Things I like about Turkey

I've been here for a week now and want to focus on the positive.

Weather

It's the 6th of November, and it's pleasantly warm - about 18C. I went out earlier in a short sleeved shirt, and was fine. It hasn't rained since I've got here, and central heating isn't necessary yet. Makes a nice change from England. I only went back for a week, and hated the cold. I really can't stand being cold. I grew up in a house without working central heating, and really hated the winters. So I'm really appreciating the climate here in Istanbul.

Food

I love Turkish food. I can buy fresh fruit and vegetables on every street corner cheaply. A delicious, local pomegranate costs less than 1 YTL (about 40p) compared to more than £1 in England. I live five minutes from the sea, and can buy all sorts of fresh fish direct from fishermen along the promenade. Street food in England consists of doughnuts (which admittedly are very nice when served warm), hot dogs and Mr Sizzle. Street food in Istanbul consists of corn on the cob, hot chestnuts, simit (sesame bread rings), fish sandwiches and chai (tea). I'm already eating better than I usually do at home. I hated the limited diet in Poland. It was mainly about red meat and strange parts of an animal, or peirogi. Nine times out of 10 I would feel bloated and sick after eating. I don't get that here.

Street life

Most people in Istanbul live in apartments and gardens are a rare luxury. As a result of this, the streets are always busy with people. In England, if you go out in the evening, you're often the only person walking, as cars whizz past. It doesn't always feel safe. Here though, it doesn't seem to matter what time you go out, there's always life. And cats. The cats here are very friendly - maybe it's because I'm the only person to give them any attention.