I met a woman in our apartment complex, Zaynep, who has become one of our translators. She's helped in many ways, one of which was referring her pediatrician. i called the doctor Saturday night due to a terrible ear infection Sierra developed and he came in on his day off, Sunday, to see her at the American Hospital. He was an amazing doctor- spoke impeccable English, was thorough and even called another Ear specialist for a second opinion, wrote up a prescription for ear drops, and didn't charge a penny. Minutes later we were at the Pharmacy. The entire bill for the prescription and visit was $4. Needless to say this was a much better experience than I'd expected.
Along with settling into our home, we've done quite a bit of exploring during the day. We've all adjusted to the fact that pedestrians don't have the right of way and to use the crosswalks and sidewalks. Taxi drivers are very skilled horn blowers and effortlessly dodge any obstacles in their path. Honestly, the taxi rides are similar to roller coaster rides at Disneyland- quite an adrenaline rush. I've figured out how to use my pointer finger to direct the driver when we don't have an address. Some drivers even entertain us with bee-bop music and act as tour guides (we just smile and nod since none of us understand what they're saying).
There's an International Women's Organization as well as a Professional Women of Istanbul group I plan to join. There are so many ways to get involved and meet others.
The girls are doing really well. They're definitely developing their street smarts. When we're out exploring I'm letting them take the lead and including them in decision-making, Safety definitely hasn't been a concern. They're learning that the "bartaring" tactic here is developing a relationship first then negotiate. If you try on a pair of shoes that sends the signal you'll make a purchase before leaving the store. :-) We learned that quickly.
The girls have also informally adopted the apartment cats. There are two kittens that follow them everywhere and they bring them water and scraps each day. The girls also discovered a new litter of 3 kittens that the mother apparently abandoned. Last night's dinner conversation was trying to coax MIke into adopting them into our home. There are quite a few stray dogs and cats throughout the city- which has been hard to see. I remind the girls that we can do our part and make a difference with a few.
Mike is doing well....definitely a whole different education system and a lot of politics he's trying to work with. Yet, patience and relationship building is his strength and he's doing a good job taking it one day at a time. Somehow we both completely forgot our anniversary on August 3rd. Thanks to our friends for reminding us. Seventeen years of marriage-wowsers