not so free day

Today was my first day free from English Time (the school I’m working for) and it was in no way actually free from English teaching. I thought today would be a day of wandering by myself. In no way did that happen except maybe the first hour. I woke up and got ready. I looked for some apartments, one had a great view but was kind of gross for the amount they were asking. Had it been cheap I would have done it no problem. Then I was searching out the next location I was going to look at, but I was really hungry so I found a little café where I ordered who knows what and started to eat. During that time I got a phone call from a person who wanted to meet up, where I had to be there in 10 mins and I had forgotten we had plans. The language barrier had confused me whether we were actually meeting up or not. I quickly paid and left to meet this friend.

He is the friend of the friend I met last time I was in Istanbul. I almost stayed at his house which would have been one metro stop closer. The first thing him and his friend did was buy a dictionary to communicate with me for the day, which I thought was hilarious, and very much needed. It came in handy!

We went to get tea, I played backgammon with his friend and they taught me the game that is played on the other side of the board. They then took me to get more food ( I wasn’t very hungry but I think its rude if I didn’t eat when they offered.

We then naturally went out for tea (seriously I’m going to be the biggest tea addict ever when I get back) and they walked me to the apartment I’m looking at. I liked the girl who I was talking with so I emailed her tonight telling her I was interested. It isn’t the pretties place, but I liked the room that was going to be mine. I suppose I can deal with everything else. I can try to make it homey! I will be making money soon!

I was then told to rush home b/c the guys I live with were making me dinner. I got home and hung out with them, they finally got me a set of keys and an Ethernet chord. I feel bad that I am leaving now, but I hope they knew that was possible. I mean it takes me an hour to get to class!

I realized within the last few days that some of the teachers have been here for awhile and still don’t know any Turkish. How are they surviving? I’ve also realized that they are all hanging out with each other. Americans clump together, the same thing happened in Italy. Americans clumped together. What is it with us that we need the comfort of our own kind constantly surrounding us?

I kind of decided that I wont live with the other girl from my school. To much English Time drama. Too much Americanism. I have to constantly check myself to make sure I’m hitting my goals of being abroad. This was a very big factor when looking at housing. I do like the guys I live with now, but its not suitable for me. Hopefully this will work out soon!

Oh and I just got an email from my head teacher about a private student tomorrow. The email was no help. Location is made up i believe, I dont understand the level. but i get paid a lot more. It better not be super far away!