12.21.2012

2112 Yep... still here

...and the last time I checked, today, so was my student loan debt. Alas, Plan B, which was Plan A all along: work like a dog and pay it off...

Ordinary evening on this much deserved Aloha Friday here in the Fertile Crescent.  Requisite de-stress routine pau hana quitting time back at the apartment, dinner w/da boyz at our new fav spot here in 'better-than-decent' restaurant row that has in the past few months spawned a slew of fairly cool, low-key eateries.

People watching was quite to my enjoyment this evening as well. Some folks that were very easy on the eyes if you catch my drift.  What is happening in this Universitesi mahallesi (neighborhood) of Gaziantep in the past few months? It's a noticeable improvement in atmosphere. There is literally a tri-fecta of new restaurants within 150 meters from my apartment building. And a real coffee joint, apparently as I haven't indulged yet since my coffee is the best in town-especially on the weekends...

I'm glad we're all still here actually. I mean, I've built up quite the wardrobe in the past decade, and with the addition to winter wear, well it's complete. Except for boots. More boots. I need more boots. I'm mad about boots. Thank the Mayans for that. To celebrate the lack of apocalyptic behavior, I will celebrate life by purchasing an exquisite pair of... yep you guessed it- BOOTS in Portugal.  I just love a  European downtown shopping district with a mission!

Only 2 more hours left in this day. Like every other day at this time. Whatever. I still hear the neighbor chicks being loud and obnoxious w/their squeaky voices. I still take my trash out- that is when Warden Woodie slacks on his duties. I will still go through my bouts of listening to crap 90s music when I get in 'those' moods. I will continue to hope that suddenly hip Gaziantep births a tri-fecta of super-healers: acupuncturist/masseuse/chiropractor.

If I'm not making sense to you, you don't know me really well likely. That's alright. Plenty of time now. Ima just hang here in the Fertile Crescent and chill the f*ck out. The next cataclysmic event is prolly not 'scheduled' to happen for a while. Please refresh my memory if this is incorrect. Am I missing something? There is nothing on my iCal to suggest otherwise anyway...

Okay it is officially Aloha Friday NIGHT. Let the shenanigans begin and continue throughout the weekend.

PS- I'm sorry to report that I'm still not proofing these posts.  I do miss my editor-at-large dearly. He kept me in check... RIP lil Kolohe K Kitty Kat, aka Jackie Love. 




12.18.2012

testing 1, 2, 3. testing


With the recent first snowfall of the season, I’ve started to preoccupy myself with thoughts of snow. Logical. Now, I don’t have much experience in snow or living in places where it snows so I’m a bit of a neophyte. What I do enjoy about it is how the ordinary landscape scenery morphs into some kind of wonderland. I mean, even Gaziantep appears ‘mystical’ when viewed with snow-cover…

Gaziantep also appears ‘mystical’ to me when I think of its ancient history, but that is another matter entirely.  Gaziantep mostly just appears… ordinary to me. Ordinary in the sense that, let’s be honest, it’s not a really pretty area. It’s not the mountains and it’s not the beach. The landscape is just ordinary. What is extraordinary to me, when I’m in my office at work looking out the window to the south from the 5th floor is the view- unimpeded rolling hills straight to Syria, which is involved in a shitstorm of human rights violations right now.

But I digress. This is supposed to be a happy blog post where I keep to the weather report, as well as my esoteria thoughts which some of you get and perhaps many of you can’t even begin to piece my abstract thoughts together into a logical puzzle.  Anyhow… uhm yea. The weather. So, all this snow has put me in the mood for 2 things: a semi-deserted beach (populated with my own storyville characters that I have exquisitely brewed up in my alternate reality world complete with names and even pet names) OR going snowboarding. I feel I should make use of all this snow that is surely to continue to fall, right? 

Even though I am a snow-neophyte, I have been able to spend quality time in some of the best snow resorts in the world.  Most precious on this list includes snowboarding in the Andes of both Argentina and Chile.  Vancouver also ranks on the list (a bit slushy, but what views from mountain to ocean. As does the Snowy Mountains in Australia (well, you can’t see the ocean from that vantage point, but it was still lovely). As does Alaska. What a great ego-booster mountain to snowboard Alyeska is!  As is various parts of Amerika. I will even include that silly little Hunter Mountain just outside of New York City a few hours.

I’d like to add Turkey to this list. This year seems like the likely year. It’s unfortunate that I have 2 sets of board gear in 2 separate states in a country far, far away… Anyway, if any of you phantom readers (that refuse to identify yourselves properly by officially following my blog…) are from Turkey and have knowledge of snow parks here, let me know your opinions.

