LETTER HOME: Bad enough starting school in a new city. How about
in a new country?
That’s the situation being faced by Leah Costik who is on a
year-long Rotary Exchange program in Izmir, Turkey.
Before we begin, though, allow us to point out that Leah says
getting a letter from home is roughly equivalent to getting gifts
on Christmas morning.
Leah lives with Mehmet and Sezgin Ata on a Turkish military base
where he is a colonel.
She wrote to her mom, Sally, of her ongoing experiences: “It has
been quite an interesting month filled with new people, culture,
food, and customs. I have had a lot of fun and am learning more and
more each day.”
“Living on a Turkish military base is an interesting thing (to
say the very least). When we enter the base our cars are checked
for bombs. Soldiers carrying guns can be seen everywhere, which has
taken some getting used to. I have been to two different military
celebrations where I have met lots of fascinating individuals,
including ambassadors and a several NATO officials (a sarcastic and
witty bunch.)
“My host mother and grandmother are trying to turn me into a
Turkish Julia Childs. We made a soup called ‘tarhana’ about a week
ago. The soup took over three days to make. However, it’s really
good, so it’s worth it! Turkish breakfasts are one of the best
parts about being here. Breakfast includes fresh bread, tomatoes,
cucumber, cheese, jams, honey, and hot tea. Delicious.
“I am learning more Turkish words every day, but I am finding
that this language is incredibly difficult (at least for me!) I am
hoping once school starts I will be able to learn more, until then
I struggle day by day. Turkish people are really willing to help
foreigners. Today, I was riding a public bus back to the military
base and was listening to my iPod, and not really paying attention.
I almost missed my stop, but several people communicated to me that
I had to get off by pointing and saying ‘House! House!'”
More tomorrow. Meanwhile, you can write to her at the address
below. The address must be copied exactly as it appears, Sally
says.
Leah Costik c/o Sezgin Ata
Huzur Mahalles 1
0st1hkam Lojmanlar1
Barlas G¸ltepe Apartment
Daire: 8
Narl 1dere/0zm1r/Turkey
