The snow storm also had me say repeatedly that we had snow days every year in Istanbul. This always leads to a disbelief in whoever I tell. Yes, Istanbul is not a city with eternal warmth. Not that I knew that when I signed my work contract in July 2010 and then moved there. I also expected a pleasant Mediterranean climate, whereas the city surprised me with a diverse Black Sea climate. Hot summers and cold winters. Sometimes days with never-ending rain. One of my first purchases that first fall was a pair of rubber boots when I didn’t have a single dry shoe left. The water was racing down the many hills and accumulated everywhere. Neither did I have any dry clothes left, which soon led to a terrible cold and me having to stay sick at home. On an air bed … Anyway, eventually the rain subsided and I experienced my first winter in Istanbul.
Depending on the direction of the wind, we also had warm winter days that actually fulfilled my original dream picture of living in Istanbul. Like sitting outside in the sun, maybe even close to some palm trees. But eventually the Black Sea winds would catch up with us and bring cold air from the North. With it came bigger amounts of snow every year. At first we’d be freezing at work. The school I worked at was in one of the most beautiful historic buildings that any school could ever to be in – and as it is was landmarked, the walls had zero insulation. I always had a warm blanket on my shelf and would wrap myself up to stay warm. I am sure it was a fun picture to see the teacher in front of the class in a winter coat and a blanket while the students also wear their full winter gear.
While I wasn’t (and still am not) a fan of the cold, I always loved snow days. Once a heavier snow fall was expected, the governor usually closed all schools. We would get a call either the night before or the morning that we could stay at home. In a giant city like Istanbul that made sense as there are so many steep hills, many still with cobblestone. It made it quite dangerous for all the small dolmuş, the shared taxis, to drive around. And most students and teachers took this kind of transportation to get to school.
I still have fond memories of those snow days in Istanbul. They were quiet days that I mostly spent at home. Snuggling with Canavar. Getting a bit of housework done. In the afternoon I would take a walk outside and take photos. Over the years I might have started to romanticize those cold, snowy days where almost every street was slippery. Now that it looks like Covid-19 has put an end to traditional snow days here in New York because we all have internet and devices at home, I remember them even more. Tomorrow we are expecting the next snow storm and I suspect that Rich will have to listen to more of my winters in Istanbul memories.
Things I love this week
- Reminiscing, I ordered myself this necklace made with a Turkish coin showing a bride, and also consider this one with a woman on it.
- This Beer Cheese Pretzel Tart looks perfect for Super Bowl night tomorrow.
- We like to try vegan cheeses, but not all are equally good, of course: Found: The Best Vegan Cheese That Tastes Just Like the Real Thing
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum is my absolute skin savior. It helps against maskne and my dry winter skin.
- I use the Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops in medium twice a week for a slightly tanned face – makes me feel a bit more like I maybe sat in the sun under a palm recently.
- I like the statement and also the story of how and why TGIFridays was created: Christopher Bonanos: New York City Was Never Dead
- Why would I ever want to live somewhere else again? I mean Manhattan will even have a beach in a few years: There’s Going to Be a Beach in the Meatpacking District
- I love this idea: A Fun Way to Choose Your Next Nail Color – now I just need to make a decision which film I want to base my nail colors on first
- I recently bought myself this Calvin Klein double layer belted winter coat in grey, which is surprisingly warm and chic. Also, it is already on sale.
- Another great recent purchase is my 18 inch LED ring light. I actually had no idea that 18 inches are this big, but the light is amazing. I can finally take photos in our apartment, other than in the morning when the sun shines directly into it for a very short time (and when I am usually at work).
- I finally got myself the book “A Cat’s Tale: A Journey Through Feline History” and hope to read it this weekend, probably with Arti and Lotti snuggled up against me
- An interesting talk: Is Germany Now the ‘Beacon of Hope’ That America Used to Be? and I like how they go back in pre-world war history and comment on today’s state of my country
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© janavar
