Sydney: My First Impressions of Adana
This post was a hard one to write! I have so many insights on my first impressions of the city I’ve had the opportunity to call “home” for two short months.
I believe this article should start with how I arrived in Adana. My plane landed at 4 AM, after a 40 hour travel day from the United States. I arrived exhausted after three flights, two really long layovers and almost 40 straight hours with little to no sleep. However, once I left the airport I was immediately invigorated. I spent the drive to my apartment in the backseat with my face pressed against the window. The sun was rising by the time I crashed into my bed for the night.
The next morning, I got to experience the city in all its glory. We went out for a traditional Turkish breakfast, which was delicious. This was also my first exposure to the tea culture of Turkey. I have drank so much tea since being here, it is unbelievable. Don’t get me wrong, I am absolutely not complaining. I love the way that çay is offered at every meal here.
Tea culture is also just another facet of the warm culture here. Meals often last 2-3 hours, simply because people are sitting around drinking tea and talking. People enjoy taking life slow and enjoying being with people. It’s such a refreshing change of pace from the rise and grind culture of the States. Quite an adjustment for my workaholic self, I’ll say that!
Another observation: people take their lives into their own hands crossing the street around here. Crosswalks aren’t really a thing, so people just step in the road and cross when it's clear (debatably). You get used to it, but at first it's terrifying. Becca and I have certainly had some near misses with cars around here.
Something else you notice about the city really quickly is how busy it is. I live on the 6th floor of an apartment building, and I can always hear cars driving by or children playing outside. This city is full of life and action– it doesn’t slow down. As someone who spent a lot of time around cities, I find it absolutely thrilling.
Overall, Turkey has captured my attention for the past two months, and I believe for life. I have fallen in love with the rich history and warm, friendly people who call this place home. I will for sure be back to discover more of this captivating country!
To our friends in the West, keep looking East!
Sydney Sawyer
Sydney Sawyer is a joy all-around! Although she grew up moving all over the states, she claims Huntsville, Alabama as home. She left Rocket City to study accounting at Mississippi College, which consists of lots of running, studying, and goofing off with her friends. Although Syd has only taken two accounting classes, she’s often given the label “beloved resident accountant and human calculator.” Some of Syd’s favorite things include hiking moderately-sized mountains, reading an obscene number of books, and blaring music in her car that is lovingly referred to as “Ethel.” Being Syd’s friend comes along with watching lots of documentaries, eating fajitas every other night, and giggling over the silliest of things. To know her is to love her!