 Erzerum is high on my list. I suppose just for the novelty.  The place (city?) seems enshourded in mystery.  It is like an ice-city perhaps in the wintertime as it seems the coldest temperatures come from there.  I know there is a quaint little ski resort there. Yes, this sounds sweet. Sweet meaning that you don’t have to wait 20 minutes in the chairlift line to get back up the mountain like you have to do in many places.

Kayseri holds some intrigue as well.  Perhaps mainly because it is so close to Göreme- which I love, and have spotted some seriously handsome men residing in… So there is that. I assume that there are a few ski areas there and nearby. 

What is odd, though, is that nobody talks about these places. They exist. Do locals go there? Do ex-pats go there? Who skis/snowboards in this country? I don’t recall anyone at work talking about going skiing. I don’t recall any of my Istanbul friends talking about going boarding. So, here lies the mystery of who is populating these mountains of fun. Speaking of fun, I do hope there are powder days at these places. Nothing better than wiping out in feather-light fluff!

So, I will conduct some investigations and create an action-research plan accordingly complete with a reconnaissance survey. Implementing a data recovery plan would be the icing on the cake… Perhaps in Cappadocia? 

Something that goes well with snow is apres snowboard session cocktails at the lodge.  Sitting amongst other ‘pleasantly exhausted from tearing up the slopes friends’ is just plain awesome. Everybody is exhausted, exhilirated, telling tall tales of epic adventures of snow-surfing down near-vertical faces of untracked mountains. In reality this means I successfully didn’t fall while warily traversing a ‘Blue Diamond’ labeled run…

People watching is always a thrill while partaking in adult libations at said lodge. Seriously, who can frown after a day on the mountain. Everybody looks shiny and beautiful and glowing from an inner knowledge that hanging out in nature and exercising ROCKS. Anyway, I’ll stop here before this becomes x-rated…

But of course, there is also the tales of the ‘infamous hottub party’ apres ski as well. You know, you see the picture all the time in rated R B-grade Hollywood movies that center around colleges and frathouses, etc. Well, it happens in the real world as well. With very similar results too- usually, or not… Again, I’m trying to keep this rated R so I stop here.

In conclusion,  the ‘big day’ is coming in a little over 48 hours.  Yes, I’m talking THE Mayan prophecy.  What does this mean, I ask myself. I’d like to think that the only thing erased from the face of this Planet Earth is my graduate student loan debt. Yea. I said it. I’m actually fantacizing about it.  Well, actually racists can disappear too. And gun-totting cray-crays. And shitty politicians. And shitty dictators. And all the fast food joints. And dis-ease. Blah blah blah. You get the picture.

Well, it’s not snowing at the moment.  All the rain has made for a slushy mush. Cold, wet slushy mush. You know what goes really well with cold, wet slushy mush? Peppermint Schnapps Hot Chocolate, that’s what.  Do I have any? No. You know what went well with snowfall last night? Tequila. That’s right folks, tequila. Just 1 shot mind you. Girlfriends, cats, tequila and snowfall. That was my quad-fecta last night. I just thought I’d mention that…

12.12.2012

12/12/12

12/12/12

Nearing the end of the day here in the Fertile Crescent. The day progressed as anticipated- meaning that it was business as usual.  I'm not one to talk about work in this blog because… well, it's work. I can say, though, that in the past (my archaeological past), I adored discussing work. Mostly because work was pretty fascinating. We're talking ARCHAEOLOGY here. The coolness factor cannot be expressed enough. That's all imma gonna say about that…

Since we're nearing the end of the year, as well as the supposedly ending of the world as per some ancient Mayan prophecy, and this is the time to reflect. So… here goes:

I'm on my 2nd year here in G-tep. It's an interesting enough place to dwell for some time. It's certainly given me plenty of time to… to… well, there is plenty to mention… Anyway, the end result is that everything that happens- well it happens for a reason. My 2nd year here is for a reason or two. I am starting to yearn for a few things… quality organic produce, health supplements, alternative medical practices such as acupuncture, massage and chiropractors, a real yoga outlet. If I was feeling really smarmy (which I might currently indeed be), I'd have to include a beach, surf and beach boys/toys. This is the tipping point…

Luckily a much-deserved break is coming up in Jan/Feb. I'm so outta here for some RandR. Where? Portugal! We will cruise the country in only that style that the most devoted travel aficionados (with little $) can do…we're going to enjoy the shit out of that country and all that it has to offer- which is vast in terms of my likes and desires…

NOTE: haha just when I'm planning my escape something random happens: a quite large fireworks display in the middle of the week (Wednesday evening 8:30 pm) for no apparent reason than just that. Perhaps it's to celebrate 12/12/12… It's stuff like this that makes it interesting here. Yes, I focus on the little things here that keep me going...

