The Ides of March

It's that time of the year again in Istanbul. I'm not talking about sunshine, or tulips, or the sparkling Bosphorus. The Cat Mating Season. I've been surrounded by yowls, night and day. It would be one thing if the cats were cute, but around where I live they are the scruffiest, grayist cats I've ever seen. They loiter by the garbage bins waiting to feast on the goods people dump - you just have to be careful not to squish them when you drop off your garbage. I've seen them ripping through the garbage bags like it's a bag full of chicken. They glare at you when you walk past, except for this one really disgusting one that has an eyeball missing. Hooray for more kitties on the way!

On a more positive note, my course is finished! Mixed feeling to be honest - it was nice to be in a routine in a sheltered and caring environment, and we all did become pretty close. Now, instead of worrying about one lesson every other day, I will soon have to worry about probably two different lessons (2 hours each) each day, with demanding students expecting results. I'm considering starting part-time, so the work load is not overbearing because I am still at the point where it takes me 3 hours to plan for 1 hour of teaching. So right now I think I will apply to language schools, even though the hours can be difficult, then maybe once I build up my confidence I can move to a school. I hope to find some private tutoring, even though that can be even more stressful because there is SO much expected from you, and it is exhausting (but I could charge the equivalent of $58/hour! I will probably only do $30 at first a)so I can find customers b)I don't know what the heck I am doing and c) the economy is really hurting people here). My roommate's sister is a soap opera actress so I think I will start with her.

Another concern right now is my tourist visa expiring. It lasts for 3 months, and I have been here 2 months as of today, but if I am going to start work soon, I should probably do something about it this week or weekend. Options include having a nice European weekend (Prague anyone?) but expensive, or a sketchy but cheap over-the-border jump to Bulgaria. An issue of working part time is they might not help me get a work permit, so I will have to keep jumping in and out, and I think they are cracking down on people working on a tourist visa. Ahhh.

I just got back from a really big grocery store and I noticed good stuff! Tabasco, Worcheshire sauce, Pringles, Synders of Hanover pretzal bites, maple syrup ($17!), DUNCAN HINES CAKE MIXES!!! ($8), AND Prego Spaghetti Sauce (~$7). The tomato sauce situation is strange out here, I usually end up buying paste somehow. Anyway, exciting! I also found brown sugar and cream!!

Ok my cover letter needs some SERIOUS work. Also, I just learned my mail has been delivered to the floor above me, so the girl will bring it by later on, sorry if you are wondering why I haven't mentioned anything to you personally about something you sent, that is why! Also, I had troubles loading the video of my house up, I will try again later. Thanks for checking in!