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!!
Thursday 18 December 2014
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!!
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.
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!!
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| 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!!
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!!
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