Patricia from Kartal

Photo: WOW Turkey

Thanks to Patricia Çevik for sharing her experiences in Turkey with us.

Tell us about yourself
My name is Patricia Çevik. I am an American woman. I came to Turkey with my Turkish husband about 12 years ago. We have been married for 17 years. I am 44 years old. I came from New York.

What made you come to Turkey?
My husband wanted to return to Turkey because he wanted to do the work that he was educated to do which was to work as a Mechanical Engineer. There was a job offered in Adana so we came to Adana about 12 years ago. We stayed there until my husband had to go to the army. So I stayed in Adana for 8 months alone. It was the loneliest 8 months of my life. He got out on his birthday and went directly to Istanbul to apply for a manager position with Koc group, which he got. He stayed in Istanbul for 3 days before he finally came back to Adana to get me and we moved to Izmir where the Koctas market was. We stayed in Izmir for 8 wonderful years as I love Izmir. It's a very nice city. 2 years ago my husband was transferred to Istanbul and here we are.I dont' like crowded place and Istanbul is very crowded but I do like where we live

What do you do in your daily life?
I worked in various dershanies, as Im an English Teacher. I've worked in preschools and private schools also.

Family?
My dad and brother are in the states and I haven't been back to the states for about 9 years. I'm happy here. My dad is healthy and nothing has really changed in New York. I call my family every month but if I wanted to go and visit I could.

Can you compare your first days here with today?
I was very afraid and scared because I didn't know the language or the culture but being here as many years as I have I'm used to the culture and I can speak the language.

Has living in Turkey influenced your approach to life?
My husband says I'm more dependent on him but I'm only dependent on him when I have to go some place because I don't know the areas as I get lost easily even in America I'd get lost. When I need to speak to someone important on the phone I depend on my husband for that too.

Turkish language?
I don't think I'll ever learn Turkish correctly as I learned if from my students and I dont beat around the bush when I need to say something. I'm very direct and that can cause problems sometimes.

Let's talk about the region you are living in?
I'm living in Kartal istanbul. It's very quiet and neighbors keep to themselves.

Have you traveled in Turkey? Tell us your discoveries.
When we first came to Turkey after we were married we went tent camping from Istanbul to Antalya. We'd stop in a play for a day or so and move on to the next place. I love all the historical places in Turkey it's just too bad that people steal and ruin all the historical beauty in Turkey. Generations to come will only have pictures to look at and not the real thing because there won't be much left for them to see.

What is your preferred characteristic trait of Turks?
Most Turkish people are really friendly and helpful.

What was the annoying one?
When you go to big pazars and the Turkish people know you are a tourist they raise the price of something and tourist being niave don't realize what's being done to them. It happened to me in the American pazar

Turkish Cuisine?
I like most Turkish foods but 6 years ago I stopped eating lamb because it's too oily for me.

Any suggestion to new comers to Turkey?
Get all the information about the place you are going and try to get a trustable tour guide that won't rip you off of your money.

Any suggestion to people planning to visit your region?
I don't suggest coming to Istanbul but if they must they should see the Topkapı palace and the big covered pazar there are so many souvenirs that can be bought.

Would you like to add your comment about this article? Click here!

Editor's Picks

Antalya Antalya, one of the most breath-taking places of Turkey, because of its spectacular location... more...

Traveling by Bus Every corner of Turkey can be reached from the bus station, or Otogar as it is called here. more...

Best of windsurf spots Recently the number of beaches providing windsurfing facilities has increased and shores are embellished with colorful surf.. more...

Anatolian Civilizations Museum The museum is located southeast of Ankara Citadel and is composed of two Ottoman Buildings. more...

Trattoria da Rosario Trattoria da Rosario is a small but special Italian restaurant hidden amongst the trees in Koşuyolu, Kadıköy. more...

Hamams in Ankara Would you like to take a bath in Karacabey Hamam of 15th century or Şengül Hamam of 18th century? more...

Latest Articles