25 Things To Look Forward to While Living Abroad

In 2005 I stumbled upon a book that captured my heart and sparked a wild, unexpected journey. That book? “Turkey Lover” by Esmeralda Santiago. And let me tell you, it’s not just a story – it’s a love letter to a country, a culture, and a way of life that I never knew I needed.

From the moment I cracked open the spine of “Turkey Lover,” I was captivated by Esmeralda Santiago’s vivid prose and infectious passion for all things Turkish. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the serene shores of the Aegean Sea, Santiago’s words painted a picture of a country rich in history, culture, and culinary delights.

But it wasn’t just the vibrant descriptions of Turkey that drew me in – it was the heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the universal search for belonging that resonated with me on a deeply personal level. As I devoured page after page, I found myself falling in love not just with Turkey, but with the idea of starting a new chapter of my life in this enchanting land.

And so, fueled by the inspiration of “Turkey Lover,” I made a decision that would change the course of my life forever – I decided to move to Turkey. Crazy? Maybe. But sometimes, the craziest ideas are the ones that lead to the greatest adventures.

Now in 2019, I prepare to embark on this new chapter of my life, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement, nervousness, and sheer exhilaration. Sure, there will be challenges along the way – navigating a new culture, learning a new language, and finding my place in a foreign land – but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Because you see, “Turkey Lover” taught me that life is meant to be lived boldly, passionately, and without regrets. It reminded me that sometimes, the greatest adventures begin with a single step – or in this case, a single page.

Alright, buckle up, folks! I’m about to embark on a wild adventure, leaving behind my cozy couch and beloved microwave dinners to take on the exotic land of Turkey. I’ve got a laundry list of things I’m absolutely buzzing about.

“how happy am i to say i’m” Turkish “
Ne kadar mutluyum ki öyleyim‘
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Kebabs on kebabs on kebabs – seriously, is there anything better than sinking your teeth into a juicy, perfectly grilled kebab? I think not.
Mastering the art of haggling at the bazaars. Spoiler alert: I’ll probably end up paying twice the asking price, but hey, it’s all about the experience, right?
Attempting to pronounce “şalgam suyu” without accidentally summoning a demon. Wish me luck!
Exploring ancient ruins and pretending I’m an intrepid archaeologist uncovering lost civilizations. Indiana Jones, eat your heart out!
Getting hopelessly lost in the maze-like streets of Istanbul and stumbling upon hidden gems like a real-life Turkish version of “Where’s Waldo.”
Sampling every type of baklava known to mankind and then promptly slipping into a sugar-induced coma. Worth it.
Perfecting my Turkish coffee fortune-telling skills and convincing my friends that I’m actually psychic. Hey, a girl can dream, right?
Trying my hand at traditional Turkish dancing and inevitably embarrassing myself in front of a crowd of amused onlookers. Hey, at least I’ll burn off all those baklava calories!
Channeling my inner Ottoman sultan and lounging like royalty in a luxurious Turkish hammam. Cue the rose petals and soothing music, please.
Dodging seagulls like a pro while devouring a freshly baked simit by the Bosphorus. It’s like a Turkish version of “The Hunger Games,” but with carbs.
Attempting to navigate the intricate rules of Turkish tea culture without accidentally offending anyone. Note to self: never refuse a cup of çay, no matter how full you are.
Befriending a street cat and convincing myself that I’ve found my soulmate. Sorry, human friends – I’ve upgraded to a feline companion now.
Learning to speak Turkish like a true local and promptly forgetting everything as soon as someone responds in rapid-fire Turkish slang.
Getting serenaded by the mesmerizing melodies of a Turkish saz and feeling like I’m starring in my own romantic comedy montage.
Swooning over the breathtaking beauty of Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape and resisting the urge to break into a spontaneous rendition of “Circle of Life.”
Getting my fill of vitamin sea at Turkey’s stunning beaches and pretending I’m a mermaid lounging on a rock. Just call me Ariel, darling.
Embracing the chaos of Turkish traffic and mastering the art of crossing the street without breaking into a cold sweat. Hint: just close your eyes and pray.
Indulging in a traditional Turkish breakfast spread fit for a king – and then promptly needing a nap to recover from the food coma.
Reveling in the vibrant colors and intoxicating scents of a Turkish spice market and resisting the urge to buy everything in sight. Who needs rent money anyway?
Marveling at the architectural wonders of Hagia Sophia and feeling like a tiny speck in the grand tapestry of history. Cue the existential crisis.
Channeling my inner yogi and perfecting the art of the Turkish get-up. Spoiler alert: it’s not as easy as it looks.
Sampling every flavor of Turkish ice cream and engaging in a playful tug-of-war with the ice cream vendor. Just give me the darn cone already!
Soaking up the stunning sunset views over the Aegean Sea and contemplating the meaning of life. Hint: it probably involves more baklava.
Making friends with the locals and convincing them to teach me their secret recipes for Turkish delight. Sorry, Grandma – your recipe just got an upgrade!
Falling head over heels in love with Turkey and never wanting to leave. Sorry, old life – you’ve been replaced by the warm embrace of Turkish hospitality and endless adventures.

So there you have it, folks – 25 hilariously over-the-top things I’m looking forward to living in Turkey. It’s going to be one heck of a ride, so stay tuned for more outrageous antics and epic adventures from yours truly. Until then, güle güle!