Jan. 5th, 2005 09:16 am
This might actually happen!
My family had exchange students beginning my senior year of high school and continued on for the next seven years or so. Mind you, some years there was nobody, one year there was two. Well, our second girl, Basak from Turkey is getting married in the summer and she has invited my parents and I (and M.) to attend! Well, how often do you get invited to a real turkish wedding? Hell, yeah I want to go. The date is going to be sometime in the latter half of June, which I think can work. There is even rumor that the plane tickets might not cost an arm and a leg.
I really want to do this. I've talked about travel and going abroad but when there's an event to focus on, it makes it all seem more likely. And we should have enough time to plan and save.
I really want to do this. I've talked about travel and going abroad but when there's an event to focus on, it makes it all seem more likely. And we should have enough time to plan and save.
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#8^D~
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2 - There are ancient christian chapels in certain areas of the country, if ancient mosaics and such like that interest you, it can be interesting to see where early christians worshipped (even I wouldn't mind seeing that again, and you know how I feel on the subject).
3 - Be careful what shoes you wear outside. Some shoeshine boys weren't all that discriminating on what polish they smeared on your shoes before you could object. They can ruin the color on any pair of shoes (even running shoes) before you notice.
4 - Separate your money and be familiar with the bills before you let any vendor see them when haggling over a price... change isn't an option with some vendors.
5 - Enjoy the scenery, Turkey was a interesting place when I was there a couple of times (though the leather jackets are prone to badly stitched lining and really thin material just waiting to tear), however it was much better outdoors in the fresh air than in close quarters with some folks.
6 - The Covered Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) in Istanbul (if you find yourself near there) is truly an awesome sight. Streets of gold, silver, rugs, spices, etc. surround you enticingly.
7 - Knockoff products are available in abundance. At the time Hugo Boss, perfumes and some sports label was really popular. None of it was real [grin].
8 - I hope you are fed better than I was when I visited. Turkey is where I learned that subsistence on bread alone, while not the most pleasant, is possible.
That's all I can remember of it all, or at least the publicly available parts [chuckle]. I hope you get the chance to explore.