you
First UEFA experience: Turkey won. Shots were fired. I hit the deck and crawled to my room-mates. They had a good laugh and filled me in on the overriding importance of soccer in Turkey.
Most interesting drink: Vefa Boza
How many Camels I saw: One. Well, half of one's rear-end in Cappadocia as it strolled away with its ten-year old owner. They refused to let me take a picture of it without paying. Thus I shot its rear end.
Best Vacation in Turkey outside of Istanbul: Tie between Cappadocia and Fethiye, and Selcuk, but Ayvalik was pretty cool too. Tough to narrow down.
Was I stared at: On a daily basis. I am plus-sized. That made me stand out. Plus I was somewhat of a moron from time to time, causing people to glance at me with consternation and puzzlement.
Favourite Activity to Do on Days Off: Walking the quayside at Bakirkoy, catching a movie (cheaply) or going to Sultanahmet to do something touristy like listening to Classical music in the Underground Sistern, or hopping on a ferry-boat to Buyukada, or hanging out in Taksim
