Sitting On My Balcony Feeling Fortunate

My weekend is rapidly coming to a close, and tomorrow I will be back to school ready to face the new week. Sahalie, my fellow blond, and one of my American friends is staying at my house. Her host mother is in Azerbaijan (a trip we begged to go on) and because my host mom and her host mom are good friends they sent her to live with us for ten days. It is nice to have her here and especially good to have somebody to go to the gym with while Rebecca, my usual companion is in Istanbul with her natural family.

Friday was a welcome last day of the week, and we got out early to teach our English classes. It was a big day because Kenzie and I had prepared a test for our class. From giving a test I feel like I had a bit of an insight to how my teachers back at home felt on test days. First, I realized that it is not only hard for the students. I was worried that if the test was too easy they wouldn't try as hard from now on, but if it was too hard they would become discouraged. Fortunately, though I felt like it went really well, Kenzie came up with some really good questions, and we now know what they do and don't understand. I take the class probably why more seriously than I should, but I really enjoy teaching them.


Saturday after eating a ginormous Turkish breakfast we hit the gym, and had a good workout. I have been a bit embarrassed lately because the man who owns my gym asked me the other day if I had beer in my Klean Kanteen. I guess they are not that common here. Though really, who would work out while drinking beer?

Also on Saturday, we did something very out of the ordinary. We went out in Adana. It took a lot of preparation, and the buildup was extreme, but we actually made it out. It hasn't really bothered me that we don't go out here because it's really not all that common, nonetheless it was a nice change. We, the four of us as rebecca was gone,  arranged it with one of the AFS volunteers. Asking for permission from my host mom was somewhat terrifying because though I really love her I maintain a healthy bit of fear that keeps me in line (not that I'm not afraid of you mom and dad!) It was so unnatural for me to get nervous just to ask if I could stay out till 12:00ish. Eventually, I got up the courage and surprisingly she was ok with it, but just till 12:00, and I don't argue with my host mom. Actually I don't think the prime minister of Turkey would argue with my host mom. It felt slightly like a high school dance, taking more time to choose what to wear than the actual event, but we had a good time.


It was nice to get out, but the best part of my weekend was what I spent at home. With Sahalie, Sophie, Rebecca and Kenzie we have a great time. Also I love that we can be at my house and talk with my family and it just feels natural. I am at home here. I have really felt that with my host mom and sister lately. My host mom jokes with me and calls me aşkım which means love and I feel so comfortable around them. Plus it is so nice that my friends can be over and Dilşad can hang out with us, or not and I feel no strain whatsoever.


Sunday morning we ate and even bigger Turkish breakfast than the day before, with lots of simit, and lounged around chatting for most of the day. When Kenzie and Sophie left Sahalie and I cleaned up my very messy room, and then sat out on the balcony to enjoy the warm air. Adana already feels well into spring and it was a beautiful day. I made us Turkish Coffee and we chatted about our lives here without making any solid points or conclusions but just thinking about all that we are grateful we are to be here. Sometimes all it takes is sitting on a balcony to see that.