From Pişmanye to the Bosphorus Bridge

When Domla first brought home what the Turks call "pişmanye," I thought that maybe Istanbul just couldn't get any better. Well, today it did. While a cotton candy-like substance stuffed into a delicious chocolate coating does have a chart-topping quality to it, walk-jogging in the Avrasya Maratonu's "Fun Run" (8k) this morning was definitely the highlight of what has become such an eye-opening study abroad experience. Starting at 9:30am, this run welcomed everyone from that woman in purple rain boots to men with MMM Migros shopping bags. Anything to be able to cross the world-famous Bosphorus Bridge as a pedestrian--something that is not allowed on a daily basis. Once the time came and the rain started to let up, what seemed like the entire population of Istanbul (probably not, however, considering that would mean 11-15 million individuals) was off and running. Cakes, flags, cameras, alcohol. You name it, they had it. As I crossed the Bosphorus, once again, it seemed as if the sky couldn't be any more spectacular. Upon returning to the United States, I am almost positive that I will hear Istanbul mentioned in daily conversation and will immediately be taken back to the unbelievable skies that I have witnessed.
So, why am I here again? Oh yes. School. Well, classes could not be any more interesting. Is that what I am supposed to say? Well, to be honest, we are dealing with a hodgepodge of emotions when I am quickly reminded that I have about 100 pages of reading to do or perhaps 2 research projects to complete. While my Turkish class is going faster than I might be used to, it is definitely my favorite class being that the professor is well, my peer. Literally. She is in my FLED 501 class. I think that this will mean a better grade in the long run, not because I will be receiving special treatment, but because I do not want to disappoint someone who I respect as a fellow teacher. Bilgen. You are very cool.
With regards to the "other" classes.....heh. Well, FLED 511 has been called off for two weeks while the professor is at a conference and this will inevitably mean an extra half hour tacked on here and there to an already lengthy 3 hours. I can deal. FLED 524. Scary. Still don't know exactly what the class is about, but even with this, I have about 90 pages to read before Wednesday. And finally, FLED 501. Research Methods. Gulcan Hanım. Love her because she loves Dr. Heather. The reading is interesting, the book has cartoons in it, and my classmates are normal. Score.
A few extra tidbits: Rebecca and I still forget that "Caddesi" is pronounced "Jaddesi." I met a Bangladeshi yesterday and had the opportunity to ask him "How are you?" in Bengali. I received a very enthusiastic "khub bhalo" that made my day, as well as a t-shirt that says "Bangladesh CS" on it. I drink way too much Coke Light. I run to Bebek a fair amount to see the sun rise on the Bosphorus. I have learned that with wearing a San Francisco Giants hat comes the possibility that the security guard will run after you because he has no idea who you are. It is me, man, it is me. I guess that I will actually have to "do" my hair from now on.
With that, this is really a special place to be for 4.5 months. While both the men and the stray cats take a few too many liberties, I am still happy. Every single day.