Merhaba,
I am new to Istanbul (this past winter) and unfortunately just learned of this site recently. My boyfriend (Swiss/Turk) and I (American) have settled in and are interested in meeting some people. I have taken some Turkish courses, which everyone has suggested to meet some people, which did not happen. Unfortunately I was the youngest person in my classes by several decades... My boyfriend and I both are interested in getting out around town to explore the night life a bit more and to meet new people. We live on the European side of town close to the Bosphorus. Right now I am surviving by the pool in this heat, before we venture off for some summer vacation! I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!

welcome but apologies for being the bearer of bad news; expect the temperature to go up another 10 degrees or so by August!

Merhaba Molly! (Don't complain, you've learned a very useful word there in your Turkish courses ;-)
Where by the Bosphorus* do you live? And what will you do in the winter?

*We have monthly meet ups in Yeniköy and you're welcome to join in.

Thank you for the warm welcome. Currently we are living in Bebek, because my inlaws thought I would feel more comfortable around foreigners like myself. I really have not noticed anything different though, there seems to be more Turkish people in my neighborhood which I am happy about. We are building a house in Kurucesme though, so those are my plans for the next year or two! Joking. Everyone tells me how much work it is going to be, and to not expect it to go as smoothly as it would in the U.S. It is historical, so we have been going through all of the permit process, etc. I am an exceptional childrens teacher. I wanted to learn my Turkish before working though. Hopefully by the fall I will start working again. My boyfriend Tim builds motor and sailing yachts in Tuzla. Other than that this weeks weather only calls for two things. Pool and cold beer.

Hi Mlhouser, welcome. I'm a regular summer resident in Turkey but I'm skipping it this summer. I am almost glad I am (although seeing/being with my friends trump the heat) as soon as I got the scorching news. It's my first summer in Northern California in 7 years! Can't complain about the current sunny but windy conditions in the San Francisco Bay area right now.

I love Bebek and the badem shop there! BTW, best wishes on your restoration project. If you need an architect, I can recommend my friend's dad who also lives in your neck of the woods. I'd like to pm you when you able to receive them if I may.

Hi Molly

welcome to this part of the City. I am sure to see you around, we are quite a few in the area Arnavutköy, Kurucesme, Bebek.

You are not into running, are you?

Hi there,

Welcome and enjoy the heat before it gets too bad!! just keep the beers flowing and you will be fine.

Hi I'm living in Bebek too arrived after you (March) - if you fancy a coffee in Bebek some day let me know (i'm Irish) only i hope that I'm not in the category of the 'ancient' people in your Turkish classes - Is early 30's too old??

Early 30's is not bad, considering I just turned 30 myself this month! I was talking more like 50's and 60's in my Turkish class! It would be nice to meet for a coffee sometime. However I am going to Germany for 4 days. Maybe when I get back we can meet up. Thanks for the invitation!

Hi Molly,
Welcome to Istanbul as well from another Irish girl (the Irish are after you!) I live near Taksim but often go walking along the Bosphorus near your area, so I'd also be interested to meet up sometime too

I can relate to you about the Turkish courses - I recently joined a one myself in Tomer to brush up on my poor grammar although I found myself to be on the much older side in mine (and I'm the same age as you)!! I guess a class profile can go either way depending on who's learning at the time. Also I was surprised to find a lot of younger teenagers in the school learning Turkish, mostly from Russia. I've heard that Turkish translators are highly paid there so it must be a case of early career planning!!

Welcome , Hope you enjoy this beautiful town and forum

mrmineo-

Tim and his fatther just started this business. That is why we moved here to Istanbul. It is Tim's dream to be doing something like this. And no, he is not a naval architect. They just like boats a lot. They do have an arcihtect on board though. What type of experience do you have?

I went to EF in Levent for Turksih clases. We spoke English most of the time. Which was not much help for me. I took the summer off, but will be working with a private tutror in the fall. Thanks for the advice though. I am going to try the tutor first. I think I might get more out of it.

Molly

mrmineo-

By the way tuzla is on the asian side about 45 minutes away. It is close to the airport and the formula 1 track. there is a significant amount of shipyards out there.

Hi I just read your post re. EF in Levent - I signed up to start classes on Mon - did you do the intensive class ?

Yes I did the intensive course for two sessions. I would say that each class will probably be different. It just depends on time and place I think, who signs up etc. They were very professional. I think it also depends on which teacher you have. They are all very nice. I believe at Dilmer they speak in Turkish the whole lesson. My professor at EF spoke in English while explaining the grammar, ect. I guess it just depends on what kind of learner you are. What works best for you... My only problem with the intensive course was that by the time I came home from class, I did not feel like practicing at all. I had had enough of it by the time class was over. Hope this helps you!