Get on a plane, leave the country, live there for four and a half months and pay rent – all for the first time and by myself? Challenge accepted. I just had to get out the country and experience a different, non-westernized culture. I wanted to be somewhere that was unfamiliar to me – language, food, traffic, social norms, religion… you name it.
Keep in mind: I had zero living and transportation arrangements, despite working in the International Programs Center of UNCG. I did not want to live on campus nor did I want a roommate, so I was determined to find a place of my own. Thankfully, everything I wanted fell in place. Aslı, a friend of an acquaintance named Cansu, picked me up from the airport and I stayed with Cansu for a few days until I found a studio.
The studio apartment was right next to my university (which was Yeditepe) in Kayışdağı Mahallesi, Ataşehir/Istanbul.
Note: The first thing I noticed was the traffic – it was like organized chaos. Many drivers disregarded the road markings, signs and red lights (only if there were no approaching cars). Initially, I was scared to cross the street. You learn to go when you see others move and eventually, you get the hang of things.
I realized how much UNCG held my hand through-out my college experience, when I expected the same student-catering atmosphere at Yeditepe. I thought I would have to figure out many things on my own. Fortunately, there was a group on campus that assisted incoming international students with residence visas, tours, parties (super important), transportation cards, classes and much more.
Another note: There are many stray cats and dogs in Turkey, so keep that in mind if animals make you nervous. They walk around rather closely and the city is theirs! You may catch a cat snoozing on the patio of a bar or see a dog asleep in the front yard of a business. They’re really nice!
If I wasn’t in class or enjoying quiet time in my studio, then you could find me:
- on a group trip,
- a kickback,
- face-timing at the Kafeinhous Coffee,
- at one of many bars (…just to socialize),
- Taksim Square,
- Kadıköy (relaxing by the Bosporus) or
- İstiklal Caddesi
Here’s a not-so-fun fact: Smiling can be interpreted as somewhat… suggestive toward some men, so be mindful! I smile a lot when I’m nervous but I also don’t break eye contact, so I can kinda see how it’s perceived, though I don’t agree with it. I’m not justifying any inappropriate advances nor am I suggesting anyone change themselves. Just be cognizant of how your expressions and mannerism may be perceived. Yes, that includes clothing.
Speaking of clothing – I guess it doesn’t matter what you wear. I was once sitting by the Bosporus by myself, in broad daylight, wearing all black (leather jacket, leggings and tennis shoes) and – to keep a long story short – a man tried to offer food and money for sex. For the life of me, I didn’t understand why ANYONE would approach a woman sitting alone in daylight and make such a request. Perhaps it was caused by his perception of African American women due to the media and the fact that I was alone? I still try to make sense of it to this day.
On a lighter note – I’d like to mention Çağan Kahraman, my “abi” or older brother. He gave me the run down on many things. I met him while he studied abroad at UNCG, fall semester of 2014. We took a road trip to İzmir, his hometown. I got to meet his family and check out some local areas. İzmir was beautiful and so were its people. I felt much more “free” in İzmir – perhaps because there were less buildings and people – I LOVED it.
I experienced different modes of transportation during my stay. In the middle photo, just above this section, we were on a large ship that carries cars under the deck. I was amazed because I’d never seen a thing like it before! There is also the Mamaray that goes under the Bosporus Strait and “dolmuş“, which are small buses packed full of people.
While in the Eastern Hemisphere, I knew I had to visit another country – time was running out. Some of the international students I spent time with were planning a trip to Greece. Despite being low on funds, I opted in and I’m so glad I did! Traveling to this side of the world is pricey and there was no guarantee I would be back soon, so why not?! We booked our plane ticket, headed to Athens and stayed in a hostel (this was my first time staying in one and expected the worse but it was actually pleasant). I think most people have reservations about booking a hostel because it sounds just like “hostile”. Anyway, the trip highlights were The Acropolis of Athens (Parthenon and Colosseum, too), the penile figures and key-chains, and the island Aegina. I met a Alpha Kappa Psi brother (from California) while in Greece which I did not expect at all, until I remembered that it is the largest business fraternity.
My hair suffered in Greece – but it was my own fault. I had no moisturizer nor did I have any oil. Just water… my hair was oh-so dry. Never again will I make such a horrendous mistake.
I came across some great personalities and interesting people, however; there is one person I met much too late during my stay. His name is Ömer Taş. We explored a handful of sites and a few desserts too, like pişmaniye, künefe, lokma and baklava. He took so many pictures and whenever I look at them I feel such strong nostalgia. Towards, the end, Ömer really made Turkey feel like a second home. Even as I type this, I feel sad because I left so much beauty and warmth behind… I truly wish I had stayed a little longer. ◊
Zaira Viteria 