Moving to a new country has its ups and downs. Even with all of the events and activities the school plans, it can be difficult. I really miss my family and friends. Making true friends takes time and effort. Although all of the people I work with and have met so far are really nice, right now, it just feels like a lot of small talk and polite conversations. All of that is great, but I just miss hanging out with people I know and who know me. So when I woke up this morning, I planned on just running some…

Currently, there are five… wait, make that six Turkish men in my apartment and it’s a Friday night.  Wouldn’t the women in the headscarves be scandalized!?! Did I mention that? Some, not all, of the ladies that wear the headscarves actually look down on Western women. These particular ladies think all Westerners have loose moral values.  All of us. Whatevs. Since I have been here, I have received several of these looks or treated like I wasn’t there, particularly if they are in groups, as well as being cut in line… of course they have priority. Well, the men in…

Overall, I feel pretty safe in my new city. For the most part, people leave me alone unless I am at a street market or around tourist areas. I just keep on walking and don’t worry too much about being too nice. Some of these guys can be relentless. It’s interesting to me because in China, I felt invisible. This is not the case here. This morning I went to an area that is falling apart and getting torn down for more commercial abodes and businesses. However, my understanding is the people are who are living there now are being…

I wonder if it is the call to prayer that makes Istanbul so charming.  This city is vibrant. The food has been one great meal after another, the sights are fantastically ancient, and the number of people walking around brings back memories of Hong Kong.  And like any city there is construction, loud neighbors, and traffic. Let me tell you that Los Angeles is the minor leagues as far as congestion is concerned. But I mention the call to prayer because despite all of the hustle, steep cobblestone alleyways, and the sometimes-crushing crowds, there is a chill vibe that resonates…

There are moments of true uncomfortableness when moving to a new country. The journey itself can be challenging. I can’t think of anyone who enjoys long lines at passport control or waiting by the baggage carousal hoping their bags pop out after about 20 hours of travel. So when I woke up early the other morning, I was a tad disoriented when I realized the electricity was off. Who should I call? How does the phone work? How long do I wait? Is this normal or should I be worried? Where do I go if there is an emergency? Why…