So I have officially been in Turkey for over 10 weeks. I am now more comfortable here. My host family and I are getting along really well, I am starting to carve out my niche at school, I am learning more of the layout of the city and can navigate with public transportation, and even feel comfortable venting about Istanbul’s TERRIBLE traffic! I have been told that my Turkish is good, but communication continues to have barriers. I am still working on building my vocabulary, and mastering the suffixes, but people seem to appreciate my effort. My host Rotary club loved that I made my short introductory speech in Turkish! I am also complimented often on my pronunciation- some people do not realize I am not Turkish until they say something to me that I don’t understand. My Turkish friends like it when I speak Turkish- especially when I get the verb tense and suffix right! Many of them speak to me in English. I would prefer people to speak to me in Turkish, but I know that it can be frustrating to get me to understand and many of them like to practice their English as well! I REALLY appreciate those people at school who try to speak to me in Turkish. I know for certain that if I want to establish stronger relationships with my Turkish friends (and be able to laugh at the lunch table!) I HAVE to get better at Turkish.
Before I continue with my report, however, I want to apologize for the long gap between my entries. I was very busy with college applications, and it was consuming a lot of my time. I am really thankful for my host family’s patience, especially my host mom because she tried to be as understanding and accommodating as she could, even though she only vaguely understood the process of U.S. admissions. I realized how radically different the admissions process is in the U.S. compared with other parts of the world. In Turkey, an exam, the OSS, determines your admission to University. Prep work for the exam starts in high school, and then senior year students enroll in classes after school and do intense studying to prepare for the exam, which is in the spring of their senior year.
So, because so much time has passed since my last entry, I am going to list some events that have happened since then.
September 11th – 13th: Rotary Youth Exchange Orientation
All the exchange students spent a weekend at a hotel playing games and going over Rotary rules. It was the first time we all met each other! We had a tour of the historical city on our last day. We went to the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and a Cistern. To conclude the weekend was a host family dinner, where the exchange students put on a very entertaining talent show. I was really happy that I also had a chance to meet Irem’s parents, the exchange student who is currently in Rochester.
September 14th – September 30th: Turkish Language Course
All the students on the Asian side and all the students on the European side split into two groups and attended Turkish classes for two weeks, then were sent off to start school on November 1st!
September 26: Day trip to Buyuk Ada (one of Istanbul’s Islands) with my host parents and our family friends!
October Events:
Ataturk Lecture sponsored by one of the Roteract clubs.
All the exchange students met in Taksim on the European side of Istanbul and attended a lecture about the history of Ataturk, given by one of Turkey’s premier historians and University professors!
Exchange Student Trip to Buyuk Ada sponsored by Rotex
I got to go to Buyuk Ada for the 2nd time! It is beautiful there. If you climb up the island a little, you can see an AMAZING view of Istanbul and the Marmara Sea. My favorite view was looking out to the Marmara Sea. You can see the greenery and forest trees on the island, then it is just crystal blue water all the way to the horizon! You look at that view and forget all your troubles. We had a great time, except for the bikes that we rented to bike up the island were complete trash! So many of them broke, or were just barely working. The only transportation options on the Island are bikes, walking, or horse carriges. There are no cars!
International IB Theory of Knowledge Conference at Eyuboglu High School
Every year, my Turkish high school hosts IB students from different countries for a weekend IB conference. Students and teachers present on a variety of different topics. Schools from places like Norway, Sweden, Jordan, Dubai, Ankara (capital of Turkey) came and were hosted by some of my classmates for the weekend. I was actually assigned to do a presentation as well. During my first Theory of Knowledge class, my teacher assigned me to a group and told me to prepare my part of the presentation using the “Theory of Knowledge” principals. I said “Sure, but what ARE the Theory of Knowledge principals?”
My group’s presentation went well, but we presented it to our friends from school, so there was a lot of fun, laughing, and jokes. On the last day, we all went on a historical tour to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
Ankara Trip (November)
All the exchange students went to Ankara (the capital of Turkey) for a Rotary-sponsored day trip to visit the Ataturk Mausoleum, the modern Parliament house, and the old Parliament house. We tagged along with over 1000 other Turkish elementary school students from schools from all parts of Istanbul. The Ataturk Mausoleum was the most beautiful monument I have seen in my life. Set on a hill overlooking the city, the mausoleum had a stunning view of Ankara; and its wide open square seemed to be soaking up all the sunlight. It was really beautiful. We got to watch a small parade of soldiers march up the Mausoleum steps and lay flowers on Ataturk’s tomb—the entire square of students, teachers, and Rotarians were all respectfully silent. After that we went to the museum part. I think the younger students were just as interested if not more interested in us exchange students as they were in the museum. Some would ask us to take pictures with them, and others would just do it paparazzi style and try to take pictures of us when we weren’t looking. Our Rotary blazers, with their myriad assortment of jingling pins, flags, and other decorations, which we were wearing were definitely an object of fascination for the younger students as well. After spending the whole day touring these historical places in Ankara, we slept the whole evening bus ride back to Ankara. In all, the trip was a lot of fun!
I have to say that I am happy in Turkey. I have a really nice host family, and we have got to the point where I am no longer a guest, but becoming part of the family. I am even sternly told by my host mom what chores I have to do! (And of course I do them. ) I am sometimes called “Chiaracim” (pronounced Chiara-jim) by my host mom and her best friend/family/neighbor, Layla. It is a sort of nickname that means “My Chiara”. I feel more relaxed and more of myself around my host family now. It feels good!
