There is an interesting statue set up at one of the memorial sites of a soldier holding a large shell on his back. Our tour guide informed us that this brave soldier, Seyit Çabuk , carried this 275 kilogram shell (as well as 3 others of similar weight) up a hill to the artillery when their mechanical means of doing so failed... For those of us who are not used to kilograms, 275 kilograms is just over 600 pounds. A 600 pound shell, placed awkwardly across his lower back, up a great hill, and loading it apparently on his own into the cannon as well??? Unless my calculations are incorrect, and unless this man was Andre the Giant reincarnated, I am sceptical about whether this feat was possible. Although, I have heard stories that are more fantastic that this, so who am I to challenge these claims?
Last weekend we went back to the school’s resort in Şile - where we went at the very beginning of the school year for orientation – WAY before we knew what we were getting into! It was a very nice, quiet, relaxing weekend that was greatly needed and much appreciated! We spent two full days at the resort – playing tennis, Frisbee, football and just lounging by the pool - which was a very interesting shade of “chemical green” as one of the twins so eloquently put it! Needless to say, I did not go swimming! Plus, the weather was sunny, but a little on the cool side for any water activities!
Aside from the unpleasant state of the pool, we had an enjoyable weekend away from the big city – this was the highlight for me as I am finding it more and more difficult to enjoy the crowdedness of Istanbul. There is a lot of culture here, and some wonderful sights within the city, but sometimes the amount of people here can be quite overwhelming! There is a constant noise, which rivals even Toronto’s busy streets – something that still amazes me even after 8 months of living here!
On the last weekend in May we are heading down to Izmir and Ephesus with a Turkish couple that we started off tutoring and then became fast friends with. They have a summer house in Izmir (summer homes are commonplace for people living in Istanbul – with only apartments making up the living accommodations in the city, where else are people to go for some rest and relaxation???) and they have invited us to travel with them to see the sights. We are looking forward to this trip as we have been anxious to see Ephesus during our stay here this year.
As the weather gets warmer, my thoughts turn to the coming summer months, and of course, returning home. As most of you know, this year has been a rather difficult one – due to various issues - and I will definitely be ready to move on once the school year is officially complete. As much as I can say I will be glad to go, a small part of me will be sad to leave some of the friends I’ve made here. I would not rule out a return trip to Istanbul, but I know I will not be returning for another extended stay anytime soon. There are too many other places I would like to see in the world! It will be nice however, to finally go back to Canada, see my family and friends, and catch up on some time missed with loved ones before I venture out into a land of sun and sand! Can anyone give me a crash course on speaking Arabic?? :)
