Because people won’t stop asking, mom, I finally got around to taking pictures of our room and office:
Our room. That christmasy-looking thing in the corner is our closet.
The view from our window
Fresh sheets, and happiness.
Another view of our closet, and feets.
While I was chatting away on the phone later in the day, Q made some wall art, and I was really quite impressed with his draping skills! He made them with tape (since the walls are concrete, the tacks we bought didn’t work) and silk head scarfs we bought a few weeks ago at the bazaar. Here’s the result:
Wall Art 1
It really brings some much needed color to the room. We were both starting to feel a little institutionalized by the bare beige walls.
On to our office, just down the hall. It’s very basic, but it’s got plenty of room.
We bought the computer desk and chair at the bazaar for a grand total of 100 TL (cheap!)
My corner of the world
I told you, lots and lots of cords. Don't worry they're usually more spread out.
Most nights we eat in, but we do have our “spot” a few blocks from our house. We always talk about trying other places, but we always end up eating here:
Because you can get a spread like this:
Everything you see here, including tip, 20 TL (which is just about $13)
Now I want to prove something to everyone that was afraid Turkey would be an ultra-conservative country, mom. Tell me, would you see manikins like this in the windows of Macy’s in the US?
What's that growing out of her face?
The worst offender
This is not some sleazy shop, this is like the biggest, poshest department store in the neighborhood. It’s called Ender Park, and it’s huge! It even has penthouse apartments on top of it. The manikins are boarder-line obscene though.
The living situation with his grandma is temporary. She drives us crazy, we drive her crazy, so the feeling is mutual. We want our own place! Savin’ up our liras…
July 21, 2009 at 8:40 pm |
The food looks good! I know that’s not Canadian bacon on the pizza, what is it?
The manikins aren’t that bad, but it’s a good sign that western wear is acceptable.
Western clothing is the most popular style here by far. I’ve only seen two women since I’ve been here with full veils on, and they were obviously Arab. Turks don’t like Arabs much, and think of themselves as Eurasian. From what I’ve observed, less than half of the women wear head scarves. It’s just a personal choice thing.
And you’re right, that’s not Canadian bacon. It’s more like beef hot dog. Tasted like ham though! I’m still feeling out the pizza toppings.
July 22, 2009 at 9:40 pm |
Faces!
July 24, 2009 at 6:48 pm |
Pizza and french fries all in one! I like! I like!
Me too!
July 26, 2009 at 9:42 pm |
Talk about settling in.
Well done you.
PS – So the turks don’t like Arabs?
Sort of like the Iranians not liking the Iraqis huh?
I’m not really sure what it’s all about. I don’t think it’s a religious thing, there’s lots of devout muslims here, but they don’t follow all of the halal rules (ie drinking) and the women dress very “scandalously” compared to the rest of the muslim world. Bikinis, blue jeans and short skirts, oh my! I sort of think the main reason Turks don’t want to associate themselves with Arabs is because they want to distance themselves from extremism and they desperately want to get into the EU. I’m all for the EU thing, since I’m married to a Turk, I could qualify for an EU passport too. Easier travels for both of us!
July 29, 2009 at 12:22 am |
I see that those manikins are quite nipply! And, you were right, you do resemble little Miss Pretty in Pink! How fun.
Hey, at least that pizza and those french fries look pretty good.
Aren’t they funny? We laugh and point like high schoolers every time we see them. The nips really come out at night, better shadows. You really think I look like Ms. Ringwald? I’m flattered
Its hard for me to see it, but then again we never really see ourselves. Yep, the pizza is good. He’s having my other favorite, iskender, which is sliced beef (I think, or maybe lamb) slathered in tomato-pepper sauce and butter. It’s soooo addictive, and it really makes up for those dry steaks I was telling you about.
July 29, 2009 at 1:29 am |
Hold onto that American passport Jen. Islamophobia is blatent in ‘power’ Europe – the UK, France, Germany. There is no way Turkey will get EU acceptance. In these parts all you have to say is ‘Kurd’ and that’s that.
In other news London won Daisy’s silicone heart. I intend to post tomorrow.
Hm, you’re probably right, but I still have my hopes up about the EU…a girl can dream. Oh no, I’m not giving up my US passport. I’ve been told you could hold both if it’s through marriage.
WTF? London and Daisy?!! I thought he was eliminated…but I didn’t keep up w/ it after leaving the states. I will def check out your post tomorrow, I must know more!
July 29, 2009 at 7:34 pm |
great piuctures and you would never think you would see stuffed t-shrits like that ! hehhehhe, oy,,,hay you guys look great did you both lose weight? get to know all is well !
Love ya!
Yes, but now we’re both rapidly putting it back on. My belly is so fat! It’s not just the food that’s good, the desserts are to die for…and then float away on a heavenly cloud. Thanks for commenting, Teresa!
August 2, 2009 at 2:34 am |
oh yes I love the desserts and if I look at them I gain 10 pds!
love you guys !
August 14, 2009 at 3:05 am |
Ha. I remember all the crazy clothing displays I saw when I lived in Rome. It is awesome what they could get away with – check this out – http://ilaxstudio.com/Bethefirst_blank.jpg
Thanks for sharing the pics! It is fun to see where you live!
I can imagine that Italy was way crazier! That link didn’t work for me
Do you have another? I’d love to see your Rome pics! More pics are coming soon, we just signed a lease for our first apartment. I’m so excited about it!