When I first arrived in Turkey, I thought to myself, “Turks are really not that different from us!” Well, in part that is true, but now I am beginning to notice more and more differences that suggest to me just how different Turkish culture and society is. For one thing, the family unit seems a lot stronger here. A lot of time is spent with family, and this also includes extended family members and close family friends. And a lot less time is spent “catching up”, because they see and talk to each other so much that they know how one another are and what has been going on. When I first arrived, I sometimes wished for some more time with just my host family…but now have really started to love how “family time” for the Turks includes many members outside of the nuclear family. I realize that this is very similar to Italy, but I guess I never spent enough time in a Mediterranean culture to actually feel the difference. Another thing I like is not seeing one thousand commercials about diet pills, exercise machines, and fit women in bikinis after they’ve been on Jenny Craig when I watch TV! I just noticed that a few days ago, and I thought “I am going to be so aggravated when I go back to watching TV in the U.S.”
So for now….I am starting to get a little more homesick (it’s a curve that all exchange students follow), but continue to enjoy life with my host family, to make an effort at school, and to try to soak in new things every day. (Yesterday, my host mom was teaching me how to iron collared shirts!) I am not going to say that it is always easy, because is most definitely is not. My three month benchmark is coming up soon, and I have realized that I have given up everything to come here. I have left behind everything that I love and am familiar with- my family, friends, dance, school, body (direct hint at my weight gain!)- all to live a year in a different country. At times it does not seem like such a big deal- I am only living a normal, every day life here. But then it strikes me how brave I am to have chosen this, what a big thing I am doing, and what a monumental life experience it will turn out to be. I stop and think, “Hey! I am really living life in a different culture!” So the times where I am missing home the most, when it starts to hurt the most, I think of how much perspective and personal strength I’ve gained by being here just 10 weeks. And I think how that will be times a thousand or more by the end of the year. And then I take a deep breath and say to myself “Yup, I still want this.” And as long as I know I can make it until tomorrow, I’m good….because there’s always a tomorrow after that! Thanks to my Grandpa Bob for those words of wisdom. And that, is how I can say that, in spite of everything, I am happy and I LOVE BEING IN TURKEY!!!
Happy Thanksgiving, and love to all,
Chiara
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
September's Entry
I am doing well in Istanbul. Other then the usual frustrations of language barriers, cultural differences, etc. I am extremely happy. Actually, I am happy regardless of my frustrations and am having a really good time.
For the past 2 weeks, I have been attending Turkish language classes on the Asian side of Istanbul. These classes will end this coming Wednesday, and I will return to school on October 1st. We are learning a lot of Turkish in a short amount of time, but I try to immediately put to use all the Turkish that I have learned that class day. One of the most useful phrases I have learned is quite basic: "Bu ne?" ("what is that?"). The words istiyorum and istemiyorum (I would like and I would not like) are also pretty useful. Usually, I study Turkish on my 1 hour ride home on the public bus from my Turkish course. I can now take public transportation home from my Turkish course alone!
I have finally learned what classes I will be taking at school. These are IB Math 2, IB English 2, Theory of Knowledge (philosophy/psychology type course), Italian III, and Art. I am especially happy to be taking Italian and Art. Italian because I have lost much of my Italian since moving to the states (I was born in Rome, my father is Italian, and I regularly travel to Italy to visit my family). I welcome this opportunity to improve my Italian, since I used to be bi-lingual but have lost much of my fluency and my Italian grammar is also not as strong as I would like it to be. I am also excited to take Art, even though I have never considered myself a visual artist. This is because I come from an Arts School in Rochester, and really miss the fact that the arts does not have much of a presence in my school in Turkey. Sometimes, I miss little things like walking into school and hearing the band rehearsing, or seeing the drama majors rehearse their scenes in the hallway. However, I am happy at my Turkish school. The people are very nice and with effort on my part, I feel I will be able to make friends there. There is one other exchange student at my school. Her name is Tiffany and she is from Florida. We are not in the same class though.
Family life is also good. My host family is kind. I am still trying to adapt to life in their family, as it is much different from life in my family back home. I am currently trying to get my host family to help me enroll in a belly-dancing class. I have told them how much I would like to dance while in Turkey, but not much action has been taken on this issue. I am frustrated with this, but expect to ask Rotex for help.
I am starting to notice cultural differences as well. The one that strikes me as the most different is how the Turks plan and treat their time. Time is always in flux. Time is not always dedicated to a task, the time to complete a task comes of its own accord. This is a lot different then our culture where if you have an important thing on your agenda to do, you usually make a plan of when it will get done and do not feel at ease until it has been accomplished. I also never know what the plan is for that day. My host parents and other adults make plans, and usually I am not informed until the last minute. For example, I found out that I was going on a day sight-seeing trip with my host family and their friends 15 minutes before it was time to go. Another time, I met my host mother's cousin at my host mother's cafe and woke up the next morning to find her at our house. It turns out she was going to be staying with us for a couple days. Usually something that you would be given advanced notice about in our culture....Turks also dont always tell you when the plans have changed. Sometimes, I have been ready or waiting to go, only to find out that we are not leaving until 1 hour later or not leaving at all. My fellow exchange students and I like to share our stories about this, and we enjoy laughing it off.
I am also busily working at my college applications. I have an application due this Wednesday!!!! It is a special application called Questbridge that if you are accepted, you receive full tuition scholarship to one of America's top schools. I am interested in Amherst, Haverford, Williams, Brown, and Wesleyan, but have not made my final ranking yet. I have been making final edits of my essays and emailing my mother, guidance counselor, and teachers in the States to make sure everything is in order. Doing college applications while abroad is quite challenging and draining. Another obstacle that is quite difficult to navigate: my host family does not have internet at their house. In order to use the internet, I have to bring my computer to my host mother's cafe. This is hard because I have things I need to do (like college correspondence, blog updates, and sending my Rotary counselor a monthly update), but can not always do these when it would be most convenient for me- like before I go to bed or when there is down time at home. Using the internet is hard ball to juggle: I do not want to be all the time on the computer while at my host mother's cafe, but I also have things on the computer that I want and need to do. At my Orientation Weekend final dinner with the host families, I asked my exchange chair to help explain to my host parents that I was applying to college and needed to be on the computer more often. At least I can be thankful that my college situation has been explained to my host parents so they know the reason for my increased time on the computer. I am also trying to study for 2 SAT II subject tests that I will be taking on October 10th in the midst of all other things.I have never been the one to not be busy with 1 million things.
