I wish the above title could true. Ever since I came back from Turkey, I completely emerged myself into the busy college life. Whether to figure out what to do with my life or just simple go to the class on time, I feel I am lost in a frenzy of energy that all surrounding me. By watching all the friends prepare one and another for job interviews and information session, I feel hopeless misplaced with my position in the future. It almost made me question my major choice, did my desire to improve my english skills really was a wrong choice>? I could pick some easier major to prepare myself to a easy career. I have passion for writing, but it is not one of the career will easily to show clear signs to me.
Political Science/ English?
Law school?
Graduate school in poli sci?
Find a job?
Senior year is not easy.
I am glad I have friends and teachers who are trying to help make my decision for the future. Professor Jensen, Cinegelli, hmm, great professors. My close friends, frank, gong, min, jason, steve, calvin. They give me assurance for my life. It is a hard road, man. I feel alienated from the society. Unlike my usual self, I lock myself in library to finish my work this semester.
I only gone out...4 times this semster. sigh....
Then with the class problem, it really messes with my mind. I did not do it.
I miss Istanbul.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Thursday, July 5, 2007
The hotel
That was june 21st, by the way.
So we arrived at Hotel around 5 or 6 ish. The biggest concern for us is the need to find some clothes to change for the night. Will, Moe and I all brought matching T-shirts for 15 liras. Our hotel is located in the old city area.It was within easy access to all the major attractions in Istanbul. We were all too tired to go to these places. After take a shower and put on "cleaner" clothes. ( I only brought a spare underwear with me in my other bag), we went up to the hotel roof cafe. Its sorta funny, after we showed the menu, we waited quite awhile for our dinner to come.( the hotel probably weren't expect us to eat there that night) While we sit down and enjoy the cold beer, our waiters probably run downstairs and try to pick up some ingredients for our dinner. hahaha
The night was beautiful. While we sipping the beer, the cold breeze from bosphorurs river tickles on our skins. The little boats in the background flashes with twinkling lights under the the last remains of sunlights. The serene feelings are overcoming our senses. After a day of struggle, lost, and sweats, a little cool wind is all that takes us to retreat into the night. While I relaxing my senses to the new environment, the prayer call from the nearby mosque probably took over the remaining energy of my day. It is a peaceful feeling to be able to listen a prayer call in a foreign language while resonates with it. Not that I am religious, it is just the senses of these callings are quite powerful to be experienced for the first time. All of us surrounded by buildings probably older than our grandparents, and slowly embraced by Istanbul.
OFcourse, the Later 3 AM prayer call wasn't too enjoyable, It woke me and others in the middle of the night.
So we arrived at Hotel around 5 or 6 ish. The biggest concern for us is the need to find some clothes to change for the night. Will, Moe and I all brought matching T-shirts for 15 liras. Our hotel is located in the old city area.It was within easy access to all the major attractions in Istanbul. We were all too tired to go to these places. After take a shower and put on "cleaner" clothes. ( I only brought a spare underwear with me in my other bag), we went up to the hotel roof cafe. Its sorta funny, after we showed the menu, we waited quite awhile for our dinner to come.( the hotel probably weren't expect us to eat there that night) While we sit down and enjoy the cold beer, our waiters probably run downstairs and try to pick up some ingredients for our dinner. hahaha
The night was beautiful. While we sipping the beer, the cold breeze from bosphorurs river tickles on our skins. The little boats in the background flashes with twinkling lights under the the last remains of sunlights. The serene feelings are overcoming our senses. After a day of struggle, lost, and sweats, a little cool wind is all that takes us to retreat into the night. While I relaxing my senses to the new environment, the prayer call from the nearby mosque probably took over the remaining energy of my day. It is a peaceful feeling to be able to listen a prayer call in a foreign language while resonates with it. Not that I am religious, it is just the senses of these callings are quite powerful to be experienced for the first time. All of us surrounded by buildings probably older than our grandparents, and slowly embraced by Istanbul.
OFcourse, the Later 3 AM prayer call wasn't too enjoyable, It woke me and others in the middle of the night.
Friday, June 22, 2007
The Journay
If I say the Journey to Istanbul was smooth, I was joking.
