Hi,
So before I talk about my birthday, I'll do a little updating on other things. First, one of my friends here found this picture and when I saw it, I realized that it couldn't be more true. I really have grown to love, appreciate, and really consider Turkey my second home. Yes, I understand that for everyone who hasn't traveled very far out of their comfort zone before, Turkey may seem a bit scary. But the only way to truly understand a culture and appreciate the beauty of a country is to travel there. My advice for everyone who wants to travel but may be too anxious to leave the normal travel destinations is to "Just go". Get on a plane and explore. Sometimes the next step in the right direction is a leap of faith.
Last Saturday I was watching a Turkish Soap Opera with my host dad when my host mom walked in with two garbage bags full of these beans. She dropped them on the ground and said "Will you help?" Oh of course! Such a funny way to spend a Saturday night :)
Okay, now I'll tell you about my birthday! I went to the ferry station to 5 of my friends and when I walked up they held up this sign! I started laughing so hard because everyone else walking to catch the ferry was looking at us and they didn't understand what was happening. I really have the best friends ever! (Here is Daffne, Me, and Luis)
Here is Daffne, Luis (with "Happy Birthday Maggie" written over his two arms and forehead), and Mari
A part of the group: Me, Mario, Emely, Daffne, Luis, Mari. We were meeting the others at a place to eat lunch all together.
More people: Hailey, Me, Luis, Mari, Hana, Fiona
I even skyped my friend, Arthur, who finished his exchange and is back in Brazil.
Mari and I talking to Arthur
Birthday Card they all signed for me :)
Then when I got home, my host parents and some of the friends of my host sister came to wish me a happy birthday!
Here is the whole group from my birthday (plus a few ransoms who just jumped in the picture haha)
Such a great birthday celebrated with great friends and family! Thank you guys for everything :-)
Then the next day was "International Best Friend's Day"!
Daff, I don't know how I got so lucky to get you in my life as my Best Friend. This year you've helped me in so many ways that I possibly can't thank you for all of them. I don't know what I'll do without you next year, but Mexico isn't that far away so we can always visit each other. Seni Seviyorum niña
Then we had a "goodbye" party for our Turkish friend Derin who is leaving for vacation soon and won't return until we are all gone. I'll miss you so much Derin!
Yesterday, I went to the home of Mari with Laura and we baked Apple Bread, some Brazilian Chocolates, "Love" Tea, and pasta! Laura made the pasta and it was so delicious :)
Anyway, as I have only 18 days until I'm in the US, I have to just keep remembering to relax and enjoy these last days with my exchange family :)
Thanks for reading, Maggie
