(In no particular order)
1. Stallions Football.
Our first game is on February 20th and we are anxiously anticipating that day. We practice every Tues, Thur, and Sunday at Koc University! The guys on the team are really great and we are really building great friendships. They look after us like we are their brothers, and if you have ever been overseas, you know how awesome that feels. We also have some of the best coaches around (Rhett Burns and Jay Mosser). Im excited to continue to do life with them and play football with them.So by far, Stallions football is the highlight of my trip! Man I love the guys on the team and just playing football again. Its been about 5 years since I actually padded up, but I am learning again just how much fun it actually is. I am playing Quarterback and it is awesome. I would like to say that I am getting a little bit better with each practice, but really its just the guys around me making
2. Taksi Rides
Taksi rides are so amazing here. Every time I get in, I get nervous. I know very little Turkish and most Taksi drivers don't speak English. Most of
the time I get in and say will you take me to the Metro Bus, and he says yes. Then there is always an awkward silence that comes about...So far though, we have taken that awkward silence. One time the driver had a music player with a video screen and he played Britney Spears for us. He turned the music all the way up and just broke out and started dancing. Others we talk about American football and how we play here. They always say" Oh tough sport" and then they start making football moves. Its definitely been great and I can't wait to experience more.
3. Besiktas Soccer.
Besiktas Soccer is so legit. There are a few other teams in the Istanbul area but none as great as Besiktas. I got to go to a game the other night with my friend Burak which they won 2-1. I haven't figured out who my favorite player is just yet from the team; I bought a Quaresma jersey the other day but I really like Fernandez....either way they are both super legit. Soccer is definitely something here that can start conversation. Any time that you get into taksi you can just mention one of the teams and you will either get a happy face or a what the heck are you thinking face. I haven't figured out which one is better yet! Ha!
4. Blueberry tea
Oh man how this stuff has changed my life. I bought a pack last
week and just finished it. I average about 3 cups a day. It is so good. I dont know if they sell the stuff in the states but if they do, then
do yourself a favor and get some. People here drink chai tea almost
all day long; Its so nice and soothing. I have also tried apple tea which
is fantastic as well. Blueberry by far though will get you through a rough day.
5. Guitar
Ok so I have had an unbelievable passion for music since
high school. Lets get one thing straight, I am not musically
talented at all. I have probably the worse voice ever, but boy
do I like to sing a lot. I really would love to learn to play the
guitar and just use that talent whenever possible. I learned
maybe possibly one chord already, but my roommate told me
it sounded not so good so I am trying to fix that slight problem.
