I am home

From the ages of 19 to 29, I lived in the US, making this country my home. Now with the start of this new year, I am moving back to my hometown; Istanbul.


Every day for one year, starting with the first day I arrive, I will post on this blog - using it as a platform to share my experiences and observations about my home country.

Day 137

I’ve never been this exhausted in a while, both physically and mentally. Moving from the US meant getting rid of almost everything, the process was long but not too difficult. It was a matter of deciding what was worth taking with me and what wasn’t. But here, moving into my first apartment in Turkey, the process feels more tiring. Besides all the fixings that need to be done to the house, I also have to re-buy every single thing. As this is more or less for the long long term, I noticed that I have become extremely picky as I don’t want to just create a crappy Ikea home for myself. Yes, like many other people I have already been there (more then once), but for basics. I hope to be moved in by the 15th and for a while will happily live with just a bed, a couch, a dresser and my computer. I’m looking forward to this new chapter of my life.

Late Saturday shopping with bf Shirley.

Late Saturday shopping with bf Shirley.

After 3,5 hours at Ikea and not having had dinner at 11pm, a stop by the dürüm guy on the street was the best part of day 134.

After 3,5 hours at Ikea and not having had dinner at 11pm, a stop by the dürüm guy on the street was the best part of day 134.

Day 133

I am this close to moving into my own place. I’m hoping to be in within 2 weeks and start the adjustment process all over again as I think living on my own in Turkey for the first time ever will be a whole process on its own.

Day 132

It only took several phone calls, checking the map a couple of times and a few hours internet search, but I found the type of kettle I’ve used in the US. Certain material items bring a type of comfort that is hard to describe and I’m glad at how persistent I was because I am now content and I refuse to settle.

Day 131

Put a bunch of smelly men in a room, wait till your number is called (30 people ahead of me), put on your headphones and listen to Drive’s soundtrack, try to ignore the possibly alcoholic man next to you (I can smell the alcohol protruding from his jacket) and you are at a government agency in Istanbul.

Auntie-nephew night on day 129.

Auntie-nephew night on day 129.

Day 128

Can’t complain about a night when the whole family is together, my sister-in-law and I preparing the little one’s first birthday decorations, browsing through IKEA’s website for my new place –which I have memorized top to bottom at this point, and getting in bed early with a book in hand.

Real Time Web Analytics