THE BEST GIRLS NIGHT EVER

In midst of transition between the old an new trainees we were able to pull off an amazing night of fun without the men. We bonded by using straws to drink our big mugs of beer at good old Akdeniz. A place along Nevizade, one of the most popular streets in Istanbul. Just because of us they changed the entire atmosphere from alternative rock to american pop. We pretty much rocked the house. The best were the reactions of everyone on the street to 10 girls without a care in the world dancing from our heart. It was great! At all three bars we were never once approached my creepy men, and none of us even looked at anyone outside our group. We didn't care. We were just having a good time with each other. Telling old stories to train the new naïve trainees and some of us being a little sentamental about leaving all of our "family," to venture home to a familiar yet unfamiliar place called home. This girls night was one of the best nights in Istanbul. Love you guys!!

Lucky girl! You got the glass with the entire effes basketball team on it. That is a one of a kind. Why the hell didn't we steel that thing? Natercia, what were we thinking? Or were we even thinking....? Don't forget about the straws.

The "Gregs" and the "Newbies" come together to pull off the BEST GIRLS NIGHT EVER. 

Sana - this girls got soul. 

"Heeeeeeeeyyyyyy" (see Istanbul603.blogspot.com for most common comments in the dorms) Get down, get down... Natercia won the trainee dance off but is normally too modest to show off her skillz. Lova ya girl!

Sarah a.k.a. party pro 

It never stops. 

crazy girls 

Do you guys even remember this, or only after seeing this picture to remind you? 

Natercia, me, Sarah

A visit from Dad

It was really so great to have my dad come to see me in Turkey. I am so happy he finally made his way over. It makes everything so much easier when he can really understand what I'm talking about and he can picture where I am when we communicate through email and phone. I think it makes him a lot less worried about me now that he has seen the security for the dorms and the scene of the city. As far as the trip itself goes we had a really great time.

It was really nice that my dad brought a colleague of his, Terry. All three of us really enjoyed ourselves. Although I made them walk about 500 miles in total, I think they might have forgiven me after their pain and muscle soreness went away. It was quite nice to have them because they really pointed out so many things I really never took notice of before. Some of them included:

1. "Istanbul is like the Minnesota State Fair except with better architecture, shopping, and fashion, and food in some people's opinion."

2. Tavuk doners (chicken wraps) are the greatest fast food in the world.

3. The boat traffic in the Bosphorus is insane.

If Terry and Tom would fill out the little surveys I sent them with their experiences I could tell you more. However they are quite busy working on top secret projects and giving cultural presentations :-)

My dad and me enjoying a nice day in a little cafe by the Bosphorus in Besiktas. My dad was so amazed by all of the boat traffic. He couldn't believe how many barges, taxie-boats and ferrys were able to manouver their way around such a small waterway.  

Terry and Tom posing for a photo at one of the best overlook areas of the city. Bosphorus University 

Eating Doner (drunk food) after a late night of partying it up Istanbul style.  

On the way back from the Grand Bazaar (the second time!!) 

On the ferry from Kadikoy to Eminonu. 

On the ferry from Kadikoy to Eminonu. 

One of my favorite places to take tourists. The decore is all old turkish instruments, farming tools, pottery, or other random artifacts. They make you take off your shoes before entering the room and you must sit on pillows on the floor while you dine. The food is traditional and delicious! Although some traditions are not liked by all (e.g. The yogurt in Iskender or ayran).

Aya Sophia 

simit guy 

traditional tea salesman 

I don't remember which mosque this was in, I swear I have been to waaaaaaaayyy too many. I love the hot-pink and black shirt brown and gold scarf combo. I think I pull it off real well.  

Terry enjoying the view as we drive through different neighborhoods of the Asian side.  

Dad chill'n out on a crowded bus. We were lucky we got seats.  

Terry and Tom having lunch in a nice little place in Kadikoy after me forcing them to walk more than they ever had in their life. I don't think they could even move after the first day. Ooops... sorry guys. 

I think they are mother and daughter. They look so happy. I love the little one's smile. 

They were so excited to have us take their picture.