FINAL, my Flat and my First Night

Miten, drove Gulsen and I to FINAL, my school. At this point I was very tired but I stuck it out.  I met Suleymon Demirel, one of the principals, Refik Koaek, one of the founders, and a few others from the school.  I toured every floor of the building.  I am so happy with what I saw.  Much of the supplies were not at the school yet, including computers and science equipment among other things.  I can’t wait until they do arrive, it will make the school feel whole.

Some administration and I ventured to my flat, in which we found it not to be ready – without appliances, bed and light fixtures. Cihan, the vice principal, Gulsen, and I went to a local chicken serving restaurant down the road.  Literally, my first bite of Turkish food was placed in my mouth, by fork, by Cihan.  I blew embarrassment aside and laughed with the two.  The food was so fresh and delicious.  I also had my first Turkish cigarette with the two.

After lunch, administration and I stopped back at the flat to which we agreed it would not be sufficient enough for me to stay until the appliances and bed arrived.  I was driven to Grand Eyupoglu Hotel. Gulsen waited in the lobby for me while I dropped my things off in my room. Gulsen then led us to a mini bus which we took down the Uskudar, an area on the Bosphorus.  We walked the path along the Bosphorus until we found Leander’s Tower, or better know as Maiden's Tower.  We drank tea at a restaurant and enjoyed a long conversation of many different topics.  Once our conversation slowed down we sat at the waters edge, viewing Maiden's Tower, waiting for Gulsen’s friend, Soner, to pick us up, all the while fighting off a flower lady.  When Soner picked us up he drove us to the top of Camlica hill, one of the 7 hills Istanbul is built on. (Did I mention the three rules to driving?) There awaited the most incredible view of the city – lights illuminate major roads, tourist attractions and many nooks and crannies of alley ways.  

Maiden's Tower: