December

This month has been a normal month, in terms of exchange students.

I learned a lot more Turkish (a LOT more) and now I can talk to people and they understand me! This is something that no one should take for granted, ever. Ahh the blessings of knowing a language! I am finally starting to be able to say what I need to say without thinking for 30 seconds about conjugating this and making the possesive form of that and remembering the word for that... Of course I still have those slow moments, but they are becoming a little less frequent.

So, in layman's terms, people don't think I am stupid anymore! Woo hoo! They always ask, "How long have you been in Turkey? Did you know Turkish before you came here?" When I reply "4 months, and no, I learned Turkish here" they are shocked. I am enjoying the expressions on their faces... Nothing is better than seeing gaping mouths and wide eyes every time you meet a person. Seriously, every time.

I got bronchitis! It has been two weeks so far, and I can tell you that if possible, avoid bronchitis at ALL COSTS. I am literally coughing up my lungs a little bit every day... It is a rather unpleasant experience. So many Turks smoke and the air pollution in Istanbul is really bad, so those are definitely contributing factors to the prolonged period of my bronchitis-ness. Turkish women are insanely afraid of me. It was funny at first, but now I am tired of explaining that antibiotics don't work on bronchitis because it is a virus. Virus. VIRUS. There is nothing to do but wait, dammit!

I have a new host family! It has been almost a week, and so far it is pretty good. They live in Ulus, a place near the 1. Bosphorous Bridge and Ortakoy, my favorite place to relax in Istanbul. However, I don't live a 10 minute walk away from Taksim, a really fun and central place that I always go to, and now I have to take the school bus to school for 45 minutes every morning. That being said, I still enjoy life and do the things I used to do; it just takes longer to get there!

I wasn't homesick on Christmas... I think I was one of few. I haven't really had homesickness here, and now that it is almost January (the turning point of one's exchange for the better) I am sure that I won't ever be homesick. Phew! That is a relief. Of course, there are times when I wish I could see my dog, or hang out with my best friend from Michigan, but that is normal for anyone. I don't cry for my mommy and stay holed up in my room, thinking dark thoughts about how much I hate Turks and Turkey and Turkish food... I love Turks! I love Turkey! I love Turkish food!

As I go into January, I can't help but be excited. Half of the month will be vacation and then I will go on a tour through Western Anatolia and a few coastal cities! I am so excited!

Lots of love and I hope all is well, whereever you are!