This afternoon was my first ceramics class in Turkish! I know what you are thinking… just what the world needs, another homemade vase… right? However, it was really fun and I promise that whatever I make stays with me.

The great part was getting my hands dirty and creating something.  The instructor spoke a bit of English and she was very patient. The class is in a craft center by the Haghia Sophia…yes that is my hood now. There are different types of workshops there as well as a small café and gift shop.

Not sure if I mentioned it before, but the taxi drivers in Istanbul are AWFUL. Every now and then I get a good one, but man, total thieves. You really need to know where you are going or they will take you on the scenic route. My point in writing this is that today I was able to tell the cabbie which way to go. He was headed for the longest way possible and I promptly corrected him. It’s the difference between a $6 ride verses a $20 one. Yeah me!

Since branching out is a focus for me right now, it was wonderful being in this center, outside of the ex-pat zone, and just living in Turkey. Even walking home, I stumbled upon this great art studio. This city just continues to inspire and surprise me.

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