Saç Kremi

            Today I spent at least 8 minutes of my life staring at bottles of shampoo. Atleast, I think it was shampoo. In desperate need of hair washing/conditioning products I was trying to buy exactly that. Unfortunately these 8 minutes were wasted. I will never get them back, and I left the supermarket with nothing to cleanse or moisturize my hair. This is because it is seemingly impossible to distinguish the difference between “shampoo” and “conditioner” in Turkish. I feel like this 8 minutes is a perfect metaphor for the confusion and bewilderment adjusting to living in another country. (Bloody Turks.)
So, Oritentation week has officially finished. In truly awkward style these two weeks of welcome was concluded with a rather bizzare take on the idea of a “cocktail party.” Now, for me when I think “Cocktails” I think a nice bar with soft lighting and good music, a relaxed atmosphere and civilised adults sipping on their drinks. However, this “cocktail party” was infact in a huge conference hall, with few sparodically placed linen-dressed tables, each hosting a bizzare selection of cucumber and carrots in glasses of lemon juice, pea and potato sandwiches and tangy cheese Doritos. To complement these canapés, a selection of 5 parts vodka 1 part juice, Raki, Wine and Beer was also served. These drinks could be obtained with vouchers given out at the start, but eventually stolen by many. Now, I thought the whole idea of this odd affair would be to congratulate the host students on all their fantastic work. I thought some form of announcement would be made and applause would ensue for each individual host student. Apparently, this was not to happen and instead we were left to stand awkwardly as “The Tide is High” blasted out through the speakers. Odd. As a result patience wore thin, and everyone just decided to get drunk and watch the Man United -  Gala (Istanbul)  match instead. This was fun until  my beer was stolen.

Anyway, I am getting ahead of myself. I now have been here 10 days. I would like to say that I am now used to the Turkish way of life, but this would be a lie. Surprises this week  have been thick and fast between. Firstly,d a dog joining our lecture, with little reaction from the professor. Secondly, the dolmus driver telling his 30+ passengers crammed into his 10 seater bus that they must duck down whilst passing the traffic police. Thirdly, the sever lack of haste conducted in all bureaucratic issues. For instance, I am yet to pay for my dorms, even though I intend to move out on Monday (this is conditional, as my potential future roommate has been out of touch – I’m preying hoping this is just coincidence and he isn’t ignoring me on purpose) I have no idea how to pay for these, or in what format I have too – but I have been left to mince in and out if I please.  I would also use the “residency permit” example here  - but it is far too stressful to even think about and I simply do not want to have to reassess the situation in the form of the written word. Generally, the whole “Turkish” way of dealing with official matters seems very odd to me. I respect the fact that I may be living in a society that respects the Mediterranean way of living life, but I am perplexed why this means that every single little thing takes about 8 years to complete, if is is to ever be completed at all.  I have concluded that the Turkish flag is in fact red in homage to the amount of red tape there is in order to get anything achieved.

Anyway, you may think that this is very negative. We have to remember (as we were again  told yesterday in another incredibly boring lecture about culture shock … apparently bringing things from home can ease homesickness? #noshitsherlock.) that frustration is a natural part of adaptation. So no worries, I am simply riding that rollercoaster which can be turbulent at times.

On a more positive note, this week has been fun – and easier than the first. We went bowling, I went rowing on the university lake, I went shopping for copious amounts of Ruffles and cherry juice. I also had a few days where I thought even if I moved my little finger I would vomit, but I have overcome that. I have met some lovely people and had some great conversations. I am also missing the normality of England and home, but learning to cope with the difference a whole lot easier. As I said to a friend earlier on Skype – there is nothing I can do about it so tears are wasted. It’s best just to suck it up and march on.   I have drank more Efes than I should have, and been lectured that Efes is the worst Turkish beer I could buy. I have TRIED to select my modules and think I have decided on the following; 

·         Contemporary Turkey

·         The Middle East in World Affairs

·         Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies

·         Turkish for Foreigners (Bebek, Karpuz?)

    I am quite excited about getting into the routine that University presents, as it will make the time go faster    and reduce the amount of days till I am reunited with my parents and the love of my life (not John Snow, the other one.)  

In 6 hours I am heading to Alanya with 90 international students. We are staying at a hotel   which is all inclusive (including alcohol) and my head is already pounding and my hungover desire for potato waffles already emerging… I think it will definitely be something to remember, and I am so very excited to see the sea.

Oh – and one last thing, I would like to dedicate this post to the dog that was in our lecture and also the dutch girl and guys that have complimented me on my blog and asked for new posts. (YOU GUYS KNOW WHO YOU ARE)  What can I say? Carrie Bradshaw eat your heart out.