My trip starts from my subway ride to JFK. Thanks to my mom's advices, I did not choose to have two bags with me. One giant bag is enough to cause pain to my hand and backs. And that damn thing even has wheels. With the boring and long ride through the underground, I was both excited and anxious about the journey. At times I was question what hell was I get myself into. Now with the mixed blessing both from lost luggage(for me it was only one day) to rushing through the London airport. The whole trip was a pain in the ass. Due to some random reason, our plane did not able to land in London airport. It did a big U and then a S and then a straight line through London. It was nice to see some city design of London. It is at one of the picture i took while making the landing. After we get off the plane, we had 10 mins to make to our departure gate due to the delay. At this point, I have to say at least British Airways has the initiative to lead us to go to the security point. Then the whole trip gets quite tricky. We quickly were lead through a security point. Then after 20 mins mad dash to the terminal, we were faced with another one. It was one confusing trip indeed. The second security point had a long line of people.
"Even though sweats and exhaustion from flight took their toll on me, surprisingly enough, I was enjoying the whole events. Not as if i was watching it from a third person angle, but it was more like I am embrace myself in an incoming disasters. This eerie feeling came with me until i get off plane at Istanbul. "
While we were waiting before the security point, the same worker who led us through the first one also led us through the second one. I guess there must be a large number of customers are missing their flights. Our connection flight was waiting for us. The sign of relief finally overcame all of us. I think Will and others all succumb to sleep while we got to our seat. Our seats are not together. I planned my trip myself and others planned with travel agency. Not so surprisingly, the Binghamton incompetent travel Agent were unable to arrange their seats together. (P.S I save myself 60 bucks while i do it myself..hehehe. suckers!)
My ride on the plane to Istanbul was made much more interesting with my new found friend Korn. At least that is the name he insisted to be called. He is a aussie who is planning to travel all over Turkey, Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria, all these countries I would never even consider to go. However, his reason is recommendable. Consider all the forces of globalization nowadays, eventually all the interesting places will be look the same. All the touristy little shops, same merchandise made in China, and all the original culture might be all change to commercial property. All these countries like Serbia are still underdeveloped. They might still retain a distinguish air from the rest of the world. And it must be interesting to see.
Too bad, I wish i could explore those places too. Oh well, one step at a time, Turkey first.
After we arrived in Airport, our luggages are lost. It didn't come with our flights. No surprises there. GUess our bags can't have mad dashes like we did. And Turkish airport pick up places are swarmed with people who lost their luggages. The moment I get off and I realize the distinguished feeling of TUrkey.
HOT!!!
There is no AC, not even in airport. The first 2 words i learn are Bay and bayan . Why those 2 are important, u ask?? cuz it is man and women bathroom in TUrkey. Got do my business at right place, u know?
Then we get on the taxis to our airport. Along the way, everything seems very different from US or CHina. okayy, maybe a hint of china. Cuz i saw a lot flowers planting along the road. While we travel along the bosphorus river, the blue sea tempting me to jump and enjoy the day.
My trip starts from my subway ride to JFK. Thanks to my mom's advices, I did not choose to have two bags with me. One giant bag is enough to cause pain to my hand and backs. And that damn thing even has wheels. With the boring and long ride through the underground, I was both excited and anxious about the journey. At times I was question what hell was I get myself into. Now with the mixed blessing both from lost luggage(for me it was only one day) to rushing through the London airport. The whole trip was a pain in the ass. Due to some random reason, our plane did not able to land in London airport. It did a big U and then a S and then a straight line through London. It was nice to see some city design of London. It is at one of the picture i took while making the landing. After we get off the plane, we had 10 mins to make to our departure gate due to the delay. At this point, I have to say at least British Airways has the initiative to lead us to go to the security point. Then the whole trip gets quite tricky. We quickly were lead through a security point. Then after 20 mins mad dash to the terminal, we were faced with another one. It was one confusing trip indeed. The second security point had a long line of people.
"Even though sweats and exhaustion from flight took their toll on me, surprisingly enough, I was enjoying the whole events. Not as if i was watching it from a third person angle, but it was more like I am embrace myself in an incoming disasters. This eerie feeling came with me until i get off plane at Istanbul. "
While we were waiting before the security point, the same worker who led us through the first one also led us through the second one. I guess there must be a large number of customers are missing their flights. Our connection flight was waiting for us. The sign of relief finally overcame all of us. I think Will and others all succumb to sleep while we got to our seat. Our seats are not together. I planned my trip myself and others planned with travel agency. Not so surprisingly, the Binghamton incompetent travel Agent were unable to arrange their seats together. (P.S I save myself 60 bucks while i do it myself..hehehe. suckers!)
My ride on the plane to Istanbul was made much more interesting with my new found friend Korn. At least that is the name he insisted to be called. He is a aussie who is planning to travel all over Turkey, Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria, all these countries I would never even consider to go. However, his reason is recommendable. Consider all the forces of globalization nowadays, eventually all the interesting places will be look the same. All the touristy little shops, same merchandise made in China, and all the original culture might be all change to commercial property. All these countries like Serbia are still underdeveloped. They might still retain a distinguish air from the rest of the world. And it must be interesting to see.
