So much can happen in just a couple of days... Turkey remains an adventure... Who would have thought just getting a package could lead to a trip to the back door of a post office? Or, asking to hang out in another country (ie: residency visa) could lead to not one, not two but three trips to the not so local police station? That's right... I am finding my way around a new country and without a sense of humor, I'd be at the airport, crying, asking for a one-way flight to anywhere! So, in all, Turkey isn't for the faint hearted, nor is it for those in the "high-maintainance" department. Sorry. No time for all that.

The post office, although a lot like what one would expect - you know - mail in and out, people waiting in line for stamps, sorta thing. Yeah... so not happening here. First, don't use the front door - are you kidding? One needs to know who to talk to and where he (yes, it's almost always a He) is located - in this instance - in the back, a hole-in-the-wall, office. So as you are looking for your package - you might want to know when it was sent and do the math... you don't get notification of arrival. If you did, that would put too much pressure on the folks that pilfer through your packages! We wouldn't want to rush their "inspection" - afterall who would

know what they might want to take, I mean "need", for themselves. Maybe some clothes? Maybe a DVD or two? or Maybe, just maybe the MnMs your mom sent you. Don't worry, when you pick up your package, it will be "resealed" with PTT tape (The Turkish Customs/Postal System "official" tape) and you will be left remnants of your original package (ie: custom slip with "clothes" on it, or empty MnM boxes). Unfortunately, the rules of "mail" are not the same here as in the United States and most other civilized countries.

And, dealing with the police... ha ha; Alcohol may be required. Well, that depends. It depends on 1. how much you HATE public transportation and 2. if you can lie- I mean, think- on your feet. Yes, I hate public transportation almost as much as I hate having unnecessary surgery (I tend to avoid that at ALL costs) and as for thinking on my feet - I'm good, however, I have less than s

ix weeks of Turkish. Enough said. Thankfully, a big smile can go a long way. Although, smiling too much can lead to a "friendly recommendation" of not smiling - never know what others might think if you are smiling. (Isn't that the best reason to smile? You know, the old adage... Smile, so others can wonder what you are thinking/ are up to?)

The first trip to the Police Station was interesting, the second, boring (as well as entirely too long) and the third, a trial. I'm just glad it's over and I don't have to return for at least a few months, besides, the head- chick- in- charge scared me - for those that know me, that's hard to do. (And her English wasn't the best, however, there was no way you could misinterpret what she was trying to say.) Wow!!

Other than that experience, Turkish people are great. Okay, the people in Turkey that I have met are fantastic. Most are very friendly and want to be helpful (if they spoke my language, they would be). I like the food, although what they call meat here is more like, well, it's not your angus beef from Texas. It's good, however, I'm seriously considering becoming a vegetarian. I have nothing against a good steak, God knows, I'd eat it, if there was one available... so, it looks like stuffed grape leaves and cheese are the main courses. I will say this, I had dinner tonight out in town and it only cost $4 and it was awesome!! I had cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese (three different types), stuffed grape leaves (vegetarian), a cucumber sauce (it kicked butt) as well as toasted bread. I had some kind of dessert as well and it looked like fudge but was a little different - very rich, very chocolate and very good. I had all of this as well as fresh squeezed orange juice ... life is good. I was full and, did I mention the price? OMG! I'm liking this. :)

In all, I have to admit, with so much happening already, I am SO looking forward to seeing what Turkey can throw at me in the near future... I will say this, bring it on! Better make it interesting as well... :)

Stay tuned...