Finally some Americans! It has been a tough few weeks adjusting here in Istanbul. Oops I forgot my name is Rene Chatfield 28 years old (feels weird to say 28 because just had my birthday last Thursday). I am here with m husband and 2 children. Andre 11 years and Eric Jr. 11 months. My husband is a professional basketball player and is playing for Darassufaka basketball team. We will be here until May. We left everything in storage back home only bring 2 suitcases a piece. And let me tell you for someone who loves shoes, clothes, and bags that was very tough to do. Actually the entire trip over here was impossible. I say this because we had less then 18 hours to park our entire town home up, put things in storage, and get on a flight here. Well I hope to meet many of you and excited to make both American and Turkish friends here across the world. See ya round!

Welcome to Istanbul and Happy Thanksgiving.

How close knit is the NBA foreign legion so to speak? I ask because your husband may know a friend of mine, Rudy, who plays in the UAE. Of course if the foreign legion is not close knit then this a dumb question in which case I am more than happy to retract it.

Hey Rene and welcome to Istanbul and the site!!

So what is your plan while you are here, other than watching some b'ball? I have been here seven months now and really enjoying it. You will get used to the madness of it all as time goes by. This city is fun and there is heaps to see and do. What area are you in and what do you like to do in your spare time?

Again, welcome!
foreignfistik

[quote user="Rene" post="104559"]Finally some Americans! [/quote]

hmmmmmm - there's a few people here that may object to being called Seps. Probably more Europeans here than Americans which would explain the high brow debates and conversations that we frequently engage in. (insert sarcastic emoticon here)

From one southerner to another - hope ya'll settle in easily.

Hi Rene, Welcome hope u enjoy your stay at Istanbul and the Forum.

Let me first say thanks for the warm welcomes and now to address everyone individually...

Seggiest Actually the Americans pretty much know most of one of another in the foreign leagues. And actually he played with someone named Rudy in Germany last year so maybe this is the same person you’re talking about?
Foreignfistik
Well to answer your question I would love to do some sight seeing. It's going to be a challenge though because on my husband’s days off usually on Sundays he really likes to rest and it is so crowded. And during the week he practices 2 times a day and we have one car to share. SO maybe when he has a weekday we can go do short trips to see the history and sights of Istanbul. Besides that I am a huge shopper. But I am a savvy shopper and Istanbul seems way out of my league. We live right next to Istiyne Park mall and every time I go it breaks my heart because they're prices are sooooo expensive. Any thoughts? Are there any Marshall or Loehmann type stores? We have been to Olivium and that seem like a waste of time! Well I guess I'll find something. I do love to cook maybe some cooking classes? Who knows but I would love some ideas please feel free to throw them my way. Thanks again for the welcome.

Thanks bhaklava what part of the south are you from?

Thanks Jaynat!


Hey by the way how do you spell check here?

thats what I expected - can't remember if Rudy played in Germany but I'll find out.

Ok Let me know

I'm from Texas - just outside of San Antonio. But, I spent some time in Athens years ago, and was just in and out of Atlanta as I tried to figure out the crazy highway system there to make it out of the city.

Welcome, rene!

What neighborhood do you live in? We could perhaps give you some sight-seeing advice accordingly.

A quick internet search did not turn up Darassufaka's schedule quickly. Do you have any links to the schedule? I've been meaning to get to a Turkish basketball game for awhile and why not your husband's team?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi and welcome! Hope you managed to find a turkey for tonight - rumour has it there
are some butterballs around ...
Happy Thanksgiving and have a great time in Istanbul - the city where all serious
shopping can be accomplished - ask my credit card supplier!

bhaklava-WHat does bhaklava mean. Athens my husband played for a team in Greece but I couldn't pronounce the city name if I wanted too. That's funny you mentioned crazy highways. The way people drive here I will never complain about another americans driving ever again. And the roads are crazy where are the street signs? San Antonio is cool I am trying to get a client in TX and my husband used to live in Houston near Katy.

Thanks burbaco- WHat does burbaco mean? We live in Darussafaka (correct spelling). It is in Sariyer right next to the Istiyne Park Mall. Here is the link for the team:
http://www.eurobasket.com/team.asp?Cntry=TUR&Team=195

They are not winning so it has been frustrating but my sons and I have fun at the games.

Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Did anyone have a Turkey dinner today? We did but with no Turkey . Couldn't find one I miss HOME

Hey born2b- Where did you find a butterball? And how much are they going for?

By the way I forgot to mention...
We are desperatly trying to get my 11 year old into school. Most of the international schools (ie Brithish School) are too expensive and we cannot afford to send him to one of the big ones. Any thoughts or ideas or maybe you guys know someone? We live on the Europe side in Sayier. All help appreciated!