Too bad, I wish i could explore those places too. Oh well, one step at a time, Turkey first.
After we arrived in Airport, our luggages are lost. It didn't come with our flights. No surprises there. GUess our bags can't have mad dashes like we did. And Turkish airport pick up places are swarmed with people who lost their luggages. The moment I get off and I realize the distinguished feeling of TUrkey.
HOT!!!
There is no AC, not even in airport. The first 2 words i learn are Bay and bayan . Why those 2 are important, u ask?? cuz it is man and women bathroom in TUrkey. Got do my business at right place, u know?
Then we get on the taxis to our airport. Along the way, everything seems very different from US or CHina. okayy, maybe a hint of china. Cuz i saw a lot flowers planting along the road. While we travel along the bosphorus river, the blue sea tempting me to jump and enjoy the day.
Friday, June 1, 2007
The First Step:Visa part II
I received my passport and visa today. Well, it is 60 days limits, so thx GOOGLE(this is my new god, better than ur god!) I didn't trip over the deadline. As if everything associated with Turkey has a hint of adverntures, Today's trip is no expection.
While I get out my door at 2 o'clock. I hoped for a quick, swift ride in subway to arrive at 42st st.
well, Heaven tends to play a little jokes now and then.
The damn subway stops running at 238st from 1 to 3pm.
Shit, lucky me....Looking around for the shuttle bus, i realized I somewhat lost my touch with the city system. subway, bus, delays, such common occurrences never caught me off guard before. The quite, village side feel of Binghamton must really disturbs my city senses.
Damn it! I blame it on the damn weather.
I standing around the corner of 238th st while waiting for the shuttle bus. As usual, a huge group of people waiting in a massive formation longing for the arrive of the bus. I look around, hmm, so would this group of humanity realize their positions in the universe? their own morality? their own....
fuck it, where d fuck is the bus.?!!
Of course, simple everyday issue takes precedence anything else.
The rest of waiting and ride takes more than 30 mins to go over a distance... 30 blocks.
I could walk faster than that.
So once the bus hit 207st, i jumped out and run for A train.The rest of the ride was easy, get to the consulate, pick up the passport, and on the way home.
While I was on the train, I calculated the amount of days I planned and the dates from Visa.
Visa:60 days , My plan:57 days
woosh, thats close.
Guess those ppl must think I am a rowdy American college kid who will bring troubles everywhere he goes. Or.. on a positive note, they will think it is for my safety to only allow me to stay for 60 days..??
Just speculations.
While I get out my door at 2 o'clock. I hoped for a quick, swift ride in subway to arrive at 42st st.
well, Heaven tends to play a little jokes now and then.
The damn subway stops running at 238st from 1 to 3pm.
Shit, lucky me....Looking around for the shuttle bus, i realized I somewhat lost my touch with the city system. subway, bus, delays, such common occurrences never caught me off guard before. The quite, village side feel of Binghamton must really disturbs my city senses.
Damn it! I blame it on the damn weather.
I standing around the corner of 238th st while waiting for the shuttle bus. As usual, a huge group of people waiting in a massive formation longing for the arrive of the bus. I look around, hmm, so would this group of humanity realize their positions in the universe? their own morality? their own....
fuck it, where d fuck is the bus.?!!
Of course, simple everyday issue takes precedence anything else.
The rest of waiting and ride takes more than 30 mins to go over a distance... 30 blocks.
I could walk faster than that.
So once the bus hit 207st, i jumped out and run for A train.The rest of the ride was easy, get to the consulate, pick up the passport, and on the way home.
While I was on the train, I calculated the amount of days I planned and the dates from Visa.
Visa:60 days , My plan:57 days
woosh, thats close.
Guess those ppl must think I am a rowdy American college kid who will bring troubles everywhere he goes. Or.. on a positive note, they will think it is for my safety to only allow me to stay for 60 days..??
Just speculations.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The First Step:Visa
Today I went to Turkish Consulate in NYC.
It was an interesting experience.
I arrived at 47th st around 2:15 pm. Right before I enter, a security guard stopped me at the door and demanded to check my bag. Ofcourse I obliged. While I tried to follow the instruction and gave him my ID, he simply waved me off.
Hmm, okay... Carry on...
After taking the elevator to the fifth floor, I find myself facing a dull whitish/yellowish room. With a few bleachers in the back, there is a row of glass windows facing directly to the elevator. Oddly enough, I find I am the only person in this empty waiting room. There was no people present at the window, there was no usual security guard stands to the door and hand off you a ticket to wait,
only...Me.....
