Italia

Finally! I made the long awaited trip back to Italia this past week for the Kurban Bayram. I knew I missed Italy (anyone who has talked to me could figure that out) but I didn’t realize just how much or even why. Italy is simply beautiful. I knew that around each corner there would be something to marvel at, whether it be moss on the old buildings, a macchiato in a café or just the smiling faces of the Italians. The man at the first hotel I stayed at even laughed at me when I first walked in. He said I just looked so happy. And I was! I spent my first day in Venice just walking around and hitting some of the museums that I had missed. I then went off searching for a restaurant that was recommended. After two hours of walking in circles, I came up with a theory. If you go looking for something in Venice, you’ll never find it. You just have to have faith that you stumble upon it. I guess you could say it’s the same for life in general.

The next day I left for Aviano. I was expecting it to feel foreign and that I would feel a little out of place. It was like going home. I went to the same café and even took a walk to go look at the apartment. It was so wonderful seeing good friends. I forgot just how much they were like a family to me when living out there. Good times were had and I felt truly happy. Susan (my first mentor teacher) took me on a beautiful adventure on Sunday. Her friend had us over for lunch and then we took the train down to Veince to watch a wonderful piano player.

Since I was traveling alone, I did a lot of thinking. Mostly I thought about my goals and what makes me happy. I realized that just lived a much more balanced and reflective life when I was in Italy (BLIS people: PYP essential elements!)  I also had a wonderful reminder about just how badly I would like to teach with DoDDS. I kept the in mind this week and have been stressing out about starting grad school. It got so bad that I couldn’t sleep one night. I tried, but I just ended up getting up and calling different universities and sending emails to various advisors. I’m hoping to start a master’s in special education within the next 6 months. Lots of thinking to do! It was a wonderful short week and I’m excited to get back in the swing of school!

Aviano Antique Market

Botanic Park and Halloween

Another week in Ankara is checked off the list. Pre-K had our first fieldtrip on Tuesday to the Botanic Park. It was so great to see the kiddos outside of the classroom and having wonderful and meaningful experiences with nature. We walked around and collected leaves, acorns, and chestnuts and just played. I was surprised at how smoothly the trip actually went. No accidents. Nobody got hurt. No tears were shed= great fieldtrip!

Friday was our first teacher professional development day. It was nice to have a little break from the little squirts and learn about technology in the classroom. Kind of bummed about the topic. I JUST got done with two “Technology in the Classroom” classes at NAU. It was still nice to socialize with teachers that I don’t get to see very often. But the greatest thing was that it was a half day, so some of us went to the market in Ulus and had a wonderful lunch!

Saturday morning we had a “Republic Day” ceremony at the school. School on a Saturday?!? What! It wasn’t all the bad. It was real quick and the kids who were there seemed to enjoy it. That afternoon Joanie and I went and walked around Tunali. We discovered an English bookstore! So exciting! That night was the Halloween party at the British Embassy. Way too much fun! We had quite a few people from the school and everyone was dressed up! I was a Greek goddess. It was a successful weekend in my book and now I’m preparing for Italia! I leave Thursday morning! Yay!  

çok güzel

It was a beautiful weekend! Friday night was a wonderful time spent with friends. We started out with our friend's birthday dinner at an amazingly cute restaurant in town. It was so nice to have a break from school food! (side note: the school food is great, but having the same thing all the time is starting to get a little old!). We all headed over to the US embassy for happy hour which is always a nice time. Hearing English is good for the soul right now.

Saturday morning I woke up nice and early to head off to see my school's volleyball team play the DoDDS school. It was nice getting to know some of the girls. They reminded me of the girls from camp for some reason! But I have to say, the best part of the whole morning was.........OREOS!!! Yay! After 10 weeks of craving the chocolaty goodness, I finally got my hands on some oreos and even poptarts! After getting home, I jumped on a bus for a shopping adventure in town! Yay for figuring my way around all by myself!

