That's Turkey...

We have almost been in Turkey for two months and I have yet to give you the good stuff about our adventures at the school, Gebze and Istanbul. I am short on time, so I'll give it to you in list format, in no particular order.

• Turkey seems to have its own sense of time. First, this year's school calendar isn't completed yet. Things could change at any time, and I am sometimes informed about meetings after they occur. Just a couple days ago repair men came in to fix something in the bathroom. They said they would be back later. There is still a huge hole in the wall.
• The students here brush their teeth probably nine times a day. I have heard that it is a peer pressure thing - you don't want to be the kid with bad breath. Therefore, when walking down the halls I am met with at least a dozen kids brushing their teeth and talking to their friends at the same time.
• Afiyet Olsun. This is one of the first Turkish phrases anyone who visits Turkey will learn. It is used anytime anyone is eating or drinking anything, and is a wish for good health.
• Speaking of drinking - tea is everywhere. You are offered tea just about anywhere you go and you'd be crazy to turn it down. Not only is it a sign of hospitality, it is delicious.
  
• The concept of a line is still catching on here. When we go into the bank or Turkcell it is completely normal to have someone interrupt you at the counter.
• As Peter (another English teacher) pointed out today, people in Turkey drive like they would walk. If you need to move over you just do it. If passing requires you take up two lanes... no big deal, and if you passed your turn just go ahead and back up on the highway.
• Shops in Gebze. First of all there are two grocery stores (not including the new and awesome GEBZE CENTER) in Gebze that are not religiously opposed to serving alcohol, and many, if not most, women in Gebze are covered. Due to these facts, Eric and I find it extremely comical, and somewhat confusing, that there are handfuls of sleazy lingerie stores around downtown Gebze. AND that these same covered women are shopping in them.

That is all the time I have for now. I have to get some grading done for my fantastic students. I really am loving them!