| Living in the small city of Bandirma in Turkey has its ups and downs for an American expat called Ms. Kalada. Here she talks about what she plans to do in Turkey if she decides to live there permanently, and the things she loves to see and do in Turkey. |
 Ms. Kalada |
-Where were you born?
Ohio, USA
-In which country and city are you living now?
İ am living on the Asian side of Turkey, in Bandirma.
-Are you living alone or with your family?
İ live with my boyfriend.
-How long have you been living in Turkey?
İ came first in Feb 2007, stayed 3 months and came back a month ago in Sept.
-What is your age?
33
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Turkey?
İ haven't made up my mind to live here year around. For now İ will stay until visa is up and just keep coming back.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Each time İ come İ just get a tourist visa for a 3-month period and it's very easy: just pay 20 bucks at the airport.
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
İ don't have insurance.
-How do you make your living in Turkey? Do you have any type of income generated?
İ do not work. İ have money saved from the sale of my house in the US. İf İ decide to stay here İ would like to teach Pilates.
-Do you speak Turkish and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
İt is very important to learn the language especially if you live in a smaller city as İ do. My boyfriend is a Turk and teaches me the basics but İ would like to find a real teacher so İ can learn faster.
The only things as far as customs that İ can think of are always take your shoes off before you enter a home. İf someone offers you food at least try it. Also in the US sometimes when we're at a table and we want another to not say something or we want their attention we nudge them under the table with our foot. Never ever do that here; it is considered disrespectful.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
İ miss my family and being able to easily communicate. İ love walking by the sea and one thing İ think that is great here is that the parks have exercise equipment. Also the thermal spas are awesome.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
İf İ decide to stay and can find a market for Pilates in Bandirma İ might open a studio.
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
Boyfriend owns the building we live in. İ believe the tenants pay somewhere around 300 a month. Our apartment has 2 living areas; one is formal. A library, 1 bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and a balcony. We have friends who have a 2-bedroom place with a huge living room, kitchen, bathroom, and balcony overlooking the sea and they pay 250 a month.
-What is the cost of living in Turkey?
Considering İ lived in Philadelphia for the past 12 years it is very cheap to live here. Though most of the people İ have met only get paid monthly and not more than 400 a month.
-What do you think about the Turks?
Most are very friendly and helpful. İ get stared at whenever İ go walking but again İ am in a very small city. Also there are a couple of women who work at the grocer's who will not speak to me or even look at me that İ try to avoid. When İ first came here we visited friends for dinner and the daughter said İ hate Americans but İ like her. İ get a warmer response from those in İstanbul though İ have found when the Turkish find out İ am native American they are a whole lot friendlier.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Turkey?
Positive: it is absolutely beautiful here and there is always something to do.
Negative is İ dont speak Turkish very well yet.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Turkey?
Learn Turkish quickly!
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Turkey?
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