Today I had brunch with a few friends in town. So. Good. There was even bacon involved. (First of all, its hard to find anything with bacon in Turkey, and second of all I don't really eat meat...but I had to make an exception for bacon...in Turkey!) We were going to go to the English bookstore, but ran out of time and had to run back to school for our "UN Day Celebration." I have to be honest, I was not looking forward to it, but I ended up really enjoying spending some time with my pre-K team and seeing the kiddos outside of the classroom!

Overall a really great weekend! Should be an easy upcoming week and then I'm basically in Italy! yay! 9 days!

In class we've been talking about Fall and the different changes we see. We pulled out some fashion magazines and the kids were to look through them and find good clothes for this time of year. I'm thinking this little guy was trying to earn some brownie points! Way cute!

Oktoberfest & Eskisehir

What a wonderful weekend! After an incredibly busy week a few of us had an incredible little taste of Germany at Oktoberfest at the German Embassy. After a bit of a rough start (our bus didn’t show up, we couldn’t find a table, etc.) we quickly joined the festivities. There was traditional German food (a nice change from all of the Turkish food!), beer, and dancing! I think we all had a great time.

Saturday morning, Joanie and I went off on our first adventure out of the city by ourselves. We managed to navigate the Ankara train station and made it to Eskisehir in one piece. We probably could’ve done a little research before going because as soon as we jumped off that train we both said, “now what?” We walked around a bit and impressed ourselves with how much Turkish we could actually speak! So exciting! We met some wonderful ladies at a little craft fair we stumbled upon and even did some shopping with a Turkish girl we met while walking around. It was fun, but we both agreed that we can now check Eskisehir of the list.

School Kills Creativity - Ken Robinson

This is a video I had to watch in one of my classes at NAU. I haven't exactly seen eye to eye on some school matters (art, centers, free choice) with some members of my pre-K team even though I feel we are still a very strong unit. Watching my kiddos at our art center today reminded me of this video. I hope we can all find ways to encourage creativity in the people around us.



Getting ready for Oktoberfest! YAY!

Yoğurt

Can you tell I skipped Turkish class today!? I'm really running low on Turkish titles!

Well anyways, after a wonderful weekend full of relaxing and eating a wonderful Canadian Thanksgiving meal, I was feeling fully prepared for a busy week at school. Monday I was pretty disappointed to find out that my professional development request for the conference in Italy was DENIED! Don't worry. I survived, but not without a few tears. Then I just had to laugh. I'm really just as bad as my 4 year-olds. Today we, once again, had a IB Primary Years Program workshop. I actually really enjoyed this one and left feeling very positive and you could even say inspired. I then went home and bought my plane ticket for my trip to Italy over the Kurban Bayram. YAY!!! I haven't felt homesick yet, but I have gotten very "Italysick." I can't wait to be back, even if it is only for 5 days! I've got Oktoberfest at the German Embassy this Friday, and I simply can't wait! Lots to look forward to!

So I've been eating really healthy and even running thinking that soon enough I'll have to lose all of that weight I gained in Italy (hey, it just meant that I lived life to the fullest....right?). WELL...I've been wondering why I haven't seen any results yet. It might be because; 1) I just finished off my 3rd jar of Nutella and/or 2) my new favorite snack is yogurt and honey (something that is not bad in moderation....key word being moderation. NOT something I'm very good at!)

Cappadocia

I left my little home base for the first time this weekend and it was absolutely magical! I, along with many of the other new teachers, went a few hours south of Ankara to Cappadocia. It was such an interesting place, with wild rock formations and an incredible amount of history, but I feel like we were very successful and saw a good deal of what there was to see. It was kind of weird being in such a tourist town again. Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t even compare to Venice on that front, but still touristy none the less. Our hotel was a bunch of caves carved out in the mountain and the people who worked there were so incredibly hospitable. Saturday morning a few of us got up at the ungodly hour of 5am to go for a sunrise hot air balloon ride! It was B-E-A-UTIFUL! I can’t even begin to explain what an amazing experience it was. Surreal is the only adjective I can think of to describe it.

