LETTER HOME: Leah Costik begins school today in Turkey where she
is on a year-long Rotary Exchange program in Izmir.
Yesterday, we quoted from one of Leah’s letters home and we
conclude today.
Leah writes to her mom, Sally, “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!’
“A couple of experiences have been less than good, mainly when
my laptop was seized at customs. After a phone call to the United
States, three faxes, 125 Turkish Lira, lots of pleading and
flashing my passport as proof of identification, it was released
and I am happy to be typing this letter on it now.
“My heel broke on my shoe while I was in downtown Izmir but a
street shoe vendor repaired it and it looks better than before! I
also visited a small, rundown tailor. The tailor was operating in a
small, hot, rundown office and it was a bit strange to have a man I
have never met nor understand fiddling with the waistband on my
skirt but overall it was a fun and interesting experience.
“I have visited my school Calmarati College twice now and have
met both the principal and the headmaster. Both are very nice to
me, and I am relieved to have met them before school opens. I start
school Sept. 24, after Ramadan. I am nervous for school, but am
trying to keep an open mind.”
Sally, tells us regular mail is only 98 cents and is eagerly
awaited by this Bradfordian so far from home. It would be great if
she were deluged with mail!
The address must be copied exactly as it appears:
Leah Costik c/o Sezgin Ata
Huzur Mahalles 1
0st1hkam Lojmanlar1
Barlas G¸ltepe Apartment
Daire: 8
Narl 1dere/0zm1r/Turkey
