Procrastination being the thief of time, I thought I'd better just get on with it! I've been in Istanbul since October 1999, having come direct from my birthplace of the UK. I'm ashamed to say that my Turkish is barely survival level but, I have survived so it can't be all mispronounced! I seem to have been hiding myself away and felt that I ought to get a life before it's too late - so I'm ready for the next gathering (although I think they might be on hold for the summer, am I right?). I missed the last bash as I was busy getting my eyes lazered so all is clear to me now!
Looking forward to meeing everybody as and when ...

welcome, what do you do in your day to occupy your improved eyesight?

Welcome! And what have you seen or not over the past 8 years in this country?

What do I do? What have I seen?
I occupy my time teaching English at Kadir Has University prep school - a challenge that previous years of teaching in Istanbul had barely prepared me for! Luckily things are winding down for me whilst the students take their exams.
My travels around Turkey have, regrettably, been short and sweet and have only taken in the usual sunspots for brief summer hols as I do go back to sunny Sussex every summer to see my family.
None of this is riveting reading I know but it is 8am and I have been up since 4am (chronic insomnia!) so I'll try harder next time!
Any chance of a gathering of the expats on the horizon?

Hi and welcome to the forum. Our gatherings are regular as clockwork and are held on the first friday of the month. Just keep your eyes peeled (pardon the lazer pun) on the Expat in Turkey Events section of the forum. But you don't need to wait for the next event. You'll find there's always people arranging to meet up and go out in the activities section. If you have a favourite place you like going to, tell us about it, it doesn't take much to get a group of people together to go out for a drink, especially in the summer. I'm getting thirsty just writing about it. Cheers...

Thanks for info about monthly get togethers - would have liked to have joined you all at the last one but, living in Bahcelievler (you may well ask, where?!) it was threatening to be a major excursion. The going would have been ok but the coming back ...
Would love to be able to see the events pages and join everyone for fish suppers etc but, being a newbie, I can't access it. Will be in the UK for next organised drinks. Maybe Sept, Oct ...
B.... lonely living in b.... Bahcelievler!! am thinking about getting a dog ... or a flatmate... or both ...

which bit of Sussex? I originally hail from the Eastern side..... a long time ago, get back there maybe once a year.

born2b,

I'm guessing you know all of this, but from Taksim at all hours you can find the yellow 'dolmuşlar' to Bakırköy. From there a taxi (or minibüs, depending on the hour) to Bahçelievler will get you home after an EiT get-together. It's a quicker and cheaper commute than many have. We hope to meet you soon!

Hi Not Quite Wild,

I'm sure you'll be able to make it to one of the parties, you should definitely try as they are usually good. You'll find many people sleeping rough around Taksim so all you really need to do is bring a blanket and choose a doorway.

Cheers!

Thanks for the travel tips!
I'm pretty good at getting around (before any alcohol intake) but it was the trip from Anavutkoy that was putting me off. Taksim is only a taxi ride away - so I generally don't take a blanket with me on my nights out! Hope to meet some other newbies on Wed (in Taksim!).
Is it me or is it hot!!?

It's you.

Hi there, fellow Bahcelievler-an. Yes, I also drew the short straw when I arrived here 7 months ago and live in this wonderful outpost. I'm going to the newbie dinner on Weds - fancy sharing a cab there and back? I live in Baran area - could meet you by the taxi rank......? Will PM you with my phone number.

Thanks Jude! I did get your PM but can't reply as I'm too new! Have sent you an SMS.
See you and other newbies tomorrow for a "cool" evening (and no, it's not me, it is HOT!).

Hi to GBSahne!
I don't really come from Sussex but that's where some of my family have ended up - West Sussex, near Worthing, which is not the most action packed area to say the least!
Heading over there next weekend and am packing my wellies (or I would if I had any!). For once I'm really looking forward to getting there, if only to bask in the more clement weather - well compared to here anyway! Although I've been here since 1999 I don't remember this heat - must be getting old ...

hey born 2 b - since 1999 - I guess I will have to restart in Istanbul with a fresh approach.

Having the acarkent debacle on our hands did not help (particularly when we had just bought it and all the rubbish with Pepe started). That was breaking point for me. I needed a break.