I love living abroad, as does Q, although I'm not really sure what is "abroad" to him. Is it here or there? I guess there, because home is with me... Anyway, we each have stories...
The one below is classic La. I was single, independent and living in Istanbul, Turkey. This story was actually mentioned during our wedding...
Fall, 2006
"La, do you have a boyfriend yet?"
"no."
"why not? It's been a month!"
"I don't need a man."
"You're so American." or "Well, you shouldn't have any trouble finding one."
Yup, this is asked quite frequently. Really and truly! The idea of a woman being independent is entirely foreign to them! Yes, they agree, my first mission in moving should be finding a place, but I found that already!!!! Next, as soon as possible I need a man. I need a man. What would I do with a man in Istanbul? I just don't think a Turkish man could handle my "American-ness." Plus, men here like to do things for their ladies. Like help them onto the bus, hold the umbrella when it rains, and become a human shield as you walk down the sidewalk. I can hold my OWN umbrella thank you very much. If you want to hold an umbrella, hold your own. My personal space spans about a whole umbrella anyway. So you might as well hold your own and forget about me. And know that if your umbrella touches MY umbrella I'm bound to become irritated, so be careful.... Be VERY careful indeed! My irritation factor spans the length of ten umbrella factories so yah, about dating.... I'm just not ready for it. I mean, God would have to do something really crazy to open my eyes to that scene. I mean how many guys let the girl hold the umbrella? I mean think about it, and this is JUST the beginning of the dominance factor... Like personal space. Guys think that once you start dating they have a right to your personal space. Ummmmmmm, no! You have the right to look at me without my becoming irritated that you're looking at me. That's about it. And you get to enjoy my company at a meal. I'm not saying that I'm soooooooooooo amazing, just that I'm me and Turks just don't understand why I want to hold my own umbrella. For reals people... Oh yeah, the pic is of my street. I walk it every day...
*I will post a follow up post as to how I feel NOW later this week.
If you have any questions about the life of an expat or whatnot, ask away!
9 comments:
Can't wait to read the updated version!
LOVE it! I want to live abroad too.
This made me laugh hysterically and reminded me of myself at a younger age.
You lived in Turkey?! That's awesome. What was your favorite part about living abroad?
Yeah I didn't marry that woman. Now, not only do I hold her umbrella but I open her door at every occasion. She's my wife!
Handsome! You are totally ruining my next post. Seriously. All my love.
This weekend my reader was empty so I actually read a few of your oldest posts and this was my favorite! I was once that girl too. Well part of me still is, but it is different when you are married.
I can't wait to hear your updated one too! I think I'm going to be able to relate a lot to it :)
This is funny. I remember this Laura.
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