Claire from Izmir
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-Tell us a little bit about yourself... What made you come to Turkey?
Simply a desire to be different, see the world, explore
- 14 years is quite a long time. Can you compare your first years here with
today?
24 not 14!!!!! There is no comparison as far as consumer goods; road conditions,
communications, etc are concerned. What probably hasn't changed is the underlying
Turkish culture and approach to life.
- Has living in Turkey influenced your approach to life?
Actually, I think my own philosophy of life (if one can have such a thing in
one's early twenties) fitted in quite easily with what I found here, at first.
I liked the friendly relaxed atmosphere and the unpredictability. However, the
initial attraction soon faded and when I had to live without an infrastructure
I could depend on, I soon realised how frustrating that could be. So I became
more realistic and more appreciative of the culture I had left behind.
- Turkish language? You must be fluent now? When did you dream in Turkish
first?
I actually can't remember - although I know at the time I was amazed. Especially
because in your dreams you are far more fluent than in reality! Being able to
communicate with people who have no English, opened up a whole new world for
me. I felt I was really beginning to understand the country rather than perceive
it through a filter of translation.
- Let's talk about Izmir Region. What has retained you there?
We actually came to Izmir 10 years ago, but I'd always wanted to settle on the
Aegean coast. For someone coming from Great Britain, the climate and the beaches
are already enough of a pull, but I have to confess that it was the thought
of living 'down the road' from Ephesus and other fabulous ancient cities that
really inspired me .... and I have to say they still do. If you come to a country
like Turkey out of choice you have to be a bit of a romantic- it's the exotic
east as far as most of us are concerned. So, when the power is cut for the third
time in the same evening, I think of the ancients who lived here and get out
my oil lamp. It's actually a privilege.
-What do you do in your daily life?
I teach English and some Drama in high school here in Izmir.
- Family?
Three children? Sorry...one husband, two children
- Have you traveled a lot in Turkey? Tell us your discoveries
Yes Yes Yes....too many to tell here.
- What is your preferred characteristic trait of Turks?
There are many... here's just one that comes to mind. Despite blood feuds in
the East, I find most Turkish people incapable of holding a grudge- they are
very forgiving.
-What is the annoying one?
Everyone is so loud ! ... Horns, loudspeakers, voices... gives me a headache.
-What was the annoying one?
The way some people refused to speak to me directly when they realized I was
a foreigner. Even though I spoke to them to show that I could communicate, they
would prefer to direct questions or make personal comments about me through
my husband, all the while staring at me. Drove me wild.
-Turkish Cuisine?
At first I lived on muzlu pasta. Then I discovered home cooking. I have a long-standing
love affair with aubergines.
- Any suggestion to new comers to Turkey?
Come with an open mind and get to know local people rather than staying exclusively
with ex-pat groups.
- Any suggestion to people planning to visit Egean region...
Depends what you enjoy - good wind surfing??? Beautiful coastline, great beaches?
Ancient Greek/Roman sites? Sites of early Christianity? Good vegetarian dishes
with olive oil? Local wines? Brilliant markets? Easy travel to Greek Islands?
I can't think why you'd want to stay in Istanbul!