Next month, I will go to my first Rotary meeting. My Rotary counselor is in Spain until the end of the month and has requested that I wait until he returns to go to my first meeting. My Rotary club is on the the European side of Istanbul. Even though the travel time will not be short, I am glad that Rotary meeting will also give me the chance to spend time on the European side. I am anxious to get to know European Istanbul more, since I live on the Asain side and spend most of my time here. I have expressed to my host family that I would like to attend my Rotary club meetings every week. I enjoy being active and would like to become involved in some of the volunteering and projects that my Rotary club does. This earned me a taken aback reaction from my host sister and host family. "Why? You only have to go one a month.", they replied. I feel frustrated sometimes with the fact that my host family does not always seem happy that I want to get involved (dance and Rotary meetings). I understand that we are different though, and have to adapt and be flexible with each other.
Sightseeing I have done: Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Buyukada (one of Istanbul's Islands). All beautiful and stunning.
I also enjoy taking note of all the handsome Turkish men I come across. My friend Mathilda (English exchange student from France) enjoy spotting them out together when we are walking to the bus from out Turkish course. We have agreed that the best place to find them is at cafes, because most waiters are male and are usually quite attractive. Maybe to attract tourists....In any case, they are good looking! My first taxi ride was with a handsome young Turkish driver who was driving rigorously on the highway (100 kmh!) on the highway and through the maize of Istanbul streets. I felt like I was in a movie. It was a little nerve-racking, but very sexy.
Once I am less busy with college stuff, I will work on learning to cook some of the dishes in Turkish cuisine. Borek, Lorlu kurabiye, and various other are on my list. I am lucky that my host mother has a cafe. A wonderful place to learn how to cook! My friend Selcan (who works at my host mother's cafe) and my host mother have told me that they would teach me how to make Turkish dishes! I am very excited for this!!!
And now....back to studying at my host mother's cafe....
Take care everyone!!! Gorusuruz!
~Chiara
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
First Day of School
My First Day of School
Ok, many differences about the first day of school in Turkey…..I will tell about my day in chronological order, making commentary along the way. Enjoy!
On the first day, it is customary for Turkish schools to begin late. Unlike our schools, they do not go through their day of school but rather have a day of ceremony, speeches, and rejoining with friends. School normally starts at 8:15 am but today, we had to be to school by 10:30am for the opening ceremony. My host sister woke me up at 8:30am to get ready. She was anxious to get to school to meet her friends. It took me a good couple minutes to get out of bed. The first Azan woke me up early in the morning and I never fell back into a deep sleep. Needless to say, with my groggy appearence I did not feel very pretty for the first day. The heat and uniform did not make it any better.
Before getting dressed, we had breakfast. Even though it was a school day, we had the normal Turkish breakfast of bread, cheese, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, tea, and eggs. After that, I brushed my teeth and begrudgingly donned my new uniform, which I had so lovingly laid down on a chair the night before in preparation for the first day. As my host sister and I put on our shoes, my host mother snapped some candid pictures on her camera. Then, some posed pictures of my host sister and I, and me by myself in my new uniform (I put my glasses on too…just for the effect. Ha!)
On the first morning of school, there are no busses, so my host sister and I took a taxi. My host mother waved goodbye to us from our balcony. I was feeling butterflies as we got out of the taxi. Looking at all the students, I grabbed my host sister’s arm and let out a little squeal. I realized all the people I was about to see would be speaking TURKISH! I laughed all the way to the gate.
Entering the school courtyard, I found myself amid a myriad of students of all different ages, parents, and school officials. We arrived at school around 9:30am. Plenty of time for me to stand smiling as my host sister introduced me to friends. Gradually, the courtyard filled with people. I figured out it was time for the ceremony when all of the sudden, I was moved by a mass flow of people heading for the athletic court where the ceremony was to be held. We all had to find our class and stand in lines for the Istikal Marsi (Turkish National Anthem). The court was decorated with Eyuboglu and Turkish flags, with a huge banner portraying Ataturk (founder of the Turkish Republic, a practically venerated figure) as the focus point above the speaking podium. Parents filled the spectator’s benches to watch and listen to the speeches. There was a new teacher who gave a speech that earned her some puzzled looks from the parents and board looks and rude commentary from the students. She was from Huston, TX and her speech was an extended comparison of students’ struggles to the struggles of the Cowboys in the Wild West (“Like the cowboys, students face many struggles but always end victoriously…etc. etc.). I noticed that the Turks around me had little context in which to understand this comparison, and I have to say, it was a bit farfetched for my taste too. After all of this, I went over to say hello to the vice principal. She walked me back to my class line, introduced me to my classmates and teacher, and placed me in the care of a student. He introduced himself as Unus, and then proceeded to tell me that his name meant “dolphin” in English. I had a hard time remembering his name; I could only remember dolphin. Actually, I have noticed that I have a hard time remembering most Turkish names. They are hard names; they are unfamiliar and therefore, easily escape my mind. This is a strange feeling for me, because I have always been good with names. When I got home from school, I recited all the names I could remember (which was only 4!). I hope that I will remember them tomorrow!
