Friday, September 9, 2011

"Turkish" Hospitality

A couple hours after I moved into my new place on Monday afternoon, my door bell rang. After (slowly) going down my two flights of spiral stairs, I answered the door and saw a young Turkish man. He was holding a huge bag of toilet paper, a water jug, and bag full of Coke, instant coffee, Turkish tea, and sugar. He said something to me in Turkish I didn't understand and welcomed me. I said thanks and closed the door. I had no idea who he was. It was a really nice gift, very thoughtful. A bit later a teacher came to check on me. And a bit later another one came with a bag of fruits and veggies, pasta, and cookies. (She then proceeded to lock me out of house and I had to break in the back patio.) Anyway, the teachers thought it was a huge mystery of who my Turkish delivery man was. The next day we found out my next door neighbor, a fellow teacher, had called the market and asked for the things to be delivered to my house. He wanted to give me the essentials that I would need for my first few days. I went to his house last night to thank him again and ask him about how to get internet. He told me about a few package options, and then said that he would just give me his wireless password and that his modem would be strong enough for me to use through the walls. So now I have free internet too! I may have a broken toilet and a leaking AC, but at least my neighbors are welcoming and helpful.

3 comments: