It hardly seems fair that I've neglected this blog for almost a month. I can't really chalk it up to the traditional post-Thanksgiving time crunch. I can't even really say it's been a heavy workload at schoo. Part of the reason I've been absent is that Kaan is no longer working at Cafe Nero, thus my semi-regular internet access has been interrupted. This happened about two weeks ago, which can account for two of the last three weeks. I suppose it isn't really tremendously important to give an excuse for every day left un-narrated, but I'll at least try to summarize my absence in the last three weeks.

Kaan and I have been enjoying tremendously this increase in time together. We've applied for and received his first passport, which is a really neat thing for him. We were hoping to fly to South Africa over the winter break, but I don't think that will be working out. My mother has this great idea that if Kaan is able to spend some time in an English-speaking country, he might have a better understanding of life in the States (or at least the lonliness that comes from not speaking the native language). Plus, South Africa in January would be a nice break from the cold, rainy Istanbul. As the whole trip ended up being quite a bit more than I had expected, we've back-burnered the plan for the time being. He does, however, now have a passport, which is a step in the right direction. We recently acquired a tavla (backgammon) set, so much of our free time has been consumed by almost endless backgammon tournaments. Otherwise we've been wandering around rather aimlessly, sleeping in until 9am on some days, and generally wasting time and money. It's been a good couple of weeks. I believe Kaan's been feeling rather fidgety lately, so there is the possibility of his upcoming return to the work force. I'm doing my best to not pressure him in either direction, but truly, either way works for me.

His reasons for leaving Cafe Nero include a rather unfair insurance scandal. Apparently in Turkey, employers are required by law to provide their employees with some sort of health insurance almost immediately after being hired. I was previously unaware of this; when Kaan was talking about asking his work for insurance several months ago, I thought he was just being paranoid. However, it turns out that not supplying one's workers with appropriate insurance is ground for a rather hefty fine. Apparently there are public servants who randomly check the insurance status of workers around the city. One day a couple of weeks ago, they came to Cafe Nero. Kaan did his best to avoid any punishment but was still the reason for a fine. His bosses decided to ask him to pay it, which is not really his duty. In protest, he left.

Frankly, I think this situation was absolutely absurd. He had requested insurance from his bosses; they refused to give it to him. When they incurred a fine, they tried to make him pay it, despite his obvious desire to follow the law. What a bunch of bullies.

So those are the most recent newsworthy snippets from the world of Kaan.

School is finishing in one week. I've just completed a rather lengthy final paper for one class. I have a slightly shorter paper and presentation to prepare for another, as well as a test to prepare for next week. Neither are really very serious, so I haven't had as much stress as my Turkish companions, I'm sure. I have one final test in January. Really, it's been a nice way to wrap up the first semester. I hope everything goes as planned, though... I ought not to take it too easy!

I believe classes end officially on Christmas. I don't have any particular Christmas plans. It's more traditional to have a Christmas-type celebration on New Years Eve. Most likely we will exchange a few small gifts then, rather than try to falsy create Christmas. I did have a dream about constructing a paper tree, hanging it on the wall, and decorating it. If this comes to fruitation, I will post photos!


I apologize for the rather disjointed and incoherent update. As I expressed in the past, my English skills decrease as my length of stay increases. On top of this quick deterioration of the native tongue, I'm quite tired (undoubtedly from churning out a ten page paper just before its due date). I hope that my dear readers can understand.

As I will very likely not be updating again until the new year, I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. Be healthy and wealthy and wise. I hope the quickly approaching new year will offer you many opportunities to expand your comfort zone and modify your approach to the world, as this trip to Turkey has done with mine. Peace on earth and all of that.