I was placed in the 12th grade IB science. Um, lets repeat: IB SCIENCE. I did not realize that when I requested to be placed in IB English, that I would be placed in the entire IB science track. Ouch. There was only 5 people in my class today, including me. I was the only female. About half of our class is excused from school for the first two weeks because they are taking extra classes at a University in order to prepare for their college entrance exams. I will be missing the next two weeks as well: I have my Turkish language camp! My day in class was spent listening to my male Turkish classmates rock out to music and speak rapidly in their native tongue. Unus did not translate much for me, saying mostly, “soon, you will understand”. I was surprised to see two of the boys draw all over their desks (guitar chords and little doodles), and even on the wall without earning more than a look from the teacher. As strict as the rules might be here, there seems to still be a “kids will be kids” mentality that allows students to perhaps get away with more than what would usually be as considered mature and age appropriate behavior. The English of the IB students is quite advanced, but most tire easily of speaking English and prefer to speak Turkish. English is the language of school and Turkish is the language of social activity. I know if I want to make friends and keep them, I must learn Turkish. I could survive without it, but would have quite a miserable time. I learned quickly not to expect to be approached. This school community is very much in contact with foreigners as well, especially Brits and Americans, so people were generally not astonished to learn that I was an American exchange student. Most were more surprised to learn that I was not Turkish! Several people turned to me, speaking Turkish. Even with my confused looks and non-answers, it took people a good few seconds to catch on to the fact that I had no idea what they were saying! However, I met some very nice people, mostly in other classes. The people in my class were not too warm or welcoming. Not that they were unfriendly, they just seemed used to having an exchange student around and therefore did not give me much attention. I met Tiffany; she is the other Rotary Exchange student from Florida, a grade below me. I spent a portion of my lunch hour with her, and two other Eyuboglu students. I felt especially welcomed by 3 female students and one male student; I just wish I could remember their names!
The order of classes in Turkish schools change every day, so I will not outline my schedule. However, these are the classes I am signed up for: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, English, and Turkish Literature. These classes are a combination of single and double periods, depending on the day. Classes that I have once a week are: Theory of Knowledge (and IB course) and Philosophy. My Turkish school is set up so that students in the science track take all three sciences every year. Since IB requires a more intensive course load, my classes continue until past regular dismissal. Mondays are the longest days. Tomorrow, I will be looking at the textbooks so that I can talk to the IB coordinator about modifying my schedule. However, I am concerned for how the Regents science courses I took at SOTA may or may not have prepared me for science at Eyuboglu. The same goes for math. I hear that it is much more advanced than in the states. Possible classes that I might take in place of a science and/or Turkish literature are Italian and English (assistant teaching an English class for the younger grades). I may also be granted a study period in the library, especially because the college counselor has instructed me to study more for my SATs since she is having me take them again. She says that I need to raise my math score.
The last speech of the day was given by a guest speaker: the head Astronomy professor at Istanbul University. It was quite long and I did not understand much, but my time passed easier sitting next to one on my classmates, Orcan. Every time I heard a Turkish word that I understood, I excitedly whispered it into his ear. I learned he was a singer and also liked to act. He had struck me as full of himself before, but talking to him was not that bad. I missed the warm hospitality of the female students I sat with at lunch though.
The end of the day came quickly. My host sister came up to my class to get me, and we walked outside to catch our bus. Let me tell you, along with the porcelain dining wear and metal silverware at lunch, the busses also reminded me that I was indeed at a private school, and not at SOTA anymore. The busses were not at all like the school or city busses that we use in Rochester. They are more like vans. They sit about 15 students, and have really nice interiors. The upholstery was clean and unworn, the windows had curtains, and the driver was friendly and knew everyone’s name. There were A LOT of these busses, since students come from all over Istanbul. I feel bad for the students who live on the European side and have to deal with the traffic crossing over the bridge! They had strange numbers too; my bus number was 52L. What? Part of tuition goes toward a shorter ride home, because that was the shortest and most tailored bus ride I had ever been on in my life. NOTHING like the loud, overcrowded city busses that took me home from SOTA for so many years. The first thing I did when I got home was change out of my uniform. The shirt and skirt are made of heavy material, thus accounting for my rosy and glistening cheeks. All in all, a positive first day. It was just very, very different. Very different. It will take some time to get used to the way classes are set up: students do not shift classrooms, and have these 10 minute breaks between every class. And music plays in place of bells. Not to signal that it is time to go to class, but that it is time to start getting ready to enter class…I could fill a page with all sorts of these subtle differences. They seem to be everywhere and come out of nowhere!
Day 2 Thoughts:
Today was a much better day at school. I am starting to feel well liked and well accepted by my fellow students, as well as the teachers and staff. There were only three of us in class today! I went to the library to look at my science textbooks…all I could do was laugh. I do not remember biology; I lack the sufficient background for chemistry and physics. I only recognized 3-4 diagrams! But, again, I will not be taking all of these classes, or may only be in class some of the time. And, it is up to me the degree with which I would like to participate. That means that I can participate, but may not have to do the intensive IB lab reports. I fell that having a lighter academic load will be more productive for my exchange year. That way, I will not be a slave to my studies. It seems to me that being a slave to school would not be the best way to spend my year abroad. I do not want to sacrifice socializing, getting to know the people of Turkey, nor would I like to miss out on Istanbul, with its rich history and unique culture. I believe Rotary would support this opinion.
I met my philosophy teacher today. Philosophy class is in Turkish, so I will only be observing, at least for now. My teacher did not speak much English, but I still liked him a lot. Unus was so patient and translated for me throughout the day. Unus and Cam (the two boys I was in class with today) joked that they already knew me so well, that they didn’t need to ask me for my answers anymore. I am still waiting to see how Italian will fit into my schedule, but it looks like it will. I may also be tutoring some 6th graders who are struggling in English. The uniform is easy to get used to, and I do have to say that it is easier not to have to think about what to wear.
