Welcome newbie,

You'll get used to this place I've been here about 8 weeks and the first 2 were awful and then I found this website.

As for the James Joyce - I've actually spent far too much time in there and I haven't explored enough other places but I'm sure I will in the future. I think I've decided against the 3m sky dish but i'll be up for watching the Rugby world cup wherever - bring it on (sadly I think the Southern hemisphere has it sown up). You can get a lot of the trashy american shows that we all love on digiturk or so I've heard, and don't forget you can download a lot of shows now. As for Sentana I think the James Joyce might have it - should be good now the Gaelic season has started.

Hi Newbie,

Now it's my turn to apologise for the delay. We've had family here off/on for the last 6 weeks. I had no idea of the pull that Istanbul has for family, friends and even semi-acquaintances (who all jump at the opportunity to visit!). (:

You'll love it here, but it does take a little getting used to. I'm not working (gasp!), so, yes, I'm one of those women who has joined the social groups (IWI, Corona). Happy to tell you about the pros/cons of each. It's still a decent way to meet a few people. I'd also recommend starting Turkish straight away. After four months (3 hours/week) of classes, I feel comfortable hopping in a taxi and giving directions, ordering the basics, asking where things are in the shop. Personally I think that's the way to break down the barriers. And everyone here seems to appreciate the effort (even when I'm butchering the language).

My husband is from Galway, btw. We haven't made it back in a couple of years (we were in Asia before Istanbul), but I'm sure we'll make a trip over this summer. Oh- he's also a big rugby fan, so we've considered getting a Satellite Dish. So far we've just followed the rugby in one of a couple of spots- North Shield in Etiler (which is close to us), North Shield in Sultanahmet or Balans in Taksim. Haven't missed a game since we arrived last November.

Anyway, happy to meet up for a pint and a chat (on one of the weekends)- or a coffee any afternoon. Just let me know when you'll be coming to Istanbul next.

Oh- and there are plenty of women in this city who are doing the same thing we are...and happy to meet up and socialize! (:

Cheers!
Kiki