Lipstick, French Toast, & Pink Bowling Shoes

Hello again! 

So last week, my host sister had her "Promise Party" which is like the party before the "Engagement Party". Basically, this party is only for Family and very close friends, because it's filled with very formal traditions. (My favorite tradition that I hope to carry on for when I get married is that the "Bride to be", in this case it's my host sister İrem, makes Turkish coffee for the "Husband to be", in this case her fiancé Emre, and both of their parents. But, she will add a ton of salt to the one meant for the Fiancé. He will drink the entire coffee anyway to show that no matter what she does, he'll be able to put up with her). Later, at the actual Engagement Party, it will be more relaxed and celebratory. 

Here are all the plates of food for the guests. 

Here is how I looked for the party. I had to dress up because this party is meant to be very formal and traditional. Plus, my host sister told me the day before "It wouldn't hurt if you wore makeup sometimes." Ouch.

Also, I bought my host sister flowers for her big day. Yeah, they are a sad excuse for a bouquet, but she really seemed to like them anyway! :)

Then, on one of our 3 snow days we had this week ((Yes, it does get cold enough to snow. No, I do wish it was warmer.)) Daffne and I went to the cinema to see a movie. We went into the wrong theatre because the numbering is kind of confusing. We ended up seeing this French movie with Turkish subtitles. ((Title translation: The Chance of my Life)) I really enjoyed it, but Daffne fell asleep on my shoulder! Granted, it was a two hour movie. 

Then on Friday, our second day of school this week, we built a snowman at school! It was Daffne's first time building a snowman and she said it wasn't as easy as it looks in the movies. 

Now today. My host sister made an "American/Turkish" breakfast for us all today (I forgot to mention that my host Grandma and host cousin have been staying with us for a while since they live on the Eastern coast of Turkey and are here for medical treatment for my host grandma). She made French Toast with honey and bananas paired with the usual things we always have for breakfast. ((And yes, that is chocolate cake on the breakfast table.))

Then later, I met up with some exchange students to hangout downtown. 

Our group was Daffne (Mexico), Arthur (Brazil), Gabo (Mexico), Mario (Italy), and Luis (Mexico). In this picture all the guys are modeling their pink bowling shoes! So funny :) I had such a great day with all of them. Hope we can hangout again soon! 

Maggie