So high on the list for Portugal is checking out boots, food, wine, Fado, architecture, hunks, surf, art, sunsets over the ocean, sunrises after a night out, nightlife, mayhem and other such shenanigans that I so love and (mostly) cannot indulge in over here.

Yea, there is nothing like the feeling of hopping on an international flight, popping a vitamin and ordering alcoholic beverages to get to that mellow spot and sit back and watch the kilometers fly by… Oh I guess I can include the duty free shopping in Paris @ Charles De Gaule airport. This has taken on a new level of awesome for me since I found where they stock the ginormous marscapone chocolate bars. AND Paris Vogue. It has to go in tandem, those two items. 

So, my miles have been accruing pretty rapidly in past years living abroad. Must say though that the ticket back to Hawaii (from anywhere really) IS NOT CHEAP… Luckily it's a bene that keeps on giving. On the flip side, going anywhere from Turkey, and Tunisia before that, requires the dreaded currency exchange… Definitely not a been… That really sucks in fact. Cup half full theory: more free air tickets faster!

I can also reflect on the weather. I'm used to it by now, but it is not ideal. Too many extremes- yet this is the case for much of the world I suppose. Harsh reality after living in paradise I suppose. Now when I realize I am complaining too much, I always like to remind myself of the 'cup half full' theory so… cold weather = BOOTS. Lots and lots of gorgeous boots. I mean, you can NEVER have too many pairs of boots if you live in an area with cold winters. I adore this half full cup indeed. In fact, I have to stop myself from thinking about the pair of boots I will discover in Portugal…

I am boot-obsessed for sure.  A quickie trip to Karamanmarash a few weeks ago left me pining over a pair of boots. Not for long though. I spy quickly, as did my travel partner. I saw them through the window. I came in. I explored further. I delved into unknown territory. I experimented. I purchased. I smiled. They are a beautiful pair of dark green suede 'Outback' ankle boots with a low heel. Who would have thought? I mean, Karamanmarash? Geeze. SCORE!

Last year was a kickass pair of blue suede high heel ankle booties. I mean HOT. I don't wear them often, but they look HOT in my closet even… All this- this is coming from a chick that possesses at least 13 pairs of slippers- all nicely distributed between various cities (Istanbul, Iron Mtn, Portland, Tunis, Ashland, NYC, Hawaii- in a few different locations) and here in G-tep where I possess 4 pairs of coveted Havaianas. Each pair, mind you, has a different purpose…

I really had no idea this post would morph into a shoe fetish tirade, but it did. I'll just end here right now. At this point in my writing stage, I honestly have no control over what ink I eek out on my blog. Nor do I care really. I'm amused and that is what matters really I suppose. I'm trying to provide an honest, interesting insight into my psyche here. This is just me and in my life, Every Day is a Hollyday!!!

12.09.2012

Sunday morning Feline Fine...

Relaxing in bed with french press coffee. I've already communicated with Hawaii, Portugal, and elsewhere in Turkey. It's a cold, cloudy, misty morning here- completely opposite from yesterday.  Ping Pong weather continues here in the Fertile Crescent as of late. I somehow managed to get outta bed early this am and hit the running trail at Gaziantep University. I was all alone- meaning no dogs chasing me...

The intoxicating smell of pine cones hit me like a wall. Must say that it's a great high. I hope I can continue on this path, but it is getting seriously cold now. The kind of cold where your ears hurt when running cold. Still, it seems this year is strange in that it is still considered to be so warm- unlike last year where buckets of rain fell throughout fall/winter, accompanied by loads of snowfall...

Yesterday I got my creative fire started and immersed myself in a nerdy DIY T-shirt re-structuring.  I had some friends over my apartment that partook in the process. I think they were fascinated of the world known as 'crafty chicks.' Anyway, they watched with amusement. Both were secretly impressed and, likely, wanted to get their 'crafty dude' phase on...

Okay, that's it. I'm off track now...

One last thing- the sky today is the perfect gradation of grays

12.01.2012

Hollyday in Turkey

This morning is a wake-and-bake kinda morning here in the Fertile Crescent. The sun is shining. There is not a cloud in the sky and I'm on my lanai (deck) soaking up the sun like a reptile. The coffee is strong and hot and Ziggy Marley is supplying da kine tunes. The day is going to be a good one indeed...

Like all my birthdays, this one is no different really.  I guess I like to think I celebrate life every day. I will say though, birthdays tend to bring discussions with oneself. This is the time I really think about my path on earth. What am I doing? Where am I going? Am I on the right path? Does it matter?

I've decided it's all about the path- not the destination. I realized this a long time ago.

