My first couple days!

Hi! I decided to start this blog mostly for my family that is anxiously awaiting to hear how Istanbul is! I'm not the best writer, but here it goes..

So, I spent the past week before I got here traveling around with my mom. The airport in

Budapest was snowed out, so we ended up lucking out and getting to spend one night and day in Vienna at the nicest hotel that we got for very cheap! We got to see some of the main sights, but by late afternoon we were on our way to Budapest! Budapest is definitely one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. My mom and I decided that it would be best to visit in the spring or fall though. We were unfortunately there during snow storms and freezing weather. Getting around by just knowing one word, we got to see all the sights and even eat at a restaurant

where every room was a different theme.

And now, I'm in Istanbul. My mom dropped me off here and helped me move in. I'm in a pretty small room, sharing an apartment style dorm with three other girls, all American. Istanbul as a city is amazing from what I've seen so far. The Turkish are such friendly people and very understanding with the few turkish words

I can muster. The city itself has its many charms. The call to prayer rings throughout the city five times a day and you can hear it anywhere you are. Also, cab drivers here try to fit as many cars down one street as possible. I've seen three lanes turned into six many times. So far, the only touristy thing that I've explored is the Grand Bazaar. I had many turkish men speak to me in numerous different languages trying to use flattering statements to get me to come look at their stores. I took some pictures and I will try to upload them soon!

Classes wise, I'm attending Bogazici University. It is probably the most prestigious university in Istanbul and when I tell Turkish people I'm going there they are amazed, even though I really did not have to do much to get in. The school overlooks the Bosphorus River and is beautiful. It reminds me of Lehigh because it stands on a huge hill so I again will be getting great exercise. I've done pre-orientation and the main orientation takes place tomorrow.

Soooooo, so far so good! I miss everyone from home very much. Feel free to skype me or email me anytime :)