I will make sure to do an update about school when my schedule is finalized. For now, I am looking forward to meeting all the other Rotary exchange students at orientation this weekend! As always, please comment and share your thoughts. I may not be able to respond individually, but I enjoy reading them a lot! Thinking of you all back home…..and sending you good wishes from where I am.
Ok, many differences about the first day of school in Turkey…..I will tell about my day in chronological order, making commentary along the way. Enjoy!
On the first day, it is customary for Turkish schools to begin late. Unlike our schools, they do not go through their day of school but rather have a day of ceremony, speeches, and rejoining with friends. School normally starts at 8:15 am but today, we had to be to school by 10:30am for the opening ceremony. My host sister woke me up at 8:30am to get ready. She was anxious to get to school to meet her friends. It took me a good couple minutes to get out of bed. The first Azan woke me up early in the morning and I never fell back into a deep sleep. Needless to say, with my groggy appearence I did not feel very pretty for the first day. The heat and uniform did not make it any better.
Before getting dressed, we had breakfast. Even though it was a school day, we had the normal Turkish breakfast of bread, cheese, fresh tomatoes and cucumber, tea, and eggs. After that, I brushed my teeth and begrudgingly donned my new uniform, which I had so lovingly laid down on a chair the night before in preparation for the first day. As my host sister and I put on our shoes, my host mother snapped some candid pictures on her camera. Then, some posed pictures of my host sister and I, and me by myself in my new uniform (I put my glasses on too…just for the effect. Ha!)
On the first morning of school, there are no busses, so my host sister and I took a taxi. My host mother waved goodbye to us from our balcony. I was feeling butterflies as we got out of the taxi. Looking at all the students, I grabbed my host sister’s arm and let out a little squeal. I realized all the people I was about to see would be speaking TURKISH! I laughed all the way to the gate.
Entering the school courtyard, I found myself amid a myriad of students of all different ages, parents, and school officials. We arrived at school around 9:30am. Plenty of time for me to stand smiling as my host sister introduced me to friends. Gradually, the courtyard filled with people. I figured out it was time for the ceremony when all of the sudden, I was moved by a mass flow of people heading for the athletic court where the ceremony was to be held. We all had to find our class and stand in lines for the Istikal Marsi (Turkish National Anthem). The court was decorated with Eyuboglu and Turkish flags, with a huge banner portraying Ataturk (founder of the Turkish Republic, a practically venerated figure) as the focus point above the speaking podium. Parents filled the spectator’s benches to watch and listen to the speeches. There was a new teacher who gave a speech that earned her some puzzled looks from the parents and board looks and rude commentary from the students. She was from Huston, TX and her speech was an extended comparison of students’ struggles to the struggles of the Cowboys in the Wild West (“Like the cowboys, students face many struggles but always end victoriously…etc. etc.). I noticed that the Turks around me had little context in which to understand this comparison, and I have to say, it was a bit farfetched for my taste too. After all of this, I went over to say hello to the vice principal. She walked me back to my class line, introduced me to my classmates and teacher, and placed me in the care of a student. He introduced himself as Unus, and then proceeded to tell me that his name meant “dolphin” in English. I had a hard time remembering his name; I could only remember dolphin. Actually, I have noticed that I have a hard time remembering most Turkish names. They are hard names; they are unfamiliar and therefore, easily escape my mind. This is a strange feeling for me, because I have always been good with names. When I got home from school, I recited all the names I could remember (which was only 4!). I hope that I will remember them tomorrow!
I was placed in the 12th grade IB science. Um, lets repeat: IB SCIENCE. I did not realize that when I requested to be placed in IB English, that I would be placed in the entire IB science track. Ouch. There was only 5 people in my class today, including me. I was the only female. About half of our class is excused from school for the first two weeks because they are taking extra classes at a University in order to prepare for their college entrance exams. I will be missing the next two weeks as well: I have my Turkish language camp! My day in class was spent listening to my male Turkish classmates rock out to music and speak rapidly in their native tongue. Unus did not translate much for me, saying mostly, “soon, you will understand”. I was surprised to see two of the boys draw all over their desks (guitar chords and little doodles), and even on the wall without earning more than a look from the teacher. As strict as the rules might be here, there seems to still be a “kids will be kids” mentality that allows students to perhaps get away with more than what would usually be as considered mature and age appropriate behavior. The English of the IB students is quite advanced, but most tire easily of speaking English and prefer to speak Turkish. English is the language of school and Turkish is the language of social activity. I know if I want to make friends and keep them, I must learn Turkish. I could survive without it, but would have quite a miserable time. I learned quickly not to expect to be approached. This school community is very much in contact with foreigners as well, especially Brits and Americans, so people were generally not astonished to learn that I was an American exchange student. Most were more surprised to learn that I was not Turkish! Several people turned to me, speaking Turkish. Even with my confused looks and non-answers, it took people a good few seconds to catch on to the fact that I had no idea what they were saying! However, I met some very nice people, mostly in other classes. The people in my class were not too warm or welcoming. Not that they were unfriendly, they just seemed used to having an exchange student around and therefore did not give me much attention. I met Tiffany; she is the other Rotary Exchange student from Florida, a grade below me. I spent a portion of my lunch hour with her, and two other Eyuboglu students. I felt especially welcomed by 3 female students and one male student; I just wish I could remember their names!
The order of classes in Turkish schools change every day, so I will not outline my schedule. However, these are the classes I am signed up for: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, English, and Turkish Literature. These classes are a combination of single and double periods, depending on the day. Classes that I have once a week are: Theory of Knowledge (and IB course) and Philosophy. My Turkish school is set up so that students in the science track take all three sciences every year. Since IB requires a more intensive course load, my classes continue until past regular dismissal. Mondays are the longest days. Tomorrow, I will be looking at the textbooks so that I can talk to the IB coordinator about modifying my schedule. However, I am concerned for how the Regents science courses I took at SOTA may or may not have prepared me for science at Eyuboglu. The same goes for math. I hear that it is much more advanced than in the states. Possible classes that I might take in place of a science and/or Turkish literature are Italian and English (assistant teaching an English class for the younger grades). I may also be granted a study period in the library, especially because the college counselor has instructed me to study more for my SATs since she is having me take them again. She says that I need to raise my math score.
