Thursday, 18 December 2014

Learning Turkish

Last year I wrote about my problems with learning Turkish, and unfortunately this isn't getting much better.
I relied on mime a lot of the time in Ankara, and it has failed me in Izmir, after trying to explain a few things to my landlady (Hornets, washing machine breakdown), so I'm now studying Turkish.

Unfortunately because of work commitments it's difficult for me to attend classes, so I am going down the self study route, with a couple of books, and post it notes stuck all around my flat, with new vocabulary.
I can remember vocabulary quite easily, but I'm having a big problem with grammar.

Last week I needed to pay an electric bill, but I wasn't sure where I could pay.  I was due to pay my rent at the estate agents, so I took my bill along with me.

I was given the usual glass of tea on my arrival and I took my electric bill out, waved it at them, and said 'Electric, para, nerede?' 'Electric, money, where?'  I sounded like a Turkish cave-woman, but they were so happy with my efforts.  'Excellent Turkish' they complimented me!

I don't worry about making mistakes and I am studying the grammar, but I am finally (very slowly) getting understood!!

Saturday, 13 December 2014

Everybody needs good neighbours

After moving into my apartment in Izmir, I have met a few of my neighbours.  I live in a block of around 20 flats, and I'm situated right on the top floor, so I often pass my neighbour's doors and they are always willing to chat to the Yabanci (foreigner)!

The neighbours have been so welcoming even if I can't have a full conversation with them, and they often knock on the door with some food for me to try.  This is often fruit, but also last month I also had a few offerings of Asure.  Asure or Noah's Pudding is a dessert which is made of grains, fruits and nuts.  It is claimed that when Noah's ark came to rest on Mount Ararat, Noah's family celebrated with a special dish.  As they were running low on supplies they used what was remaining (grains, dried fruit etc) to make a dessert.  This is now what is known as Asure and every family has a different recipe.  Now it is made to celebrate the Ark's landing and shared with friends, family and neighbours.  Even for someone with a sweet tooth, it's very sweet!!

Some Asure from one of my neighbours


I was stopped in the street near my flat recently, I think it was one of my many neighbours, keen to know if I was settling in.  I assured her that I was  and she went merrily on their way.

My next door neighbour often knocks on my door (or wall if I don't answer straight away).  We have a short chat.  Last time she brought me a plate of melon and invited me round to her home for coffee.  When I'm a little bit more confident with my Turkish language skills I will go.

I have always found Turkish people to be very welcoming wherever I have visited, and I am so happy to be in my neighbourhood where they have welcomed me with open arms.

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Settling into Izmir Life

I have been in Izmir for a few months, but internet has been limited.

When I arrived I was staying in temporary accommodation while I looked for my own place.  Finding a furnished flat is difficult in Izmir, they are in demand and the good ones are snapped up immediately.  I scoured the internet for hours each day in the hope of being the first one to view a good place.  I viewed a number of places, and none were suitable, or was I being too fussy??  I was getting disheartened when I saw a flat online, and there was a photo of the view, it was breath taking.  I had to have a look at this place.  I arranged a viewing for the next day (Saturday evening) and although it was on the top floor (70 stairs) I knew it was for me.  I'm sure you will agree the view is stunning!




The flat is situated at the top of a hill, but is easily reached by Metro (Izmir's easy to follow underground railway, there is only one line!!). The area is vibrant and has a traditional feel to it.  I haven't seen any other foreigners in this area as yet.

One of the first problems I had when I moved in was a large amount of hornets, or donkey bees as they are known as in Turkey.  I tried to find out from my landlady if there was a nest in the roof, but everything got lost in translation, it started out as her thinking I couldn't open the balcony door, so I had a full demonstration.  When I pointed to the roof, she thought I was trying to say that someone might try and get in through the roof, so I was taken to show how secure the building is! (I think I am now known as the crazy yabanci (foreigner)) So I have learnt to live with the 'Donkey Bees'.  They have the balcony from 10-3, and I have it the rest of the time!  I'm not sure where they come from but they only stick around for a few hours, so I live with it!

My washing machine broke, I was a little more successful in getting this across to the engineer.  It was quickly fixed and all is well.

I have finally got internet.  Again I was impressed with the efficiency, but this was shortlived.  Stage one was supposed to take 7 working days, but this morning (on day 1 of the 7), the doorbell rang, I was faced with a red faced man who had just conquered the 70 stairs.  'Hello, little English, Internet.'  Excellent, I let him in, he did his job, then he said 'I go now, I love you.'  Umm OK, I can't imagine BT engineers declaring their love for their customers!!  The modem was delivered a couple of days later, where the cheery engineer connected me, and said the internet signal would be with me that day.  Unfortunately that's where the efficiency ended.  It has taken a lot longer than the expected seven days, and each time I called them I was told 'There is a problem.'  Obviously!!

I have now settled into life in Izmir, the pace is more relaxed than Ankara that's for sure!!