how did it get this busy

english teaching is a big business in turkey, as it is in many other semi-developing countries. foreigners come, some for weeks and others for decades, and regardless of their background, teach english. some get to teach their native french or spanish. universities might actually expect a degree in english literature or similar, most will require that you have a diploma from a 1-4 week teaching course, and the rest dont care - just come and speak english. the turkish work market is a bit harsh, especially in a field this special, there is a fast rotation as people switch countries - and as work cultures clash. aaaaanyway, facebook has groups for sharing information and experiences about schools. this one post summed things up really well so i thought id share it. it is a rather extreme case but i didnt bat an eyelid reading, ive heard all of it before, from many people, and almost every day there is a post like this.

i had my experience teaching, and although it was never kids/fulltime, i recognize some of these things too. it was a learning experience and got me introduced to the culture, so.

im bothered by the fact that somehow, in our culture, when a friend shows you something theyve bought or consider buying or acquiring (bag, shoes, dress, flat...), its rude to say u don't personally like it, even if you balance it with a positive comment on how it may suite the friend. and i dont mean a smirky  "oh what a horrible color, but it fits your skin tone!", its not really necessary to bring yourself into a comment about clothes anyway, but maybe she is pointing to the special pattern on her new shoes, and i might go "ok. ive never been into that pattern. glad u found them though :)" and the smiley refers to an actual smile. but after that comment i know i should have left off the part that i dont like that pattern. i wouldnt really feel the need to express my feelings unless i felt strongly about it and i know that comments are expected. when someone says "this doggy print on my sleeveless shirt is amazing", it might be possible to pass it off with a smile or make up an 'unrelated' comment such as "yeah it looks like your dog actually", but i think sometimes people look for affirmation. and i hate both doggy print and sleeveless shirts. well with clothes there is always the "it looks good on you", assuming thats the case. but ehh...  sometimes its hard. i think as long as comment is not meant to offend and is not vicious, it shouldnt matter. why should i like your haircut, its not on my head - i am still happy for you, and i show it.

waiting for the release of this ER documentary; Code Black. i think me and doctor can watch it together.

a big crack appeared on the street, over a metro station (Hurriyet). it was filled with cement right away. perhaps that was the right course of action, but i wouldnt count on them doing anything else. 

the other night i did what i was always afraid of; i dropped my phone on the asphalt. now, i need to get the screen replaced, perhaps...? not cheap. tough, considering we are trying to save for a trip to greece.

this is our initial plan. Thessaloniki (2-3 days) and then a peaceful beach location for the rest (7 days). Thessaloniki is 11 hours from Istanbul by bus. my greek friend here in istanbul gave us some really good tips for the places; we want a sandy beach, decent prices and calm/not very touristic island like location. Sarti sounds like it might be our place! 

pork, greek wine and local mezes... oh and beach and sea for doctor. i think i will enjoy them too...

Arttu is here until saturday. then saturday afternoon i will go and meet Hesi....  my ooooold friend from deviantart. she is coming here for a few days so we should go for drinks and nice dinner.

then, next week Tiitta and her bf are coming. its busy times!