The last speech of the day was given by a guest speaker: the head Astronomy professor at Istanbul University. It was quite long and I did not understand much, but my time passed easier sitting next to one on my classmates, Orcan. Every time I heard a Turkish word that I understood, I excitedly whispered it into his ear. I learned he was a singer and also liked to act. He had struck me as full of himself before, but talking to him was not that bad. I missed the warm hospitality of the female students I sat with at lunch though.
The end of the day came quickly. My host sister came up to my class to get me, and we walked outside to catch our bus. Let me tell you, along with the porcelain dining wear and metal silverware at lunch, the busses also reminded me that I was indeed at a private school, and not at SOTA anymore. The busses were not at all like the school or city busses that we use in Rochester. They are more like vans. They sit about 15 students, and have really nice interiors. The upholstery was clean and unworn, the windows had curtains, and the driver was friendly and knew everyone’s name. There were A LOT of these busses, since students come from all over Istanbul. I feel bad for the students who live on the European side and have to deal with the traffic crossing over the bridge! They had strange numbers too; my bus number was 52L. What? Part of tuition goes toward a shorter ride home, because that was the shortest and most tailored bus ride I had ever been on in my life. NOTHING like the loud, overcrowded city busses that took me home from SOTA for so many years. The first thing I did when I got home was change out of my uniform. The shirt and skirt are made of heavy material, thus accounting for my rosy and glistening cheeks. All in all, a positive first day. It was just very, very different. Very different. It will take some time to get used to the way classes are set up: students do not shift classrooms, and have these 10 minute breaks between every class. And music plays in place of bells. Not to signal that it is time to go to class, but that it is time to start getting ready to enter class…I could fill a page with all sorts of these subtle differences. They seem to be everywhere and come out of nowhere!
Day 2 Thoughts:
Today was a much better day at school. I am starting to feel well liked and well accepted by my fellow students, as well as the teachers and staff. There were only three of us in class today! I went to the library to look at my science textbooks…all I could do was laugh. I do not remember biology; I lack the sufficient background for chemistry and physics. I only recognized 3-4 diagrams! But, again, I will not be taking all of these classes, or may only be in class some of the time. And, it is up to me the degree with which I would like to participate. That means that I can participate, but may not have to do the intensive IB lab reports. I fell that having a lighter academic load will be more productive for my exchange year. That way, I will not be a slave to my studies. It seems to me that being a slave to school would not be the best way to spend my year abroad. I do not want to sacrifice socializing, getting to know the people of Turkey, nor would I like to miss out on Istanbul, with its rich history and unique culture. I believe Rotary would support this opinion.
I met my philosophy teacher today. Philosophy class is in Turkish, so I will only be observing, at least for now. My teacher did not speak much English, but I still liked him a lot. Unus was so patient and translated for me throughout the day. Unus and Cam (the two boys I was in class with today) joked that they already knew me so well, that they didn’t need to ask me for my answers anymore. I am still waiting to see how Italian will fit into my schedule, but it looks like it will. I may also be tutoring some 6th graders who are struggling in English. The uniform is easy to get used to, and I do have to say that it is easier not to have to think about what to wear.
I will make sure to do an update about school when my schedule is finalized. For now, I am looking forward to meeting all the other Rotary exchange students at orientation this weekend! As always, please comment and share your thoughts. I may not be able to respond individually, but I enjoy reading them a lot! Thinking of you all back home…..and sending you good wishes from where I am.
Monday, August 31, 2009
फ्लिघ्त एंड फर्स्ट डे
Saturday, August 29, 2009 – Off to Turkey!!!
My itinerary:
Saturday: 3:20pm depart from Rochester, 4:45 arrive in Detroit
7:15pm depart from Detroit
All morning it did not feel like I was going to be away for a year. Even driving to the airport, it did not seem fathomable that the next day, I would be in a different country and would be living there permanently for the next 10 months. I arrived at the airport after a hectic morning at home finalizing my packing, finishing my college application essays, and calling some family members and friends to say goodbye. However, chaotic as my house may have been, I was happy to be surrounded by people that I love – my immediate family and some close friends. Of course I cried before I even left the house. I even teared up looking at my bedroom which no longer seemed to have my presence in it- being empty of all the things which I brought with me. Those of you who know me well know that I seldom, if ever cry this often! Seriously, I have cried more times in the days leading up to my departure than I think I have ever cried in my life (excluding infancy). This is more related to the pain of goodbyes than to the prospect of being an exchange student in Turkey. I wished that I could have cried during my goodbye with my best friend-my sadness merited some tears, but they did not come.
My grandparents and my aunt Mieke met me at the airport. Sammy, my little brother, insisted on wheeling my carry-on over to baggage check in. My mother gave me this ridiculous jumbo sized plastic penny for good luck (Thanks MomMom!). And of course BOTH of my checked suitcases were over the weight limit J. This meant a frantic removal of the things that were deemed too heavy. Among the myriad of clothes and gifts that were removed (to be shipped by grandparents later!) was one of my dear novels that I had hoped to read this year. My mother tried to get me to leave behind another one of my books, The Ottoman Cage behind, but I insisted that it stay. I am curious to see how much this novel, which is supposed to elucidate some of the elements of life in Istanbul, agrees with my observations.
