When I told some friends I was relocating, first question was it's a Muslim country... how would you cope? They are arresting journalists there. Well journalists face dire circumstances in many countries. It's part of the job. I must confess my first question was what's the mode of dressing????
Well sorry to disappoint many people including moi. I was shocked when I got here and life in Istanbul is totally different from what is imagined by many people. The women are not all covered in hijab. Mode of dressing is very western. Of course there are many who wear the hijab but also many who dress like they do in other parts of the world. I hear there are cross dressers as well. Not seen any yet.
So this post if you haven't caught on yet is to share few pleasant surprises I have experienced since I got here.
I misplaced my earpiece in a shuttle bus. I only realised when I had alighted. I thought to myself, I will just get a new one. Well imagine my surprise when luckily the following day I entered same bus and the earpiece had been placed over the seat in front of where I had sat the previous day. Despite the fact that lots of people had used same bus in 24 hours, it was right there waiting for me and someone was kind enough to even keep it in an obvious position.
The old men are very strong. You will see them building houses...and doing strong stuff. When we got new furniture... a truck delivered them. Guess who showed up with the truck? Old men. And they climbed to the third floor with heavy load more than twice. I was like what?!
When you need help, Turkish men will leave what they are doing to show you what to do. No give me ten minutes please or will show you later. Nope. Let's get it done now. Now imagine if you live in Ankara where I hear has more friendly people.
One was too friendly he very near turned into a stalker. Invited him over for tea. No. He invited himself over and he taught us how to make Turkish Cay(tea). Gave us drinks and even a potty for the kids. Lol.
I read comments on some Facebook groups on posts from people requesting for help on things like taking in a stray cat or looking after their pets while they are away. And people are always willing to help. Overdose of niceness.
The residents here are obsessed with flowers on Sundays. They sell everyday but Sundays are extra special. I don't know why. When I asked, one of them had no idea. When I do know, will let you in on it. And then I got surprised with a bunch one day. It smelt divine. I would want flowers every single day.
We will delve into the art scene, beaches, malls, cultural heritage, historical sites, film industry in coming months discovering why Turkey is the center of the world. Watch this space.
One thing to note... no one is trying to impress anyone. They live a simple life. The expensive stuff here are foreign of course with good or not so good reasons. Have any fun surprises of your own about the country? Do share in the comment section.
Cheers!!!!
One thing I do need to write about are Nigerian churches in Turkey. Story for another day.
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| Cay Tea |
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| Movie time |
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| Fruit shop |
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| Fruit shop |
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| View of some houses. Houses here look alike |
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| Flowers |
