Pictures from an American Tourister...

Last week, I had a visit from one of my best friends in America...Heather! Heather was about as ready to meet Turkey as Turkey was to meet her! She made friends with all my friends and by the end of the week, I had to remind them that I was here first and I loved them first! To say they enjoyed meeting her would be an understatement! We had alot of fun as I did my best to show her a little bit what my life is like. I made her bus all over town and eat LOTS of Turkish food! I felt vindicated when we got on the most crowded bus I've ridden since I've been here. The first time we rode the bus, I told her, 'if we get separated, i'll find you...and HOLD ON'. After we got on the bus, she calmly informed me that public transportation is crazier in Boston than here. No, no, i thought. I felt a twinge of joy when we saw the most crowded 142 (this bus has a whole blog post devoted to her) I've seen since free bus ride day pulled up on her last night in my city. Now, she'll see. We squeezed ourselves on the bus and every stop for about the 1st ten minutes, the bus driver had to yell that he was opening the door because heather's backside was pressed up to it, (so he didn't take off a foot or anything when he opened the door)! It finally calmed down, but I thought, 'yes, this is what my Turkish life is like'... She handled the bus like a pro, but as far as communicating went, she had a hard time because she loves to talk and that is a little hard to do without a few Turkish lessons! But she was using the three words she knew by the end of the week like they were going out of style. I was proud!
She even took me on an adventure. We ventured deep into the heart of downtown in a mini- bus with a friend and our waiter from dinner the night before who wanted and insisted on helping the foreigner find just that right souvenir she was looking for at the right price. We took a friend so we didn't get swindled or lost, but really Turks are just like that. They are so hospitable. Ask for directions and you'll probably end up getting an escort to where you're going. She got a taste of all kinds of hospitality during the week. I was so glad to have a week with her. Thank you to all of you who helped get her here and sent love with her!
we always check our shoes at the door, but we have to find something stylish to keep our feet warm...this is Turkish tradition. Not so much the style as the slippers themselves. The stylish part is my rule. No one wears shoes inside a house. I make sure I wear cute socks in winter time and paint my toenails come summer!
Jayme sent some cards for our friends from America and they were just so excited to hear from her. Their faces are for you J. They were so tickled to be remembered and get a little hello from a faraway friend!This little guy is on the door of one of our bathrooms (came with the apartment mind you, we did not place it there). Every now and then, you just need a laugh walking down the hallway!
Everyone always gets a kick out of the Turks' love for ketchup and mayonnaise on their pizza. When it comes to Little Caesar's though; we have to draw the line! We forbid the use of ketchup and mayonnaise there!
My little learners were eager to have a guest...they're always eager for an excuse for a party, usually a guest equals no worksheet and an extra game or two!

The Hilton and biggest mosque in our city on the horizon.