Selam*, everyone!

It’s been a while, I know. I’m sorry for keeping you all waiting, but my time in Turkey has been exciting and overwhelming so far. I’ve spent the last week attending an orientation hosted by the Turkish Fulbright Commission. I was pleased to find out that Ankara is considered the Washington, D.C. of Turkey. The city is full of parks, theatres, universities, bars, restaurants, and anything else you might think of.

Thursday was the first day that the Fulbrighters took a trip out of the hotel. We went to Anıtkabir, which is the mausoleum of Atatürk.

Atatürk is considered the father of the modern Turkish Republic, and his image is everywhere — on public buildings, inside homes, and even on signs when you leave the metro… 

What I really liked about Anıtkabir is that it sits up on a hill, allowing for an amazing view of Ankara. 

We have one more week of orientation before everyone leaves to their host cities. I’m on of ten lucky people who were placed here in Ankara, so I will be moving into an apartment this weekend. More details will come later. For now, I will say hoşça kal*!

*Selam is an informal way to say hello in Turkish. Hoşça kal means goodbye.