So, after check in was complete, it was time for group pictures with everyone before going through security. I felt like my family and friends and I really established our presence at the Rochester airport. Going through security, I began to tear up and cry quietly to myself as I took out everything under the sun that has to be scanned by TSA now a days. As I tossed an old slimy hand sanitizer back to my mom (I did NOT want to take that thing!), I was barked at by a TSA official for not using the trash can nearby. Oops. Yes, and I also did not appreciate that same TSA official making a disdainful comment about me holding up the line. Well, there was no line, first of all. Second of all, I had 6 bins of stuff to collect and was doing my best to try to hold it together as my brother was calling “Chiara, I love you!” and I’m trying to wave goodbye to by loved ones one last time. Another oops in the Rochester airport: not paying close attention because I had been crying, I knocked over a display stand of neck pillows and magazines. Sorry Hudson News!
The Detroit airport was simple to navigate. I left my airplane with chapped hands, a dry mouth and nose, and feeling freezing cold. I would GLADLY do without the dry airplane air and arctic breeze air conditioning. I easily found my gate, although I walked fist to the wrong terminal which took me 20 minutes out of my way; typical me. A few times, I found myself getting mixed up about where I was going. There were many Italians because the gate next to mine was boarding for Rome, Italy. Actually, it will feel different not to land in Italy this time, as I have been traveling there consistently my whole life. Turkey will be my first visit to an overseas country other than Italy! On the way to Amsterdam, I sat next to a French father and daughter, and a man who did not acknowledge me other than to pass me my food tray and say “thank you” when I said “bless you”. On the plane, I read, took a nap, and listened to Dianna Krall. Unfortunately, minimal sleeping. That airplane was old and highly uncomfortable.
Sunday: 9am arrive in Amsterdam
12pm Depart from Amsterdam, 4:30pm arrive in ISTANBUL!
My mom had insisted that I call her from Amsterdam, even though it would be 4:30 am local time in Rochester. It took me forever to figure out how to make the phone call because the payphones were in Dutch! So, 45 minutes and $11.50 (for a one minute phone call!) later, I had made the phone call to my mom and was off to freshen up in the bathroom and find something to eat. I sent off a couple postcards too, but was really confused by the English terminology on the mailbox, so I hope I put them in the right slot. I watched a British couple mail a postcard and just copied what they were doing. I’m an excellent observer!
Before boarding my plane to Istanbul, I took a series of pictures of my gate, which earned me some curious and bewildered stares like…”uh, who is this girl? And why would she be taking pictures of this?”. At the gate, the airline officials laughed and made comments about my big winter coat, which I was carrying over my shoulder. An official told me to say “Evet” (which means “yes”) to what he was saying. I did, and then everyone around me laughed. He had asked me if I was going to need my coat when I got to Istanbul. Well, eventually I will need it….but it was pretty funny. I slept the entire 2 hours and 45 minutes to Istanbul. There were a lot of Britts and Italians on the plane. Some Dutch people too. I was noticing how much the tone and inflection of the Dutch language sounds like English. I awoke when we were landing. The aerial view of Istanbul is gorgeous. Especially the view of the Aegean Sea (or was is the Sea of Marmara?). But anyways: Mom, when you guys visit in April, try to make sure your flight to Istanbul is during daylight hours. When I got through customs, I was greeted first with a big hug from my district chair of youth exchange. He then took me to my host family who greeted me with hugs and kisses, and a fresh bouquet of pink roses. J I have a host father who is a doctor, a host mother who owns a café, and a host sister who is 15 years old. After the airport, we came to my host mother’s café and I met several other members of their family: cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. The proficiency with which the well-educated children speak English here is amazing.
Now, I am sitting in my host mother’s café, Café Mint, with a short 20 minutes of battery left on my computer. My transformer is for the right current, but the outlets here in the shape of indented circles so my SQUARE adapter does not work!!! Oh, well. I will get a new one here pretty soon. I like my host family. They live in a gated community called Aqua City that, ironically, is right next to a shanty town with makeshift houses and decrepit apartment buildings. Living in a gated community will definitely take some getting used to; it seems so shletered. My host family is in the process of moving to a different apartment. I have my own room in their new house that has a balcony with a beautiful view. Today, I went on a two hour drive along the Bosphorous with my host sister and her uncle. Istanbul is a HUGH city; very hilly and with a lot of green trees and foliage. It sort of reminds me of San Francisco. It was also my first time inside an Ikea store!
Something I find interesting about Istanbul: you can find an apartment building built directly next to a mosque. Like, I’m talking there’s not even room for a sidewalk in between. There’s actually a Mosque near my house. And all across the city, almost like in echos, you can hear the Azan (Muslim call to prayer) five times a day.
Post questions about Istanbul, my feelings, whatever you would like to learn more about. I will be happy to answer them.
More posts to come…for now I am safe, happy, and tired (7 hour time difference…so when I woke up in the morning here, it was the middle of the night in Rochester).
Good luck to all my friends for the first day of school!!!
My itinerary:
Saturday: 3:20pm depart from Rochester, 4:45 arrive in Detroit
7:15pm depart from Detroit
All morning it did not feel like I was going to be away for a year. Even driving to the airport, it did not seem fathomable that the next day, I would be in a different country and would be living there permanently for the next 10 months. I arrived at the airport after a hectic morning at home finalizing my packing, finishing my college application essays, and calling some family members and friends to say goodbye. However, chaotic as my house may have been, I was happy to be surrounded by people that I love – my immediate family and some close friends. Of course I cried before I even left the house. I even teared up looking at my bedroom which no longer seemed to have my presence in it- being empty of all the things which I brought with me. Those of you who know me well know that I seldom, if ever cry this often! Seriously, I have cried more times in the days leading up to my departure than I think I have ever cried in my life (excluding infancy). This is more related to the pain of goodbyes than to the prospect of being an exchange student in Turkey. I wished that I could have cried during my goodbye with my best friend-my sadness merited some tears, but they did not come.
