Hello again! I introduced myself a little while ago saying I was planning on going to Istanbul to teach english and didn't really post anything since. Well, now I've arrived in Istanbul and will try and participate more, hence the re-introduction!!

My current missions are to find a job and a flat ( thinking the european side not too far from the general taksim area ), so if anyone knows either that are going do let me know. And if there's anyone else new here who wants to meet up to explore the city or even just have a beer some time send me a message.

ALSO, I have read something of poker in the past, is this a common occurence?

Welcome to forum and great to hear ur safe arrival. Another English teacher to the city. All the best for your job hunting and flat hunting.

I only have hallucinations about poker in the present.

Up for it anyway.

Welcome Sebastian! Taksim is on the European side. Where do you think you'd like to live? If you want to visit the Old City, I live in Sultanahmet and can walk you around for a bit if you come in late morning or early afternoon.

Hi Sebastian and welcome... You could try Cihangir or Harbiye if you're looking for a flat.

Welcome to EIT & Istanbul Sebastian - I'm sure one particular EIT member will be in touch very, very soon re the poker (his missus is away on business - sorry LB )

Thanks all for welcomings and well wishings!

As to where I'll live I think it really comes down to where I can get a place, I'm wanting to find a free room in an already established place so I'm kind of approaching it on a case by case basis. Cihangir or Harbiye both look like good locales but I'm guessing that these places might be a bit pricey maybe? Anyone know any good websites for searching for this sort of thing?

A free room is hard to find, but I always have an extra bed. If you need it for a few days while you are looking, you are welcome. While I'm in Sultanahmet, you can take the tram and metro to places you need to check out. I'll PM you with my phone. Where are you staying now?

Hi Verjan that would be great, I've got temporary accomodation ( that is to say, a cheap hotel, also in Sultanahmet ) for the next few days but will give you a call about the room today or tomorrow.

No problem.

Welcome sebastian,

You might wanna check out this site for free lodging:

http://www.couchsurfing.com

Good luck in this city. Oh yeah BTW a school near my place is looking for an expat English teacher. But you must have full teaching credentials (i.e. a teaching cert) and prior teaching experience. If U are interested, I'll fwd U the details.

Oh I forgot to add, the Istanbul CS (couchsurfing) members are meeting up this Fri in a bar off Istiklal.
U might wanna go meet them for drinks and see if U can get a free room from anyone there.

Good luck!

7th March 2008 starting at 20.00H at Cafe Bi Dunya.

Directions:
On Istiklal Street, while you are walking from Taksim square to the Tunnel direction, on your left, you will see Fortis Bank near to Galatasaray High School. Turn left from this street and after 20 steps it's on your right, at 1st floor you will see Cafe Bi Dunya.

Hi Blush, actually I did give couch surfing a bit of a go but got knocked back by everyone! I think cause I just joined the site and didn't have any references and was also unable to "verify" myself people didn't trust me. Hmm, it's weird having to prove that you're not a weirdo.

Alas, I have no teaching cert and dubious teaching experience, thanks though. I am even wondering if mentioning my excellent scrabble skills on my resume will help my chances. Probably not...

So Sebastian -- what jobs are you interested in? What do you do other than play poker and scrabble? Hmmm -- a potential scrabble partner???

Are scrabble and poker not enough?!?

Was it scrabulous that got you into it or have you been playing for years?

Hmmm, I guess I'm also very much into all things musical - I've been played in bands for a while now, currently bandless ( obviously ) but thinking of changing that if I'm going to stay for long enough.

Job-wise in all honesty I think I'll just take what I can get, I hear it's not that hard to get a basic english teaching job just by virtue of being a native speaker + degree, so that's my most likely option.