Aida from Nisantaşı

Thanks to Aida for sharing her experiences in Turkey with us.

Tell us about yourself?
I am a risk taker and it is hard for people to predict what my next endeavor will be. I wish I wasn't like this... But, since I am take really wild and random journeys. i have met so many fascinating people and witness so many interesting phenominems. The Turks think living in celebrity driven Lon Angeles is a wild fantasy. The idea you can be at the market and Britney Spears in buying Cheetos behind you is really a crazy thought. This was routine for me, and I wanted more. To see more.

What made you come to Turkey?
I was bored one day with my best friend in Los Angeles. She is Turkish and said come to Istanbul. Lets go and do something there. I said, 'No Way!', but my imagination went wild. I decided not to take on the full risk, but I came to Turkey. The Summer of 2005 for 2 months. I decided to test out the waters with her. I was so amazed and the city got my heart. I was living off Badgat Street, went to Turkbuku for 3 weeks, chilling in fancy homes in Yenikoy, hanging in Bebek and Nisantasi for fun. When the weather was unbearable, I was chilling in Akmerkez. This was the disilluision thought I had of Istanbul. So decadent, so posh, so surreal. It was Los Angeles with a middleastern flavor.

What do you do in your daily life?
I was working for an Economics Publishing Company here. That ended recently and I am not sure on my longevity here. I want to stay and be successful here, but most of my day I spend dreaming of my mom and family. I am living in La La Land.

Family?
I do not have any family here. I am Jewish and got connected with the community here. I have met some Persian Jewish families here. They have adopted me. Without them I will be really lost.

Can you compare your first days here with today?
I don't know which way I like more. Feeling lost or knowing this city's roads. Outside of the direction problem the one thing that hurt me the most is sitting in silence. I didn't know any Turkish at all, I could not even order water, a taxi. Going to a kuafor and not being able to dictate what I want. Just giving my life into others' hands was refreshing but definitely not the way I was accustomed to. I was always accusing the taxi of taking the long way.

Has living in Turkey influenced your approach to life?
Definitely. Turkish Men do not know how to control themselves when it comes to anything especially women. Los Angeles is full of insane looking people and clothes. Anything goes, but coming here I had to tone down my appearance, the length of my skirt and increase the lights of a tanning bed. It is a real comedy to watch Turkish people ruin their gorgeous skin by living in tanning beds.

Turkish language?
I understand the jist of the language. I just want to wake up one day and speak. I am lucky because so many people help me out with translation. I wish I didn't have helping hand, because I would be in survivor mode. I would be Turkish by now, if it weren't for my great group of friends.

Let's talk about the region you are living in?
I live below Nisantasi near Polat Towers. It is good and centrally located. There are a lot of foreigners around, but a different kind. I love living in near Nisantasi and passively looking to reside there Cihangir. Living on the European Side is definitely more happening The Asian side is soothing and a place to chill. I like both, but it is better to live on the European side for me.

Have you traveled in Turkey? Tell us your discoveries.
Yes, I have discovered Turkburku for 3 weeks. The haven for Turkish Society. I was in shock how a Turkish girl can make fun of a girl wearing a mini in Istanbul, but strut in a g-string bikini in Turkbuku. It is not a fun place, but a place where Turks can sort of be free in open air.

What is your preferred characteristic trait of Turks?
They can go all night. They never complain about time.

What was the annoying one?
They cannot control themselves with anything. Love, passion, women, money, raki, word usage. They are always ready to exploit at anything.

Turkish Cuisine?
It is good, but Persian is so much better.

Any suggestion to new comers to Turkey?
It is an addicting place. I chose to be with Turks here, and not the foreigners. I wish I did the opposite. I wish I chose to live in Cihangir and create my base amongst other's like me. People who feel lost and lonely at times. Where communication is easier, because it is the only place in Istanbul you might hear Turkish the least. Turkey is a very family oriented place, and it is hard at times. I wish I created my family with other's that also needed a family.

Any suggestion to people planning to visit your region?
Don't wear short skirts or expose yourself too much. Do not trust Turkish men at all. I am not a heartbroken soul, because some Turkish man told me something. I just know from my own eyes. They are sorry men who will do and say anything to get a woman. They are poor uncivilized men who make maybe 600$ per month. I am lucky I have never dealt with this, but so many friends whom I let loose in Taxim (I usually will not go) come back telling me stories that they are getting married to a Turkish man who thinks they are so special.

Latest comments about this article

 By payam  1.3.2010

aida and persian jap im persian-italian living in istanbul plz contact me by email : payam.metro@gmail.com

 By angelaturkey  10.9.2007

How can I contact Trevor from SIDE?

 By persianjap  2.5.2007

Charm you can contact me via email. persianjap@msn.com

 By Charm  2.3.2007

How can l contact with members? Thanks, Charm

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