Merhaba!

I am finally here and what a great way to start a new semester.  I feel like I am exactly where I need to be. Everything is just flowing and I feel good about why I am here and what I am doing.  To be honest, when I got off of the plane, there was a small thought of “what are you doing” that entered my mind momentarily.  Luckily, I realized that it was only my fears and quickly put myself in check.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My taxi driver did not speak English but we communicated very well.  He was very proud of his country and that is very refreshing especially with the political chaos that is everywhere.  I don’t know what I thought Istanbul was going to be like but it was not this.  There is no picture or movie that could convey how beautiful Istanbul is.  You are just going to have to come and see for yourself.  This city is vibrant and vast with lots of people, shopping malls, traffic (horrible), construction, etc.  You name it and Istanbul has it.  It seems as if every inch of Istanbul covered with highways, homes, and commercial property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Koc University campus is awesome.  The CIEE faculty and Koc faculty have been wonderful.  One of the cool things about arriving a few days early is you get to meet everyone one on one before the crowd gets here as well as be better prepared.  I got a chance to have lunch with Kathryn, Koray, and Defne (CIEE Faculty).  Even though I did not know what I had it was great along with the company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am looking forward to not only learning the Turkish language and culture but also getting to know and learning about myself.  It is all about growth and I am ready for it.  Hopefully, everyone is having a wonderful semester abroad or in the US.

Kimberly

P.S.  Below are some more pictures I took as I arrived in Istanbul and on the Koc campus.  Enjoy!

 

Location: Koc University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, 34450 Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey