hey so the holiday season is right around the corner, just wanted to know what the gang was upto? any plans and don't try to act all south and not answer that question! i will be at my brother's place in maryland (he and his wife had a daughter a few months back, so will go see my niece) for part of the break and then detroit for christmas at an uncle's and new york city with some friends from high school for new year's eve.
ash, aka the bangli
03 December, 2006
15 November, 2006
La Reunión Magnífica
Hey all, sorry I've kind of been away from the blog... lazy, unmotivated, south - some words that come to mind that describe my state at the moment. There is a German proverb I once read which said something like:
On another front, my graduation is June 17th and you are all invited to attend. But yeah if realistically anyone happens to be in northern California in mid-June make plans to attend this party! What I plan to do following graduation is unclear, I got a couple of interviews last week, haven't heard back yet, may apply to some more jobs, but I think I'll try to do something somewhere in the world and apply to graduate school... how cool i am!
See you all in exactly 232 days on Istiklal!!!
"Commitments are like the full moon, if they aren't made immediately they diminish day by day"and with that I pledge my commitment to La Reunión Magnífica. As far as time is concerned I think we should get there Thursday, July 5th and meet at Galatasaray Lisesi around 10:30pm, go to Montreal for some drinks, then Joker while its early and the rest should be history. ;-) All jokes aside, yeah early July seems good for me. And depending on $$$ I may continue my travels into Beirut, Cairo & Dubai (if anyone's interested let me know). Also I definitely want to stay in Istanbul for 10 days at least, the longer the better cause its more time with you guys!
On another front, my graduation is June 17th and you are all invited to attend. But yeah if realistically anyone happens to be in northern California in mid-June make plans to attend this party! What I plan to do following graduation is unclear, I got a couple of interviews last week, haven't heard back yet, may apply to some more jobs, but I think I'll try to do something somewhere in the world and apply to graduate school... how cool i am!
See you all in exactly 232 days on Istiklal!!!
03 November, 2006
Sefere to our Reunion
Fellow Istanbulies, it's been a while. Totally forgot about the end of Bayram......thanks Natercia for the reminder. I've been eating tonnes of sweets though so no worries. I'm glad to see the old blog still up and running.
I've been thiking about you all lately, wondering what everyone was upto and wondering if this reunion thing is still a go. We're making it happen!
I've been a bit inactive with all of you for a while. After spending the entire work day on the comp, the last thing I do is turn it on at home.
I've been in my fundraising job for five months now. My boss is a fundraising consultant and so I'm the third addition to our 3 person small business. It's awesome in that you get your hands on everything, so many learning opportunities without the bullshit of the hierarchy. The story of how I got the job is pretty karmic, a lot of seemingly insignificant events leading upto, my dream job, basically. I hope everyone is looking for the signs to find their way in life.
My way is leading to Mexico pretty soon. Oh, did I mention that my boss believes in two months vacation per year (unpaid)!!!! So Christmas time I'm taking my first month and returning to Mex where I studied during Uni for 6 months. That leaves about another 6 months to save for Turkey, ya man.
I'm also in love.... with three new people: Borat-yes I like very much; Ryan Gosling-amazing Canadian actor and soo sooo hot (see Half Nelson); and Michael Ignatieff- the super smart, super hot, intellectual, historian and politician (and hopefully the next leader of Canada)- he must be an Aquarius:) Just thought I'd share that. Rolf Potts still remains my secret lover. I love him too.
Love you all
Sefere Akadarslaryim
Monica
I've been thiking about you all lately, wondering what everyone was upto and wondering if this reunion thing is still a go. We're making it happen!
I've been a bit inactive with all of you for a while. After spending the entire work day on the comp, the last thing I do is turn it on at home.
I've been in my fundraising job for five months now. My boss is a fundraising consultant and so I'm the third addition to our 3 person small business. It's awesome in that you get your hands on everything, so many learning opportunities without the bullshit of the hierarchy. The story of how I got the job is pretty karmic, a lot of seemingly insignificant events leading upto, my dream job, basically. I hope everyone is looking for the signs to find their way in life.
My way is leading to Mexico pretty soon. Oh, did I mention that my boss believes in two months vacation per year (unpaid)!!!! So Christmas time I'm taking my first month and returning to Mex where I studied during Uni for 6 months. That leaves about another 6 months to save for Turkey, ya man.
I'm also in love.... with three new people: Borat-yes I like very much; Ryan Gosling-amazing Canadian actor and soo sooo hot (see Half Nelson); and Michael Ignatieff- the super smart, super hot, intellectual, historian and politician (and hopefully the next leader of Canada)- he must be an Aquarius:) Just thought I'd share that. Rolf Potts still remains my secret lover. I love him too.
Love you all
Sefere Akadarslaryim
Monica
24 October, 2006
Bairam Nostalgy
I was chating with Maarten on msn and he reminded me that today is Bairam!!!!!!!! God!!! I miss the "şeker bairam"! All this chocolate! I miss it so much that I decided to go to the store next to my office and buy some chocolates!!! And for those who don't really know or don't remeber what it is... here is a definition:
«BAIRAM, a Perso-Turkish word meaning "festival," applied in Turkish to the two principal festivals of Islam. The first. of these, according to the calendar, is the " Lesser Festival," called by the Turks Kiitshiik Bairdm (" Lesser Bairam "), or Sheker Bairam (" Sugar Bairam "), and by Arabic-speaking Moslems id al-Fitr (" Festival of Fast-breaking "), or Al-'id as saghir (" Lesser Festival "). It follows immediately the ninth or the fasting-month, Ramadan, occupying the first three days of the tenth month, Shawwal. It is, therefore, also called by Turks Ramadan Bairam, and exhibits more outward signs of rejoicing than the technically " Greater Festival." Official receptions are held on it, and private visits paid; friends congratulate one another, and presents are given; new clothes are put on, and the graves of relatives are visited. The second, or " Greater Festival," is called by the Turks Qurban Bairain, Sacrifice Bairam," and by Arabic speakers Al-'id al-kabir, " Greater Festival," or I d al-a4ci, "Festival of Sacrifice." It falls on tile tenth, and two or three following days, of the last month, Dhu-l-hijja, when the pilgrims each slay a ram, a he-goat, a cow or a camel in the valley of Mind in commemoration of the ransom of Ishmael with a ram. Similarly throughout the Moslem world, all who can afford it sacrifice at this time a legal animal, and either consume the flesh themselves or give it to the poor. Otherwise it is celebrated like the " Lesser Festival," but with less ardour. Both festivals, of course, belong to a lunar calendar, and move through the solar year every thirty-two years.»
in, http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Bairam
Arkadaşlar, iyi şeker bairam!!!
Miss u all
Natercia
«BAIRAM, a Perso-Turkish word meaning "festival," applied in Turkish to the two principal festivals of Islam. The first. of these, according to the calendar, is the " Lesser Festival," called by the Turks Kiitshiik Bairdm (" Lesser Bairam "), or Sheker Bairam (" Sugar Bairam "), and by Arabic-speaking Moslems id al-Fitr (" Festival of Fast-breaking "), or Al-'id as saghir (" Lesser Festival "). It follows immediately the ninth or the fasting-month, Ramadan, occupying the first three days of the tenth month, Shawwal. It is, therefore, also called by Turks Ramadan Bairam, and exhibits more outward signs of rejoicing than the technically " Greater Festival." Official receptions are held on it, and private visits paid; friends congratulate one another, and presents are given; new clothes are put on, and the graves of relatives are visited. The second, or " Greater Festival," is called by the Turks Qurban Bairain, Sacrifice Bairam," and by Arabic speakers Al-'id al-kabir, " Greater Festival," or I d al-a4ci, "Festival of Sacrifice." It falls on tile tenth, and two or three following days, of the last month, Dhu-l-hijja, when the pilgrims each slay a ram, a he-goat, a cow or a camel in the valley of Mind in commemoration of the ransom of Ishmael with a ram. Similarly throughout the Moslem world, all who can afford it sacrifice at this time a legal animal, and either consume the flesh themselves or give it to the poor. Otherwise it is celebrated like the " Lesser Festival," but with less ardour. Both festivals, of course, belong to a lunar calendar, and move through the solar year every thirty-two years.»
in, http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Bairam
Arkadaşlar, iyi şeker bairam!!!
Miss u all
Natercia
16 October, 2006
What about the Reunion Istambul July 2007?
Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Guys, what about THE Reunion?! Let's begin to speak about possible dates so that everybody can manage to be there and get cheap plane tickets. And are we speaking about one or two weeks? I haven't taken my vacations for next year yet so I am quite flexible right now. But as far as I know, Basilio is going to be travelling through Europe so how is your «plan»? (GOD! What a word!!!!) Maarten and Aakash, are you flexible about dates (Once I know you have kind of a "serious job")? AND THE OTHERS?
Well, hope to have comments as soon as possible.
Hugs
28 September, 2006
..::Droops of Istanbul::..
Arriving...
Arriving in to the border i didn?t know that were waiting for me 6 checkpoints and several stamps!
Arriving in to the border i didn?t know that were waiting for me 6 checkpoints and several stamps!
Some tour in the
Check it carefully!
? Cappy Karisik?
Late, but not dead
Some pictures of the
Cris!
11 August, 2006
!Back Again!
My friends, after 8 borders and 5 days driving I arrived in the most beautiful city in the world Istanbul?
Mission accomplished ( not totally.. I have to go back home?)
Hugs from Istanbul!
Peace!
Mission accomplished ( not totally.. I have to go back home?)
Hugs from Istanbul!
Peace!
04 August, 2006
..::Istanbul Conexion::..
Guys I'm leaving to motherland,
Hopefully I will pass all the borders and I will arrive in Majestic and Grand Istanbul.
Sadly you will be not there, but for sure I?ll find our collective memories walking in Istiklal Cadesi...
I miss u all guys!
Hugs
Cris!
24 July, 2006
I, Sentinel
It's been a while since I participated in that sci-fi movie project I told you about, but I finally got the pictures this weekend... so, for your amusement, here is me, the retro-futuristic-mega corp-sentinel. Have a laugh
02 July, 2006
PORTUGAL! PORTUGAL! PORTUGAL!
Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!
Entre as brumas da memória,
Ó Pátria, sente-se a voz
Dos teus egrégios avós
Que há-de guiar-te à vitória!
I can't avoid it! I have to speak about it! WE ARE IN! We passed the quarter final! YEAHHH!!!
England played very very well, even better than us when we think that they were only 10 players. But we were lucky andHere are some photos of the man of the game, in my opinion: RICARDO!!!
Tuesday we play against France. So here is our hymne just in case you wanna sing with us!!!
«Heróis do mar, nobre povo,
Nação valente e imortal
Levantai hoje de novo
O esplendor de Portugal!
Nação valente e imortal
Levantai hoje de novo
O esplendor de Portugal!
Entre as brumas da memória,
Ó Pátria, sente-se a voz
Dos teus egrégios avós
Que há-de guiar-te à vitória!
Às armas, às armas!
Sobre a terra, sobre o mar,
Às armas, às armas!
Pela Pátria lutar
Contra os canhões marchar, marchar! »
Sobre a terra, sobre o mar,
Às armas, às armas!
Pela Pátria lutar
Contra os canhões marchar, marchar! »
Hugs. Natercia
06 June, 2006
The real working life, not just chilling in some tropical place!
It took me a while to get started on this blog, but when I read about Martin supposedly working in between scuba diving, sunbathing and playing Golf, I had to give this blog a bit more sense of reality, as for most people, working life unfortunately does not sound like a vacation....
Although my debut to as a poster to this blog has been quite late, but I have been following it up, and its so great to hear what impact Turkey had on all of you! This blog such a great thing to stay connected so lets keep it up!
Since many of you don?t know what I have been up to since last summer when I left Turkey, a little update on my life since then. Getting back was hard at first, but you have experienced that yourself probably. Missing the life I had in Turkey I was contemplating of doing another traineeship in some exotic place, but out of money I decided to finally get real and get a proper job! Even though at times I was dreaming of doing something more meaningful, with my education and work experience I eventually ended up in banking after all. So since 3 months I am now in London, working my ass off for an investment bank (I crazily chose the worst team in terms of working hours ? M&A, 80h+, but its definitely the most exciting). But before I threw myself into this hell I was travelling for almost a month in India, rambling all over Rajastan, travelling the Golden Triangle and chilling out in Goa.
This summer I?ll be for 6 weeks in NY for training, last chance to living a fun life once more! Anybody around at that time? For the rest my life continues to be a lasting analogy to Istanbul. Crossing the Thames river on my way to work reminds me each time of the beautiful Bosphorus and Istanbul?s magic?
I am looking already much forward to the planned reunion, will be so great to be back! Actually I was in Istanbul in December and almost missed my flight back as a result of too much Tequila at Joker...
Hugs to all of you!
Sindy
Although my debut to as a poster to this blog has been quite late, but I have been following it up, and its so great to hear what impact Turkey had on all of you! This blog such a great thing to stay connected so lets keep it up!
Since many of you don?t know what I have been up to since last summer when I left Turkey, a little update on my life since then. Getting back was hard at first, but you have experienced that yourself probably. Missing the life I had in Turkey I was contemplating of doing another traineeship in some exotic place, but out of money I decided to finally get real and get a proper job! Even though at times I was dreaming of doing something more meaningful, with my education and work experience I eventually ended up in banking after all. So since 3 months I am now in London, working my ass off for an investment bank (I crazily chose the worst team in terms of working hours ? M&A, 80h+, but its definitely the most exciting). But before I threw myself into this hell I was travelling for almost a month in India, rambling all over Rajastan, travelling the Golden Triangle and chilling out in Goa.
This summer I?ll be for 6 weeks in NY for training, last chance to living a fun life once more! Anybody around at that time? For the rest my life continues to be a lasting analogy to Istanbul. Crossing the Thames river on my way to work reminds me each time of the beautiful Bosphorus and Istanbul?s magic?
I am looking already much forward to the planned reunion, will be so great to be back! Actually I was in Istanbul in December and almost missed my flight back as a result of too much Tequila at Joker...
Hugs to all of you!
Sindy
04 June, 2006
My plan
Nothing much has change in my life since the last time I wrote. I have no more movie business related stories, or interesting trips to tell you about, but I have something else: I have a plan.
I realized a few weeks ago that planning is not so bad after all, at least when it's necessary. This enlightment came at the right time for me to start planning my next project, a project I called: 'Backpacking Europe 2007!'.
That's right, I finnally decided what I'm going to do next. Everything seems to indicate that this is the right choice for me right now for many reasons. I know very well that, as time goes by, I have fewer chances of making the backpacking trip I've been dreaming of since highschool. And why Europe and not some other exotic remote place?, you may ask. Well, because I realized I have quite a few good friends I would love to visit over there, and it would also get me close enough to Isanbul to be able to make it to next year reunion in Istanbul. So count me on that one too.
I'm going to start my journey between march and may 2007, when plain tickets are cheaper and weather is getting better. The idea is to visit anybody who would like to see me around for a couple of days... or weeks. I need to coordinate with each one of you in order to make my plan in the next few months. For how long and where I will travel will depend a great deal on what I talk with you, so it's more like a collective plan in which all your ideas are welcome.
I will be writing more about this here soon.
Looking forward to start planning with all of you.
I realized a few weeks ago that planning is not so bad after all, at least when it's necessary. This enlightment came at the right time for me to start planning my next project, a project I called: 'Backpacking Europe 2007!'.
That's right, I finnally decided what I'm going to do next. Everything seems to indicate that this is the right choice for me right now for many reasons. I know very well that, as time goes by, I have fewer chances of making the backpacking trip I've been dreaming of since highschool. And why Europe and not some other exotic remote place?, you may ask. Well, because I realized I have quite a few good friends I would love to visit over there, and it would also get me close enough to Isanbul to be able to make it to next year reunion in Istanbul. So count me on that one too.
I'm going to start my journey between march and may 2007, when plain tickets are cheaper and weather is getting better. The idea is to visit anybody who would like to see me around for a couple of days... or weeks. I need to coordinate with each one of you in order to make my plan in the next few months. For how long and where I will travel will depend a great deal on what I talk with you, so it's more like a collective plan in which all your ideas are welcome.
I will be writing more about this here soon.
Looking forward to start planning with all of you.
24 May, 2006
quotes
i guess either basilio or aakash did this, but its really cool how the top of blogger has our different quotes whenever you refresh. just a comment!
exams of course...
hey all,
i just got back from the boston area, i went to see one of my best friends graduate from university. another 3 friends from high school came as well, so the 5 of us had a really great time, and yes freddie was with us the whole time! it was my first encounter with freddie since i saw him and maarten in amsterdam last september. its weird seeing people graduate though, i'm getting very nervous (although i have one year left), especially because i don't know what'll happen after... well you guys are all living proof of good and exciting things happening after university. it was also really good and sad to meet up with my high school friends, i hardly saw them in the last 3 years, and this time it felt like i really missed them for those 3 years all at once. i'll definitely be going to the washington dc & new york area over the summer, but will be in university doing research for most of the summer, and will be in bangladesh for most of august and september.
here's to a good summer!
bangli
i just got back from the boston area, i went to see one of my best friends graduate from university. another 3 friends from high school came as well, so the 5 of us had a really great time, and yes freddie was with us the whole time! it was my first encounter with freddie since i saw him and maarten in amsterdam last september. its weird seeing people graduate though, i'm getting very nervous (although i have one year left), especially because i don't know what'll happen after... well you guys are all living proof of good and exciting things happening after university. it was also really good and sad to meet up with my high school friends, i hardly saw them in the last 3 years, and this time it felt like i really missed them for those 3 years all at once. i'll definitely be going to the washington dc & new york area over the summer, but will be in university doing research for most of the summer, and will be in bangladesh for most of august and september.
here's to a good summer!
bangli
24 April, 2006
Getting back to Life !
So here I am in India for the last 2 weeks and getting a taste of the craziness of this country again. Thank heavens that I am in the south where the temperature stays in control and doesnt go beyond 33-35 degrees during summer as compared to my home town where it hits 45-47 regularly. I am sure all of you have been through this phase of getting back to reality and it hits you hard.
After living in such a diverse environment surrounded by the crazy strikers its a bit difficult not to have different faces from all around the world and bitch about the world. Its difficult not to have the boshphorus around and it difficult not to have a good place that serves nargile. There are many little memories of Istanbul that make it special and not having anyone around to share those memories make it a challenge. I am going to meet all the AIESEC trainees here to see if I can provide them with any valuable services. Till then you can enjoy this snap from my farewell which deserves a different post.
After living in such a diverse environment surrounded by the crazy strikers its a bit difficult not to have different faces from all around the world and bitch about the world. Its difficult not to have the boshphorus around and it difficult not to have a good place that serves nargile. There are many little memories of Istanbul that make it special and not having anyone around to share those memories make it a challenge. I am going to meet all the AIESEC trainees here to see if I can provide them with any valuable services. Till then you can enjoy this snap from my farewell which deserves a different post.
G dub comes to campus
President Bush came to our campus last Friday, well he sort of came. He was supposed to go to this building on campus called the Hoover tower, but there were about 1,000 protesters and they refused to let cars on that street. He instead met with the people he had to at a professor's house on campus who happens to be one of his advisors. The guy with his arms folded in blue is my good friend Quinn, he was also my room mate my freshman year. It was pretty funny seeing Secret Service people on campus for the whole week; random helicopters, black government cars, agents in black suits and sun glasses with ear pieces acting sketchy... good stuff!
18 April, 2006
17 April, 2006
A day in the life of...
hey everyone,
i have completely disappeared off the 603 map for a while, but now i'm back. i have updated myself with what everyone's been upto. and i just wanted to share with everyone what i've been doing. i'm still in school $*U#%@!!! i turned 21 earlier about a month ago, so am legal in every sense of the word in the US... i was attacked with water balloons by my friends as a gift.
so i was working for the last few months on getting a job over the summer at a bank, didn't work out so well, so am trying to do research in a clinical lab as a statistician over the summer, so i'll be on campus, but am planning to go home at the end of summer. we had spring break for a few days (like 2-3 weeks ago), and 5 of my friends and i went on a road trip around the south-west, we went to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and San Diego, and around the Los Angeles areas. basically trying to figure out a way to get into graduate school (so i don't have to get a job!!!!). so yeah i'll be taking more exams over the summer and applying to universities again in a few months time (uggh!!!).
i think we really need to do this 603 reunion next year, it has to be crazy.
oh i forgot, there's this turkish restaurant that opened in palo alto (the town next to school), and we go almost everyday, the owners have become pretty good friends coz of my broken turkish, and they have pretty good iskender kebab!
peace!
i have completely disappeared off the 603 map for a while, but now i'm back. i have updated myself with what everyone's been upto. and i just wanted to share with everyone what i've been doing. i'm still in school $*U#%@!!! i turned 21 earlier about a month ago, so am legal in every sense of the word in the US... i was attacked with water balloons by my friends as a gift.
so i was working for the last few months on getting a job over the summer at a bank, didn't work out so well, so am trying to do research in a clinical lab as a statistician over the summer, so i'll be on campus, but am planning to go home at the end of summer. we had spring break for a few days (like 2-3 weeks ago), and 5 of my friends and i went on a road trip around the south-west, we went to Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and San Diego, and around the Los Angeles areas. basically trying to figure out a way to get into graduate school (so i don't have to get a job!!!!). so yeah i'll be taking more exams over the summer and applying to universities again in a few months time (uggh!!!).
i think we really need to do this 603 reunion next year, it has to be crazy.
oh i forgot, there's this turkish restaurant that opened in palo alto (the town next to school), and we go almost everyday, the owners have become pretty good friends coz of my broken turkish, and they have pretty good iskender kebab!
peace!
Some hotel casino in Las Vegas
04 April, 2006
SEVILLA!!!!!
HEYYYYYYY!!!!
I have 5 minuts to tell you everything I want and I really don't know how to do it!!!
I AM IN SEVILLA!!!! FIESTA!!!!
Well... It is fucking hot here but the city is wonderful! This is the real south lifestyle! La Fiesta is the queen and the Cerveza the king of the city!!!! No doubt... SOUTH RULES!!!
Well I am living with a dutch girl and 2 italian boys... GOD!!!! I think not only I am going to learn spanish but I will also need to learn Italian if I want to communicate with them cause they are as good spanigh speakers as they are wonderful (!!!) english speakers!!! Can you imagine!!!
I promess I will write soon many many details!!!
Hasta luego!
natercia
I have 5 minuts to tell you everything I want and I really don't know how to do it!!!
I AM IN SEVILLA!!!! FIESTA!!!!
Well... It is fucking hot here but the city is wonderful! This is the real south lifestyle! La Fiesta is the queen and the Cerveza the king of the city!!!! No doubt... SOUTH RULES!!!
Well I am living with a dutch girl and 2 italian boys... GOD!!!! I think not only I am going to learn spanish but I will also need to learn Italian if I want to communicate with them cause they are as good spanigh speakers as they are wonderful (!!!) english speakers!!! Can you imagine!!!
I promess I will write soon many many details!!!
Hasta luego!
natercia
02 April, 2006
Tsveti's anniversary: One year after...
A mail through the Istanbul Trainees List... I post it here cause I guess not everyone is still on the list! I love u!
Hi to all of you!
A bit more than an year ago I was watching the sunrise over the Bosporus at
Dolmabahce with Iva, after a totally crazy night in Sawady...
A whole year, and these times are still so fresh...
In this moment thousands of memories are going thru my head, of amazing
internationality, craziness, spirit and living for the moment. Istanbul and
my CEED there was the most intensive and unbelievable experience in my
entire life, as it was for a lot of people and still: it is my personal
number One! Thanks to everyone of u who I got to know and had fun with
during those 2 months. As time goes by, its really difficult to hold the
contact but i want to tell to everyone, i didntforget anyone, im still
thinking about those days and I still dont manage to unsubscribe from that
list, hoping for posts from someone i know in a slightly masohistic way
cause i sometimes really miss that times....
Tonight I was dreaming about the AIESEC song
AIESEC Istanbul, sani rakip yok.....
i loved that song isnt it incredible, I heard it in my dream, wow :)!
To all of u, who still know who I am: im so happy i got to know u, i wish u
all the best in or outside of AIESEC :)
I hope I will manage to come to the reunion 2007, i so much dont know where
I will be and what I will be doing...
With the departure of Aakash Istanbul will miss something but I am sure that
all over again, people will arrive and have fun and enjoy Istanbul to d
full, be amazed, smile, cry, live... But to all of us, the 603 experience
and spirit will be unique!
Aakash, u r too cool for this world, dont forget that and take care home :)
All the best :))))
Smiles from Tsveti
CEEDer Spring 2005
Hi to all of you!
A bit more than an year ago I was watching the sunrise over the Bosporus at
Dolmabahce with Iva, after a totally crazy night in Sawady...
A whole year, and these times are still so fresh...
In this moment thousands of memories are going thru my head, of amazing
internationality, craziness, spirit and living for the moment. Istanbul and
my CEED there was the most intensive and unbelievable experience in my
entire life, as it was for a lot of people and still: it is my personal
number One! Thanks to everyone of u who I got to know and had fun with
during those 2 months. As time goes by, its really difficult to hold the
contact but i want to tell to everyone, i didntforget anyone, im still
thinking about those days and I still dont manage to unsubscribe from that
list, hoping for posts from someone i know in a slightly masohistic way
cause i sometimes really miss that times....
Tonight I was dreaming about the AIESEC song
AIESEC Istanbul, sani rakip yok.....
i loved that song isnt it incredible, I heard it in my dream, wow :)!
To all of u, who still know who I am: im so happy i got to know u, i wish u
all the best in or outside of AIESEC :)
I hope I will manage to come to the reunion 2007, i so much dont know where
I will be and what I will be doing...
With the departure of Aakash Istanbul will miss something but I am sure that
all over again, people will arrive and have fun and enjoy Istanbul to d
full, be amazed, smile, cry, live... But to all of us, the 603 experience
and spirit will be unique!
Aakash, u r too cool for this world, dont forget that and take care home :)
All the best :))))
Smiles from Tsveti
CEEDer Spring 2005
29 March, 2006
One year of 603
This day, one year ago, Istanbul603 was born.
The first 2 posts, which we wrote in the computer room of the bilgi dorms, represent where whe wanted to go with this blog at that time. It has become much more than we expected at the beginning, but the spirit remains the same.
What amazes me is how good this idea has worked in practice, not only by keeping us in touch, but also keeping the collective spirit we had in Istanbul. Think about it.
Thanks to everybody that has contributed to this blog and helps keeping it alive and healthy.
This is just the first year of Istanbul603, but I hope many more will come.
And to quote our very first post:
603 is not a number
603 is state of mind
The first 2 posts, which we wrote in the computer room of the bilgi dorms, represent where whe wanted to go with this blog at that time. It has become much more than we expected at the beginning, but the spirit remains the same.
What amazes me is how good this idea has worked in practice, not only by keeping us in touch, but also keeping the collective spirit we had in Istanbul. Think about it.
Thanks to everybody that has contributed to this blog and helps keeping it alive and healthy.
This is just the first year of Istanbul603, but I hope many more will come.
And to quote our very first post:
603 is not a number
603 is state of mind
20 March, 2006
My reunion with Ataturk
Not long after I came back to Venezuela I heard the rumor that there was an Ataturk statue, not only in Caracas, but just a few minutes from my neighborhood, in a park I have passed by many many many times in my life before. Ever since then I've been wanting to pass by one more time, see if it was true, and take some pictures... but it took me a little longer than I expected.
I don't know if it's just coincidence or what, but the neighborhood where the statue is it's called 'Santa Sofia', and I realized the connection with Istanbul just today when I saw the sign where it says 'Santa Sofia' just next to 'Plaza Kemal Ataturk'.
Maybe Ataturk is also near your house and you don't even know. Ataturk is really everywhere.
I don't know if it's just coincidence or what, but the neighborhood where the statue is it's called 'Santa Sofia', and I realized the connection with Istanbul just today when I saw the sign where it says 'Santa Sofia' just next to 'Plaza Kemal Ataturk'.
Maybe Ataturk is also near your house and you don't even know. Ataturk is really everywhere.
19 March, 2006
06 March, 2006
Mi vida
The last time I wrote here about what's happening in my life was not so many posts ago, but it has been more than 3 months.
Since then, I had a not so exciting december holidays and started working at the beginning of January. I'm currently working in a software development company, on a project for a travel agency (which is a beautiful premonition). My master plan is still to work this year and save some money to go to my next unknown destination.
I've been really busy just with my job, but I like what I'm doing, so it's no real sacrifice. Outside of my job I've been relatively busy also.
I worked in another short-movie 3 weeks ago. This time it was a special-effects-filled sci-fi comedy with more than 40 people working on set. A little different from my other film experience.
I played a futuristic sentinel for an evil telecomunications megacorporation (with a futuristic uniform and all). It might sound as a great role, but I was actually an extra. I found out the hard way that extras are not very appreciated in the professional film industry, so it was not as fun as my other experience, but interesting nonetheless.
I was waiting for the pictures to write about that, but the pictures are late as usual. As soon as I get them I will post some of them here.
For carnival I went to a small town named El Callao, famous for their carnivals and for their gold mining. It is very far from most of the venezuelan big cities, so you don't see many city people around there, even if their carnival is one of the most well-known in Venezuela. The celebration is basically drinking a lot of rum and dancing a lot of live-played calypso, with a lot of people, for 4 consecutive days. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot more to it, like some local traditions with afro-caribbean influences, the colourful parades, the giant moving soundsystems... but the drinking, the dancing, the music and the collective energy are what stands out. Pure and simple celebration
I took some pictures. None of them capture the magnitude of the celebration and chaotic spirit but you can get an idea of the place, the color and the people.
A morning parade
One of the sound-systems
Singing with the air-mic behind the giant sound system pushed by man-power
As Cristiano so truly said, I also have Istanbul on my veins, in my blood. It amazes me to still find out the impact that the experience had on me.
I can honestly say that I'm on a point of my life in which I feel happy and confident with who I am, where I come from and where I'm going, even if I haven't completely figured out that part yet. There is nothing extraordinary in my life right now for me to say that, but I've learned to appreciate what I have, and Istanbul and all of you are a big part of that.
So, that's my life now.
Love you all,
Basilio
Since then, I had a not so exciting december holidays and started working at the beginning of January. I'm currently working in a software development company, on a project for a travel agency (which is a beautiful premonition). My master plan is still to work this year and save some money to go to my next unknown destination.
I've been really busy just with my job, but I like what I'm doing, so it's no real sacrifice. Outside of my job I've been relatively busy also.
I worked in another short-movie 3 weeks ago. This time it was a special-effects-filled sci-fi comedy with more than 40 people working on set. A little different from my other film experience.
I played a futuristic sentinel for an evil telecomunications megacorporation (with a futuristic uniform and all). It might sound as a great role, but I was actually an extra. I found out the hard way that extras are not very appreciated in the professional film industry, so it was not as fun as my other experience, but interesting nonetheless.
I was waiting for the pictures to write about that, but the pictures are late as usual. As soon as I get them I will post some of them here.
For carnival I went to a small town named El Callao, famous for their carnivals and for their gold mining. It is very far from most of the venezuelan big cities, so you don't see many city people around there, even if their carnival is one of the most well-known in Venezuela. The celebration is basically drinking a lot of rum and dancing a lot of live-played calypso, with a lot of people, for 4 consecutive days. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot more to it, like some local traditions with afro-caribbean influences, the colourful parades, the giant moving soundsystems... but the drinking, the dancing, the music and the collective energy are what stands out. Pure and simple celebration
I took some pictures. None of them capture the magnitude of the celebration and chaotic spirit but you can get an idea of the place, the color and the people.
A morning parade
One of the sound-systems
Singing with the air-mic behind the giant sound system pushed by man-powerAs Cristiano so truly said, I also have Istanbul on my veins, in my blood. It amazes me to still find out the impact that the experience had on me.
I can honestly say that I'm on a point of my life in which I feel happy and confident with who I am, where I come from and where I'm going, even if I haven't completely figured out that part yet. There is nothing extraordinary in my life right now for me to say that, but I've learned to appreciate what I have, and Istanbul and all of you are a big part of that.
So, that's my life now.
Love you all,
Basilio
04 March, 2006
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..::My second hand Life::..
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My second hand life
Finally, after long month with no activity, suddenly with no apparent explanation 603 is back in action! This nostalgic place is quite comfortable for me?
Last 10th of February was the ephemerid of my arrival in Istanbul, I?m still amazed already passed one year ?
Is strange but a feel that Istanbul on veins? I?m all the time speaking about Istanbul, last week I bought a book with Turkish food receipts ? but I still not face that sacred place called kitchen.. But I will!
Anyway my life is more less the same that was before I left Porto but now knowing that there is a crazy world out there ?
I have classes everyday, almost every morning, after lunch normally I do some ?siesta? and I have more classes in the night until 23h00 (yeah Maarten until 23h00) ? weekend is for party? drinks some beers and be with Freddy, by the way I was with white Freddy, crazy guy he is?
I just came back from the carnival vacations I went to Granada, Andaluzia Spain, I was there for five days. Mad city very cosmopolitan people from everywhere, and that Spanish way life, u know ?tapas? sangria. Was 5 days of excesses crazy Freddy was there again. The hotel was really bad (and really cheap) and in a night somehow I made a blackout in the hotel ? but in the next day when I woke up everything was all right. There is not so much to tell about it ?drunk nights hang over days only in the last morning we did tourism, we went to Alhambra (A Muslim / Christian Palace and a mini city) it is enormous but was there only 2 hours, for a proper visit you need one day .. however we were too tired to walk? and it was waiting for us 1000 km by car?
Peace! I miss u all my brothers?
Cris!
25 February, 2006
what is your life?
My god, this time last year what were we doing? Complaining about the snow and slush of the fucking hill. Feeling freakin depressed about the Kasimpasha dorm situation...or were we moved in by then? Partying it up till 6 in the morning at Sawady, downing vodka and Efes while chain smoking into oblivion........good times my friends.
Just going through a period of reflection and wanted to shout out and say what the hell is going on you guys' lives right now?
I'm out on the West Coast, livin the Vancouver laid back life and I'm lovin it, it's just so perfectly me. I mean, it's Feb, there's no snow, you can go jogging along the beach, while taking in the beautiful mountains and downtown skyline......this is it....the life.
And so what is your life?
keepin it real
Mon
Just going through a period of reflection and wanted to shout out and say what the hell is going on you guys' lives right now?
I'm out on the West Coast, livin the Vancouver laid back life and I'm lovin it, it's just so perfectly me. I mean, it's Feb, there's no snow, you can go jogging along the beach, while taking in the beautiful mountains and downtown skyline......this is it....the life.
And so what is your life?
keepin it real
Mon
23 February, 2006
In the meantime...
I have a couple of posts on my mind to put here soon, but in the meantime, here is my second piece of the Trigger Happy series. More magical realism stills from moving cars.
I tooked this one last december in Maracaibo, the most representative city and people for the magical-realism side of Venezuela.
It's called: 'Stairways to Heaven'
I tooked this one last december in Maracaibo, the most representative city and people for the magical-realism side of Venezuela.
It's called: 'Stairways to Heaven'
18 February, 2006
05 January, 2006
603 becoming famous
Hey everybody!
First of all I would like to wish you a Happy New Year! Everything great for 2006!
Yes! It is true! 603 is becoming fanous in Portugal! Yesterday I was interviwed for a TV programm that is made by my school tv team! I was asked about my ERASMUS experience in Turkey and of course I had to speak about 603! Unfortunatly that part was excluded from what actually passed on TV BUT... the chose some photos of you and I think that almost everybody appeared! And yes...Basilio...in one of the photos you appeared on the first plan! From those we could see in the interview my favorite is one of those we are innocently drinking all together something in white Bilgi tea glasses...Unfortunatly the only one who for sure didn't appear is Freddy but I guess he will understand!
I am sorry that I didn't tell anybody before but... I didn't really want everybody to know! :) But I promess I will get the DVD of the programm and somehow I will share it with you! Sorry Cris but I think that you won't see it again on TV!
I don´t know about you guys but when a New Year is about to begin I usually take some time to think about the past year and the one that is coming...you know thinking about what I did wrong, the great things that happened, the things I should avoid for the coming year...
Well this year while I was getting ready to go out and celebrate the New Year with some friends I realized that I hadn't done it yet... I stoped for a second and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked behind me. There was that bottle of coca cola light that I had been carrying with me for the past 2 hours waiting for the next room to which I would take it. Next to it...that hair straightener that I offered myself for Chrismas was ready to use! And the only thing that came up to my mind was this: "I LOVE IT"!!!!!!!!! Right now you might be thinking: "What the fuck is she smoking?"... Nothing, don't worry!!! Freddy is sleeping!
It made me remenber how I used to make fun of Nikki, that american girl who couldn't survive without her hair straightener and who always loves everything. And how many times did I think "what is going on with those girls?" everytime I would see Iva and Sara hanging around with their bottles of coca cola light! OH GOD!!!! I couldn't believe it!
Well that made me remember the first and unique post of my blog (!!!):
First of all I would like to wish you a Happy New Year! Everything great for 2006!
Yes! It is true! 603 is becoming fanous in Portugal! Yesterday I was interviwed for a TV programm that is made by my school tv team! I was asked about my ERASMUS experience in Turkey and of course I had to speak about 603! Unfortunatly that part was excluded from what actually passed on TV BUT... the chose some photos of you and I think that almost everybody appeared! And yes...Basilio...in one of the photos you appeared on the first plan! From those we could see in the interview my favorite is one of those we are innocently drinking all together something in white Bilgi tea glasses...Unfortunatly the only one who for sure didn't appear is Freddy but I guess he will understand!
I am sorry that I didn't tell anybody before but... I didn't really want everybody to know! :) But I promess I will get the DVD of the programm and somehow I will share it with you! Sorry Cris but I think that you won't see it again on TV!
I don´t know about you guys but when a New Year is about to begin I usually take some time to think about the past year and the one that is coming...you know thinking about what I did wrong, the great things that happened, the things I should avoid for the coming year...
Well this year while I was getting ready to go out and celebrate the New Year with some friends I realized that I hadn't done it yet... I stoped for a second and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked behind me. There was that bottle of coca cola light that I had been carrying with me for the past 2 hours waiting for the next room to which I would take it. Next to it...that hair straightener that I offered myself for Chrismas was ready to use! And the only thing that came up to my mind was this: "I LOVE IT"!!!!!!!!! Right now you might be thinking: "What the fuck is she smoking?"... Nothing, don't worry!!! Freddy is sleeping!
It made me remenber how I used to make fun of Nikki, that american girl who couldn't survive without her hair straightener and who always loves everything. And how many times did I think "what is going on with those girls?" everytime I would see Iva and Sara hanging around with their bottles of coca cola light! OH GOD!!!! I couldn't believe it!
Well that made me remember the first and unique post of my blog (!!!):
<>
Now some decisions/resolutions for 2006:
_ After all I decided that I am going to do my internship in Spain (probably Sevilla) instead of Belguim
_ I am going to keep my blog updated!
_ And It is enought for now!!!!!
Big Big hugs! Natercia
Tech tip that will make your blogging life 603 oz. better
I was recently chatting with Cris! and I realized about a problem that some of you may have. With so many blogs to check nowadays (like 1/3 of the members of this blog have blogs of their own) it's too much time consuming to check every one of them, every now and then, to see if there is an update. I solve that problem some time ago and the purpose of this post is try to share some of that wisdom.
There are several ways to get notified about new posts. I added a few buttons at the left menu under "603 subscriptions". With this buttons you can subscribe to this blog via google, yahoo, or a few other "subscribers" (at the "readers" button).
Taking the google subscriber as an example, since it is the one I use, this is the howto step by step:
(Note that you need a gmail or google account to do this. You can do the same with yahoo if you have a yahoomail account)
1. Click on the "Add to google button"
2. You then have two options. You can choose any of them to subscribe, but for the purpose of this explanation choose "Add to Google Homepage".
3. After login you can customize your google homepage and add more blogs, news, your gmail inbox, and many other things
The beauty of this is that you can subscribe to any blog that provides a feed (basically every blog available in the web right now). All the "603 blogs" have feeds, since Blogger provides this.
As an example of how it looks like, this is my Google Homepage (Note that I have all your blogs right there. Yes, I love you all)
To add more feeds to your homepage go to the "Add Content" link and then, in "Create section" insert the feed url. To make things easier for you, here are all the feed urls of the 603 blogs:
* Aakash: http://aakash.nomadlife.org/atom.xml
* Ash: http://finiteabyss.blogspot.com/atom.xml
* Iva: http://ivuskawalterova.blogspot.com/atom.xml
* Monica: http://monicastravels.com/atom.xml
* Natercia: http://naterciasantos.blogspot.com/atom.xml
* Nate: http://itsbacon.blogspot.com/atom.xml
* Nikki: http://sweetpickledelight.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Just copy/paste each one you want under the "Create Section" textbox and click the button
To return to your newly customized goggle homepage go to: http://www.google.com/ig
If you any problems or questions let me know
There are several ways to get notified about new posts. I added a few buttons at the left menu under "603 subscriptions". With this buttons you can subscribe to this blog via google, yahoo, or a few other "subscribers" (at the "readers" button).
Taking the google subscriber as an example, since it is the one I use, this is the howto step by step:
(Note that you need a gmail or google account to do this. You can do the same with yahoo if you have a yahoomail account)
1. Click on the "Add to google button"
2. You then have two options. You can choose any of them to subscribe, but for the purpose of this explanation choose "Add to Google Homepage".
3. After login you can customize your google homepage and add more blogs, news, your gmail inbox, and many other things
The beauty of this is that you can subscribe to any blog that provides a feed (basically every blog available in the web right now). All the "603 blogs" have feeds, since Blogger provides this.
As an example of how it looks like, this is my Google Homepage (Note that I have all your blogs right there. Yes, I love you all)
To add more feeds to your homepage go to the "Add Content" link and then, in "Create section" insert the feed url. To make things easier for you, here are all the feed urls of the 603 blogs:
* Aakash: http://aakash.nomadlife.org/atom.xml
* Ash: http://finiteabyss.blogspot.com/atom.xml
* Iva: http://ivuskawalterova.blogspot.com/atom.xml
* Monica: http://monicastravels.com/atom.xml
* Natercia: http://naterciasantos.blogspot.com/atom.xml
* Nate: http://itsbacon.blogspot.com/atom.xml
* Nikki: http://sweetpickledelight.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Just copy/paste each one you want under the "Create Section" textbox and click the button
To return to your newly customized goggle homepage go to: http://www.google.com/ig
If you any problems or questions let me know
New Year's Resolution and Coming Atractions
* Bring this blog back to life
Everything seems too calm around here. I guess everybody was enjoying the holydays enough to not be around a computer. I wish it was my case but that's another matter.
I found out about something that I know all of you would love to hear, but I will let Natercia write about it. I just know that tonight I had a brief appereance with Natercia in a tv program in Portugal... and very likely some of you also did.
Cristiano also has an interesting proposal coming that involves all of you. But he has to write about it also.
I'm sure Aakash has something to write about his holydays in India
As for me, I just have a boring blog tutorial coming, but at least something.
That's the coming attractions for now
Everything seems too calm around here. I guess everybody was enjoying the holydays enough to not be around a computer. I wish it was my case but that's another matter.
I found out about something that I know all of you would love to hear, but I will let Natercia write about it. I just know that tonight I had a brief appereance with Natercia in a tv program in Portugal... and very likely some of you also did.
Cristiano also has an interesting proposal coming that involves all of you. But he has to write about it also.
I'm sure Aakash has something to write about his holydays in India
As for me, I just have a boring blog tutorial coming, but at least something.
That's the coming attractions for now
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