Preparation...

I don't know if this is true yet or not (honestly, I thought it was a cool title...probably will change), but from what I know and have read, Istanbul is quite deservedly it's equivalent. I will soon find out though seeing that I leave in exactly one week. That being said, I have yet to find a place to live. It seems like there is always one thing wrong with every place I have found and everyone I have talked to...too expensive, in a bad neighborhood, or too many old men living there...awkward. Maybe I am just too picky, but I am doing this alone. I guess you can't be too cautious. Hopefully my careful analysis of living arrangements will pay off and I'll find the perfect place to live. In the meantime, I am working out the kinks and messy details of my trip. Note to self: get bus ticket to Chicago...that could be a problem. I'm nearly packed. Yes, I am that excited! After three years going back and forth from school and a semester abroad, I like to think I've become an expert packer. I've managed to fit my life for two and a half months into a suitcase and a backpack.

Up until about a week ago my idea of Istanbul and my thoughts about my trip have been very romantic. They had yet to feel real and seemed more like some very vivid dream, but now that I am home and have been packing and whatnot, it has hit me that I really am going to Istanbul to live for two months by myself. scary, man. Needless to say, I'm getting nervous. I know that as soon as a land in Turkey, I will have to hit the ground running, figuring out the winding city streets that, from looking at google maps, seem to be as bad as Rome, finding my home and places to eat, and starting my research. I'm most worried about meeting people. Since I don't know anyone, I will have to make friends for fun and for my research. yikes! From what I've heard, Turks are a friendly bunch! Guess I'll find out in T-7!!!