NOTE: Ziggy Marley's "Everybody wants to be a Cowboy" is doing me right

Anyway, in terms of music, reggae has been the most influential in my life.  When you get into the headspace, it hits you. When life is too stressful or when work is really getting to me, I sit back and turn on the tunes and tune the fuck out! It's just what the doctor ordered!

Yoga does this for me as well. No matter where I am, when I'm stressed and I stretch out, it gets better.

NOTE: "Fallen is Babylon" playing

So yesterday was a contemplative day for me. Saturday and I was illing. I somehow had gotten sick Thursday/Friday so wanted to just chill yesterday and get over the bug. Hopefully I beat it outta my system as I feel good this morning. So... I was thinking about 'my current path.'  I decided that I should be fortunate I've had many career paths- from fashion to archaeology to teaching. So my wanderlust (wonderlust) took me to the internet, as it tends to do as of late.

What was I researching? PhDs in... wait for it... The Netherlands! Yea, I was all over the place yesterday. So The Netherlands is the place to study if you want your PhD. Even for international students, the government supports you. As a PhD student, you aren't a 'student' but an 'employee' of the university. The programs typically are 4 years. You are given a monthly stipend and you do research. You live, eat, breathe your department. Everybody in the program is in the same building and the spirit of discussion is emphasized. I must say, it is a very progressive interdisciplinary approach to study. I was researching the Classical Archaeology department, as well as the History of the Near East department. Who knows...

In other news, I just finished reading a book- a book I thought I was totally going to enjoy. It was like pulling teeth getting through this book, "Ararat: In Search of the Mythical Mountain." The last 2 chapters finally delved into the expedition... I'm not sure if it was because of the translation or what, but most everything seemed irrelevant. The book was all over the place- kind of like my blog, but at least you guys are not paying big bucks to read my ramblings... Anyway, I've decided I'm 'gifting' the book to Chris for New Year's... heh heh.

Now I have returned to my as of yet unfinished, "1453: The Holy War for Constantinople and The Clash of Islam and The West."

NOTE: listening to Alpha Blondie and the sun is seriously blazing right now

I feel the need to finish this book before I start the one I REALLY want to read... When I was on Kos Island this summer I picked up "The Epic of Gilgamish" and now I'm ready to dig into it... Alas I must finish my previous first...

My other big contemplation now is where to go for winter break. So far Malta is the forerunner, but Marseille, Lyon, Paris, Beirut and Poland are not far behind... I'm thinking Malta in winter will be wildly romantic; windswept and eerie. An independent country that speaks Maltese, is essentially Italian and has a North African feel!!!

NOTE: I've moved onto Black Uhuru now

Other contemplations: I notice that the mosque across the street is almost finished. I've seen the constrtuction from the beginning and it's been a fascinating journey. The (single) minaret is just now completed. I've enjoyed spending time watching the guys up on the scaffolding building it and carrying up all the cement and water with buckets on pulleys, etc... What I love most about it is the metallic silver dome roof. When the sun reflects off of it, it just dazzles. I've also noticed that the birds are fascinated with it. They form these  groups and shapeshift while they circle it at  sunset. I've spent countless hours enjoying this show...

I've also realized there is so much more of Turkey that I want to see. I want to check out Eskisehir as dear Agata that I met this summer at Chris' camp is an Erasmus student there. Mik went there during Bayram and the pictures look really interesting. Besides, I'm curious about what a 'college town' in Turkey really consists of... Also, there is Ani, the entire Black Sea Coast, Edirne, and some of the interior to name a few.

NOTE: "SOLIDARITY ALL OVER THE WORLD"

"What is Life" is on deck now. Alpha Blondie brings it down home, "Life is a Trip." I'm definitely 'trippin' through life right and and, I think, this makes me most happy. I know my family is happy for me- even though I'm not in constant contact. They are always with me. I feel fortunate that my entire family is quite independent. We know we love each other. 'He who feels it knows it.' My friends, old and new, are always with me on my journeys- somehow. Whether it's a piece of jewelery I'm wearing of theirs, or a memory of us I'm wearing of ours. Perhaps that's what drives me to write- the memories, that turn into thoughts that materialize in words, are like badges that I wear.

I'm not sure what the day has in store for me. Colonel KAOS and Corporal Punishment said to be ready in a half hour so...

NOTE: "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner- Natty Dreadlocks"

I just can't emphasize enough how STUNNING the weather is this morning. Gaziantep knows today is a Hollyday for sure!

NOTE: "Chill Out Chill Out Chill Out New York"

Rock on everybody because it's all good here in the Fertile Crescent today. Whatever trips we're all on- just enjoy the shit out of them.

I somehow think champagne is in my near future...

HollyMissBerry is officially signing off right about now-