Unexpected Pleasures

WOW!! It's July already! This year is just flying by! I can hardly believe I have been here in Turkey for almost four months. I can say that my Turkish has improved since my arrival... I can tell when Turks breath between words now... jk ... actually, I can understand much of what is being said. The language seems to be focused on verbs... now that I can recognize those, I'm doing fairly well.

The weather continues to get hotter... I'm starting to get used to it. What else can you do? Actually, I'm sporting a fierce tan - one not unlike those I used to work for in my youth. I have no desire to get darker but riding my bike and enjoying the outdoors as much as possible works against me there. No matter... too much to see and do!

My flat has become home. I have perde - curtains. I know, the first time in my life that I've hung curtains on my own... normally, I go without but it's necessary here. :) I've actually cooked in my apartment as well. Scary but true. Don't worry, it was only breakfast after all, I don't have a stove in my flat. I just have a hot plate (which is more than enough). ha ha

I've managed to travel, locally... I've made it to the Black Sea (Karpe) again, Gebze, and Degemendere. (spelling?) The Black Sea was lovely - I went swimming and hung out with some friends. The day was perfect, the sea was cool and the company, very nice.

In Gebze, I was able to join a "coming of age" celebration. It was a traditional celebration with music, dancing, family and fun! The music was traditional Turk Folk Music ... something that I've found here, many of the villages have area traditional dances ... everyone learns them and everyone, young and old, gets out and dances. Needless to say, I was dancing all night. It was wonderful.

One thing that I found really inspirational... belly dancing. That's right, the traditional belts with the "jingles" on them were found and the castinettes brought out. I even wore the belt and did my own belly dance! Evidently, I did it fairly well, I had money tucked into my belt ... by women. :) No hour workout in a gym could do more for you than a half hour of belly dancing! WOW!

Across the bay in Degemendere is a lovely, seaside town. The people are laid back with an air of "Carpe Diem". The food is very good and everyday is an outside market that sells wears from around the area. Many pieces of handmade jewelry can be found here, metals and leathers. For an afternoon of meandering and browsing, this is the perfect place to go. :)

Life remains great here in Turkey... I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to explore even more of Turkey ... I'm loving it, especially the dancing! Who knew???