My grandparents and my aunt Mieke met me at the airport. Sammy, my little brother, insisted on wheeling my carry-on over to baggage check in. My mother gave me this ridiculous jumbo sized plastic penny for good luck (Thanks MomMom!). And of course BOTH of my checked suitcases were over the weight limit J. This meant a frantic removal of the things that were deemed too heavy. Among the myriad of clothes and gifts that were removed (to be shipped by grandparents later!) was one of my dear novels that I had hoped to read this year. My mother tried to get me to leave behind another one of my books, The Ottoman Cage behind, but I insisted that it stay. I am curious to see how much this novel, which is supposed to elucidate some of the elements of life in Istanbul, agrees with my observations.
So, after check in was complete, it was time for group pictures with everyone before going through security. I felt like my family and friends and I really established our presence at the Rochester airport. Going through security, I began to tear up and cry quietly to myself as I took out everything under the sun that has to be scanned by TSA now a days. As I tossed an old slimy hand sanitizer back to my mom (I did NOT want to take that thing!), I was barked at by a TSA official for not using the trash can nearby. Oops. Yes, and I also did not appreciate that same TSA official making a disdainful comment about me holding up the line. Well, there was no line, first of all. Second of all, I had 6 bins of stuff to collect and was doing my best to try to hold it together as my brother was calling “Chiara, I love you!” and I’m trying to wave goodbye to by loved ones one last time. Another oops in the Rochester airport: not paying close attention because I had been crying, I knocked over a display stand of neck pillows and magazines. Sorry Hudson News!
The Detroit airport was simple to navigate. I left my airplane with chapped hands, a dry mouth and nose, and feeling freezing cold. I would GLADLY do without the dry airplane air and arctic breeze air conditioning. I easily found my gate, although I walked fist to the wrong terminal which took me 20 minutes out of my way; typical me. A few times, I found myself getting mixed up about where I was going. There were many Italians because the gate next to mine was boarding for Rome, Italy. Actually, it will feel different not to land in Italy this time, as I have been traveling there consistently my whole life. Turkey will be my first visit to an overseas country other than Italy! On the way to Amsterdam, I sat next to a French father and daughter, and a man who did not acknowledge me other than to pass me my food tray and say “thank you” when I said “bless you”. On the plane, I read, took a nap, and listened to Dianna Krall. Unfortunately, minimal sleeping. That airplane was old and highly uncomfortable.
Sunday: 9am arrive in Amsterdam
12pm Depart from Amsterdam, 4:30pm arrive in ISTANBUL!
My mom had insisted that I call her from Amsterdam, even though it would be 4:30 am local time in Rochester. It took me forever to figure out how to make the phone call because the payphones were in Dutch! So, 45 minutes and $11.50 (for a one minute phone call!) later, I had made the phone call to my mom and was off to freshen up in the bathroom and find something to eat. I sent off a couple postcards too, but was really confused by the English terminology on the mailbox, so I hope I put them in the right slot. I watched a British couple mail a postcard and just copied what they were doing. I’m an excellent observer!
Before boarding my plane to Istanbul, I took a series of pictures of my gate, which earned me some curious and bewildered stares like…”uh, who is this girl? And why would she be taking pictures of this?”. At the gate, the airline officials laughed and made comments about my big winter coat, which I was carrying over my shoulder. An official told me to say “Evet” (which means “yes”) to what he was saying. I did, and then everyone around me laughed. He had asked me if I was going to need my coat when I got to Istanbul. Well, eventually I will need it….but it was pretty funny. I slept the entire 2 hours and 45 minutes to Istanbul. There were a lot of Britts and Italians on the plane. Some Dutch people too. I was noticing how much the tone and inflection of the Dutch language sounds like English. I awoke when we were landing. The aerial view of Istanbul is gorgeous. Especially the view of the Aegean Sea (or was is the Sea of Marmara?). But anyways: Mom, when you guys visit in April, try to make sure your flight to Istanbul is during daylight hours. When I got through customs, I was greeted first with a big hug from my district chair of youth exchange. He then took me to my host family who greeted me with hugs and kisses, and a fresh bouquet of pink roses. J I have a host father who is a doctor, a host mother who owns a café, and a host sister who is 15 years old. After the airport, we came to my host mother’s café and I met several other members of their family: cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. The proficiency with which the well-educated children speak English here is amazing.
Now, I am sitting in my host mother’s café, Café Mint, with a short 20 minutes of battery left on my computer. My transformer is for the right current, but the outlets here in the shape of indented circles so my SQUARE adapter does not work!!! Oh, well. I will get a new one here pretty soon. I like my host family. They live in a gated community called Aqua City that, ironically, is right next to a shanty town with makeshift houses and decrepit apartment buildings. Living in a gated community will definitely take some getting used to; it seems so shletered. My host family is in the process of moving to a different apartment. I have my own room in their new house that has a balcony with a beautiful view. Today, I went on a two hour drive along the Bosphorous with my host sister and her uncle. Istanbul is a HUGH city; very hilly and with a lot of green trees and foliage. It sort of reminds me of San Francisco. It was also my first time inside an Ikea store!
Something I find interesting about Istanbul: you can find an apartment building built directly next to a mosque. Like, I’m talking there’s not even room for a sidewalk in between. There’s actually a Mosque near my house. And all across the city, almost like in echos, you can hear the Azan (Muslim call to prayer) five times a day.
Post questions about Istanbul, my feelings, whatever you would like to learn more about. I will be happy to answer them.
More posts to come…for now I am safe, happy, and tired (7 hour time difference…so when I woke up in the morning here, it was the middle of the night in Rochester).
Good luck to all my friends for the first day of school!!!
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