My First Post

This is my first blog which was delayed since I was out of the country:

Turkey Approaching Departure:

    The last couple of weeks I have been growing more and more excited about my trip in Turkey.  I have been talking with many people over the last couple weeks and they have been less than helpful. There still seems to be a huge amount of misunderstanding on what the Turkish culture actually entails, based on what my fellow Americans have sought to tell me.  I have heard numerous times that I should be on guard against going to Turkish prisons, which is nonsensical to me seeing as I have never been in legal trouble in the states.  The other thing that I have heard numerous times is how much the Turks hate Americans, which is also silly based upon everything I have read and what Elif has told us.  And upon inquiry of how they reached such conclusions they simply state they heard it from someone or everyone knows these things.  It’s sad to me how ill-informed that Americans are yet they insist that they know the truth.  I will not allow these folk tales to taint my views of Turkey as a whole and especially the city of Istanbul.  My simple expectation of the country is to learn, I will be an open book ready to soak in a culture that has a deep rich culture.  There is a lot to be excited about.  I look forward to walking the streets of Istanbul and taking in the sights and smells of a country that is a complete departure from the United States.