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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