I can hear voices in the background, but they all muffled by the glass windows. I peered into the glass windows, I can only see bunch empty desks.
hmm, am I arrived at the right time?
I check the schedule again, it shows the correct time for working hours.
But... where are all the people??
I am confused, and getting a little bit anxious. where d hell is the workers???
As I was standing alone in the middle of the room and anticipating my fate, other people arrived. There was a gentlemen who stands right behind me and start ponding me with same questions.
"are you waiting for them?"
"yeah, but there is no one here."
"hmm..."
Maybe due to his older age or impatience? he went to sit on one of the seat while I standing alone in front of the glass.
Hmm, okay... I nvr experienced this in Chinese or American consulate before.
As more people starting arriving, There was finally a sense of commotion in the background. I felt relieved. "Thank god, at least all my waiting are not for nothing."
While I getting my hopes up, i heard elevator opens and release a few more people. A midge couple and a brown hair, green eye girl came out. Neatly dressed and holding her papers, she seems just as bit confused as I was. hehe, at least she is cute.
One of the Turkish Consulate worker came to the window and began shouting something over the microphone. I could not hear clearly, it was all muffled by the wall.
Suddenly she waves me close, I took out my passport, visa application, acceptance letter, passport photo, and lastly.. money...
From today, from the position of monetary transactions, i believe i learned the basic of Turkish Bureaucracy.
EXACT CHANGE!!No quarters!!
hahaha, I thought i could just give her 4 quarters to replace the last dollar i was missing, well, that was no dice. So i turned to midage couple and asked them for an exchange. As understanding as they are, they helped me with this one dollar transaction.
With less than 10 secs, the lady wrote me a date on a piece of paper and ordered me to come back to pick my passport up.
Ofcourse, I am happily obliged.
There ends the first step of my odyssey to Turkey. I guess you can even say my first step starts on a island, after all, Manhattan is an island by itself.
Soon I will head off to my next destination.
It was an interesting experience.
I arrived at 47th st around 2:15 pm. Right before I enter, a security guard stopped me at the door and demanded to check my bag. Ofcourse I obliged. While I tried to follow the instruction and gave him my ID, he simply waved me off.
Hmm, okay... Carry on...
After taking the elevator to the fifth floor, I find myself facing a dull whitish/yellowish room. With a few bleachers in the back, there is a row of glass windows facing directly to the elevator. Oddly enough, I find I am the only person in this empty waiting room. There was no people present at the window, there was no usual security guard stands to the door and hand off you a ticket to wait,
only...Me.....
I can hear voices in the background, but they all muffled by the glass windows. I peered into the glass windows, I can only see bunch empty desks.
hmm, am I arrived at the right time?
I check the schedule again, it shows the correct time for working hours.
But... where are all the people??
I am confused, and getting a little bit anxious. where d hell is the workers???
As I was standing alone in the middle of the room and anticipating my fate, other people arrived. There was a gentlemen who stands right behind me and start ponding me with same questions.
"are you waiting for them?"
"yeah, but there is no one here."
"hmm..."
Maybe due to his older age or impatience? he went to sit on one of the seat while I standing alone in front of the glass.
Hmm, okay... I nvr experienced this in Chinese or American consulate before.
As more people starting arriving, There was finally a sense of commotion in the background. I felt relieved. "Thank god, at least all my waiting are not for nothing."
While I getting my hopes up, i heard elevator opens and release a few more people. A midge couple and a brown hair, green eye girl came out. Neatly dressed and holding her papers, she seems just as bit confused as I was. hehe, at least she is cute.
One of the Turkish Consulate worker came to the window and began shouting something over the microphone. I could not hear clearly, it was all muffled by the wall.
Suddenly she waves me close, I took out my passport, visa application, acceptance letter, passport photo, and lastly.. money...
From today, from the position of monetary transactions, i believe i learned the basic of Turkish Bureaucracy.
EXACT CHANGE!!No quarters!!
hahaha, I thought i could just give her 4 quarters to replace the last dollar i was missing, well, that was no dice. So i turned to midage couple and asked them for an exchange. As understanding as they are, they helped me with this one dollar transaction.
With less than 10 secs, the lady wrote me a date on a piece of paper and ordered me to come back to pick my passport up.
Ofcourse, I am happily obliged.
There ends the first step of my odyssey to Turkey. I guess you can even say my first step starts on a island, after all, Manhattan is an island by itself.
Soon I will head off to my next destination.
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