We then had a long day of touring the area. This included the fairy chimneys that Cappadocia is so well known for and even a ceramic factory where we got a complete tour of how the traditional pieces are made. I think one of the most interesting parts of the tour was seeing the old churches that were carved into the mountains and rock formations. Most of them had beautiful frescos that were fairly well preserved.

That night we went to “Turkish Night” as everybody continued to call it. We had a very traditional Turkish meal and watched some Turkish dancing, whirling dervishes, and belly dancing. It was overall just a wonderful time, but such a long day!

Sunday morning we woke up and had brunch before heading to a carpet shop where we were to become experts on Turkish carpets. I told myself a million times in the past few weeks that I would wait a few months before actually purchasing a carpet. Well, they say you turn into your mother, and I’m thinking this was the first major sign that that may be true! Sure enough, I fell in love with a carpet and went home with a new investment.

We stopped by an underground city and a dried up salt lake on the way back into town. It was an incredible trip which as tickled my travel bone a bit so I am now constantly daydreaming about all of the wonderful places I get to see in Turkey!

P.S. Hey Dad...this is my ride to school everymorning!

Türkçe Bilmiyorum

I'm at school right now and I just about died laughing. One of my students just came in and gave me a Turkish to English dictionary! I'm starting to think these kids REALLY want me to learn some Turkish! Haha. Also, I applied for a professional development conference in Italy. I know it might be a long shot, but it's been something nice to think about during the rough times! So far it's been a wonderful Friday!

Yabancı

Alright…I think I’m officially fed up. Turkey has the WORST sidewalks I have ever seen. To be honest, I don’t usually notice the beauty or even practicality of sidewalks around the world, but when they are this bad, its hard to go unnoticed. Now I need you to do some math. You all know me well and know I’m not the most poised lady in the world. Please add the fact that the sidewalks are horrible, my incredible ability to trip over a dust particle, and the reality that I cannot blend in here, no matter how hard I try (not too many girls with blonde hair and blue eyes running around Turkey! Who would’ve guessed). If your answer was EMBARASSMENT, then you are correct! I tripped 3 times…count them, 3 times on my way to the grocery store yesterday. Usually I just laugh it off, but yesterday it was just frustrating.

But anyways, I had a wonderful evening baking cookies and then having drinks with my neighbors. I was once again amazed by how many wonderful people I’m surrounded by and how lucky I truly am to be here!    

bir, iki, üç (I'm running out of Turkish!)

Alright, so it’s been a couple of crazy weeks! Last weekend I was so happy to have a little R&R! Friday night we had a rather large group of teachers all go out to dinner on campus and it was so nice to see everyone. I am quickly finding that Pre-K is in its own little world at the top of the hill, so I rarely see anybody. Sunday morning I went into town for mass at the Vatican Embassy. It was nice to have something familiar in a time where everything else is so foreign. We had to quickly rush back for the school picnic. Not exactly my idea of a good time on my day off, but it was nice to see the kids simply having fun and I got the chance to get to know some of their parents a little better.

I started my Turkish lessons this week so I’m sure I’m gong to be fluent in no time! In all reality, this is going to be difficult but we have a great teacher. I also started playing volleyball! I forgot how much fun it is and what a great stress reliever after a long day!

This Thursday I had Curriculum Night with all of the parents. I was so nervous, but it ended up going very smoothly (except for losing my voice in the middle of a slide) . I feel like I got really lucky with my group. They are all so sweet and really truly care about their child’s education.  I also had a conference with one parent on Wednesday and she said “My daughter really loves you, but she wants me to teach you Turkish so she can talk to you!” Too cute. I’m not sure if it’s merely the culture, but I’ve found that these kids are über affectionate. They are constantly coming up and kissing me on the cheek or rubbing my back. I simply adore them.

Yay! I got my box from my mom in the mail this week! So I got lots of goodies, like a camera charger, MagicJack, a toothbrush (haha…Turkey DOES have toothbrushes), and the new J.Crew catalog! Goofy goofy.

Next weekend in my first trip outside of Ankara! I can’t wait!

Iyi Günler

It was a good Monday, but a little on the hectic side. It was the first day with all 17 preschoolers and I realized this is going to be difficult. That is a lot of kids that don't understand what I'm asking them to do. In time I'm sure it will all be wonderful, but for right now it's just exhausting. Still love the kiddos and have had so many laugh attacks that I'm pretty sure I'll never have to do another sit-up in my life!  Highlight of the day: my teaching partner brought me fresh sunflower seeds from somewhere along the black sea! I can't wait to start traveling!

It's basically the size of my head!

Pazar

After a wonderful (yet tiresome) first week teaching I was ready for the weekend. It was actually somewhat comical to see the teachers drawn like magnets to the bus that goes into town. We had a huge group go to the U.S. Embassy for happy hour which was a much needed break from the school atmosphere. I am meeting so many new and fascinating personalities and its nice that I am starting to recognize people that I know around town (both expats and Turkish).

Saturday morning I went to a produce pazar in the city and had an absolutely wonderful time! It reminded me of the outdoor markets in Italy so I was feeling right at home. I surprised myself with how well I got by with my Turkish. At first I was a little nervous to buy anything but although I don't know much, I was able to ask how much something was AND understand their answer. Slowly but surely I feel like I'm figuring it out and I'm sure the preschoolers are going to be a big help! So it was a fantastic weekend and now I'm simply attempting to mentally prepare myself for the craziness this week is sure to bring. 

ÖĞRETMENİM

Translation: teacher! I heard this about 2 million times today! Yes, it was my first day as a fully certified teacher and all I can really say is...I need a nap. I didn't realize how physically expressive you have to be when you are trying to communicate with 4 year-olds who don't speak your language! It was an exhausting day but I feel like I got very lucky with my students so far. Nobody really cried much and for the must part they listened to directions. They are all very smart and knew so much more than I thought they would. I have one little friend who is fluent in both Turkish and English, so he was a big help. I forgot how much I love all of the little hugs and holding the little hands! I've missed it! Well, like I said, nap time!

Here's a picture of my little Koala Bears!



Dirslik

Welcome to my classroom! I have been dreaming about my first classroom for a long time and that dream has finally become a reality. Just as in most things in life, it isn't exactly how I pictured it, but the fact that I am a real live teacher now with the classroom to prove it makes me want to jump for joy! The process of putting everything together was long and at some points a very painful process, but it is finally complete. I've put up some before and after pictures to give you an idea of my life for the past few weeks!

Before

After

It's beautiful, right!? I can't wait to meet the kiddos tomorrow! And...I've added a picture of the yummy fresh pistachios my partner brought to school today. I highly recomend trying them at somepoint in your life!

My Lojman

I feel like such a big girl now that I finally have a place of my own! I was so worried I'd be lonely in a big two bedroom apartment, but I'm finding that it is turning into an amazing place that truly feels like my home. I've painted a few walls now a beautiful sage green and have hung up pictures of my family and adventures. I am absolutly loving my balcony. I got very lucky and am on the second floor with a wonderful view of the city and can see both the sunrise and sunset. Here are a few pictures of my lojman!

Merhaba!

Hello from Ankara, Turkey! I can't believe I am finishing my third week in this wonderful city! It is amazing how quickly such a massive place began to feel like home and yet how completely lost I can feel at the same time. Each time I step out my door I am learning something new, which is exactly why I took a job that was 6,900 miles away from where I was born and raised! When I began researching Ankara (and Turkey in general) I read that it is a place where east meets west. So far I feel like it is a place entirely its own. The language, coffee, roads, and people are different. I think this is going to be a wonderful adventure and hope I can open a few eyes to the beauty in unexpected places such as this crazy country!

 I took this video when I was on top of the Roman Castle in Ulus, which is plopped smack dab in the center of the city. Each time I walk around this part of town I am in aw of the sheer amount of history this place has. The Romans, the Greeks, the Ottoman Empire, the French. It just seems like this country has been impacted by so much of the world and yet it has created a culture all its own! I think this is an amazing view of the city where you can really see how complex it is.

Feeling like I'm on top of the world!