20 Nov 14 6:28pm
Tomorrow morning, we leave for Istanbul. Kim should be at my house in Memphis around 9, then we get dropped off to Memphis International about 10 miles away. I have somehow managed to fit everything I need into a suitcase weighing in at 38 lbs., plus a backpack. The only final bits now are the really important things like iPod playlists and spending time with the person who I will miss the most.
So instead of long paragraphs of explanation, here is a list of the top things heard when I explain I’m leaving for Istanbul:
1. So….you’re going to Turkey on Thanksgiving…
My reply: Laughter. EVERY time.
2. If anything goes wrong, just say, “Je suis Canadienne.”
My reply: Laughter. Pause. Serious nod.
3. Take lots of pictures!
My reply: I’m going there with THREE professional photographers.
4. Are you going to wear a hijab (usually it’s “head scarf thingy” and then a bunch of hand movements around the head)?
My reply: Definitely in the mosques. And I think I look pretty good in a head scarf, so I may wear it all the time.
Followed by: Around 90% of the population is Muslim; however, Turkey, especially Istanbul, is a secular nation.
5. Where is that?
My reply: It’s in Europe and Asia, right by Greece. It is (or was) the second largest city in Europe.
6. Aren’t you scared because of the terrorists?
My reply: There are no major terrorist threats in Istanbul.
7. Is Turkey by Syria?
Yes, but Istanbul is about 530 miles away. It’s not as close as you think.
8. Aren’t you scared you will be pickpocketed?
My reply:I feel safer going to Istanbul than Rome.
9. I will pray for you.
My reply: Thank you?
10. Aren’t you scared going there as a woman?
My reply: No.
11. Won't you feel lost not knowing Arabic?
My reply: Turkic is written in roman letters. Somebody who only speaks Arabic would be just as lost as somebody who only speaks English. The tourist area I am visiting will have plenty of English/ Plus that's why we have apps! :)
12. I am so excited for you!
My reply: ME TOO! Hey, follow my blog!
13. People break into this song. Almost every time.
(the video is when Craig Ferguson lip synced this They Might Be Giants song - which is a cover of a song from the 50s. Please understand this video is purposefully playing on stereotypes for the sake of comedy....and c'mon, it's Craig Ferguson.)
My reply: SING ALONG!!!! OF COURSE!!!
Tomorrow morning, we leave for Istanbul. Kim should be at my house in Memphis around 9, then we get dropped off to Memphis International about 10 miles away. I have somehow managed to fit everything I need into a suitcase weighing in at 38 lbs., plus a backpack. The only final bits now are the really important things like iPod playlists and spending time with the person who I will miss the most.
So instead of long paragraphs of explanation, here is a list of the top things heard when I explain I’m leaving for Istanbul:
1. So….you’re going to Turkey on Thanksgiving…
My reply: Laughter. EVERY time.
2. If anything goes wrong, just say, “Je suis Canadienne.”
My reply: Laughter. Pause. Serious nod.
3. Take lots of pictures!
My reply: I’m going there with THREE professional photographers.
4. Are you going to wear a hijab (usually it’s “head scarf thingy” and then a bunch of hand movements around the head)?
My reply: Definitely in the mosques. And I think I look pretty good in a head scarf, so I may wear it all the time.
Followed by: Around 90% of the population is Muslim; however, Turkey, especially Istanbul, is a secular nation.
5. Where is that?
My reply: It’s in Europe and Asia, right by Greece. It is (or was) the second largest city in Europe.
6. Aren’t you scared because of the terrorists?
My reply: There are no major terrorist threats in Istanbul.
7. Is Turkey by Syria?
Yes, but Istanbul is about 530 miles away. It’s not as close as you think.
8. Aren’t you scared you will be pickpocketed?
My reply:I feel safer going to Istanbul than Rome.
9. I will pray for you.
My reply: Thank you?
10. Aren’t you scared going there as a woman?
My reply: No.
11. Won't you feel lost not knowing Arabic?
My reply: Turkic is written in roman letters. Somebody who only speaks Arabic would be just as lost as somebody who only speaks English. The tourist area I am visiting will have plenty of English/ Plus that's why we have apps! :)
12. I am so excited for you!
My reply: ME TOO! Hey, follow my blog!
13. People break into this song. Almost every time.
(the video is when Craig Ferguson lip synced this They Might Be Giants song - which is a cover of a song from the 50s. Please understand this video is purposefully playing on stereotypes for the sake of comedy....and c'mon, it's Craig Ferguson.)
My reply: SING ALONG!!!! OF COURSE!!!