Why are you in Sivas?

I'm getting quite used to getting this question upon meeting new people who realise I am a foreigner in a small town in the middle of nowhere of Central Anatolia. Why are you here? I suppose I can understand where they are coming from -- most of the Turks are just DYING to leave the country to go study abroad in the US, Canada, the UK or across Europe, so they can't understand why on earth three Canadian girls would come all the way to Sivas to teach English.

According to a handsome young Turk who we met in a rug store, who told us he studied for a few years in the US, they've NEVER had foreign teachers come to Sivas to teach before, so we are apparently a bit of an oddity in town. Apparently we are trailblazers! But the people are very friendly and have a good laugh at us when we try to talk Turkish and a lot of them know a bit of English.

It is an interesting experience being in a small town, especially after spending a few days in the madness that is İstanbul. But we have a great apartment very close to the city center with a great location and a panoramic view of the city and the mountains. It is certainly very scenic. During the day we go around town to get to know our surroundings and try to talk to the locals, ask around for things we need, and once in a while we meet people who speak English. And the food is amazing and cheap and plentiful. I have yet to finish an entire plate of food.

Soon to come -- Pictures from İstanbul!