breakthrough

This may seem very small but to me its huge. I am on holiday right now, and this morning I decided I would treat myself to Starbucks and work on my Turkish. As I left my apartment and began up the big hill to the main road, I am used to keeping my head down and just walking. Its sad b/c I am so used to keeping my eyes up and making eye contact with those around me in the USA, not the case here. You regret it if you make eye contact. Its funny becasue in the US if I was walking home late at night by myself my eyes would be up and looking around constantly. Here if i'm walking home late at night my eyes are to the ground. Anyways.... back to the story. I walked out and was passing the little market next to my house and the shop worker actually said good morning to me! (in turkish of course) but I'm starting to be recognised! I'm not just the stupid tourist any more. I know "good morning" could have just been a friendly act said to anyone. but i was definitly taken aback.

My break has been good. I have a friend visiting from Saudi Arabia. He was in my Italy class with me and now is teaching there. It has been absolutely amazing to hear his stories about teh culture there. It has also been really nice to have someone to do touristy things with. We realized that our countries probably celebrate the same holidays so we could go travel together on the breaks!

I finally posted pictures, so check them out. I'm off to get other things accomplished !