As I bet many of you know, Turkish men have a reputation of wooing foreign women with the hope of money. There are books out about it and tons of jokes - it's where all the fat, ugly British women go to get laid. I was here eleven years ago and I don't remember any coming on to me, but I was still involved with James, the one relationship I was loyal to.
Emino has had two other women throw money at him. I recently learned from his brother (and Emino confirmed it) that the woman that was at his home previously bought him his air conditioning, TV, furniture, and a few other things. Of course, how could he refuse? All he had to do is fuck her. Unfortunately, for him he wanted me and he couldn't very well let me stay at his place when she was there buying everything. He told me he hated his situation and now I know why. At least, I can thank her for all the kitchen appliances. I actually feel better about this.
I think all my friends know what a tight wad I am. I am bad at birthdays and even X-mas presents. Except for travel I hate spending money and that includes buying for myself. So there is no way in hell I would ever spend money on Emino. I just want to put that out there before I go on.
Yes, the sex is fantastic, but what I really like and haven't had since my affair with the young Swede is how desirable he makes me feel. I love how he holds me tight while we sleep. I love it when he pulls me back, whether we're in bed or just sitting next to each other, when I try to get up. I love having him cook for me. I'm not paying for it.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Home Free - I Think
I failed to mention that Lisa was approached by the Turkish police. They told her they wanted to check my visa when I arrived. I wasn't directly told I had to go right to Lisa's place in Bozcaada. I was told I could only fly into Istanbul.
"I can't fly into Izmir?"
"Why would you want to fly to Izmir when Bozcaada is much closer to Istanbul?" I didn't want to say that's where Emino lives.
Yes, I was held for an hour at the Istanbul airport. I surprisingly stayed calm. But I figured they would try to fine me again. Amazingly, they didn't and even more so they let me go.
I rushed over to the domestic side of the airport and bought a ticket to Izmir. By taking a domestic flight I shouldn't have to go through passport control. Was someone following me or was I just paranoid?
I didn't have to wait long and the flight was short. I freaked out a bit when I saw the passport booths but then I saw they were empty. I took the shuttle to the Izmir bus station and called Emino.
"I'll be at the Kusadasi bus station in an hour - meet me there." He did.
"I can't fly into Izmir?"
"Why would you want to fly to Izmir when Bozcaada is much closer to Istanbul?" I didn't want to say that's where Emino lives.
Yes, I was held for an hour at the Istanbul airport. I surprisingly stayed calm. But I figured they would try to fine me again. Amazingly, they didn't and even more so they let me go.
I rushed over to the domestic side of the airport and bought a ticket to Izmir. By taking a domestic flight I shouldn't have to go through passport control. Was someone following me or was I just paranoid?
I didn't have to wait long and the flight was short. I freaked out a bit when I saw the passport booths but then I saw they were empty. I took the shuttle to the Izmir bus station and called Emino.
"I'll be at the Kusadasi bus station in an hour - meet me there." He did.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Red Flag
As some of you might have read I was in Croatia when I got an email from the Turkish consulate general in London saying my visa was ready to pick up. I cut my trip and flew back to London.
The next day after arriving I brought my passport in and was told there was a mistake. They agreed that I had paid for my visa extention and I was free to re-enter. They said nothing about getting my $200 back they had fined me or the wasted air ticket - just someone had made a mistake. I left them my passport and was told to come back the following day to retrieve it. The visa would be put in it. I was also told I could only enter through Istanbul. I did not want to enter through Istanbul because last time I told them to fuck off in Turkish and Izmir is much closer to Kusadasi where Emino lives. "Please bring the receipt that shows you paid for the extention." "Why - no one looked at it before?" The employee just stares at me. The stare meant - just bring it.
Well, the visa looked really legit. How could it not be? Still I didn't trust them.
I fly to Istanbul and show the passport control employee my passport. He almost hands it back to me when RED LIGHT. He grabs it back and makes a phone call. Someone comes and gets me and I'm led to another room full of people who look like they been there for ages.
There's something mysterious going on. My time spent with Kurds might have been a problem. Both Mehmet and Emino have been in jail for their involvement. The Turkish people I met, who I thought were friends, have nothing to do with me now. They took their names off my facebook page. I hiked with an American Turkish professor for three days. When I asked for his help he said he wanted nothing to do with me. Lisa who is an expat Aussie thinks my involement may be the reason the Turkisdh gov. is hassling me. I don't know.
The next day after arriving I brought my passport in and was told there was a mistake. They agreed that I had paid for my visa extention and I was free to re-enter. They said nothing about getting my $200 back they had fined me or the wasted air ticket - just someone had made a mistake. I left them my passport and was told to come back the following day to retrieve it. The visa would be put in it. I was also told I could only enter through Istanbul. I did not want to enter through Istanbul because last time I told them to fuck off in Turkish and Izmir is much closer to Kusadasi where Emino lives. "Please bring the receipt that shows you paid for the extention." "Why - no one looked at it before?" The employee just stares at me. The stare meant - just bring it.
Well, the visa looked really legit. How could it not be? Still I didn't trust them.
I fly to Istanbul and show the passport control employee my passport. He almost hands it back to me when RED LIGHT. He grabs it back and makes a phone call. Someone comes and gets me and I'm led to another room full of people who look like they been there for ages.
There's something mysterious going on. My time spent with Kurds might have been a problem. Both Mehmet and Emino have been in jail for their involvement. The Turkish people I met, who I thought were friends, have nothing to do with me now. They took their names off my facebook page. I hiked with an American Turkish professor for three days. When I asked for his help he said he wanted nothing to do with me. Lisa who is an expat Aussie thinks my involement may be the reason the Turkisdh gov. is hassling me. I don't know.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Joys of Passport Control
I thought England was different but it doesn't matter the passport police are bored everywhere. They are looking for excitement. They are 'chomping at the bit' to come in contact with a terrorist or someone psychotic will do. Or someone who gives out too much information. I've been told this all my life. "No one needs to hear all that extra information you are impulsed to give out." Several people have told me this but it doesn't stop me. I keep talking.
So I start rambling about the Turkish gov. and my dilemma. "Are you on drugs?" The official asks me. "I wish I say." It was all over with. I was taken to a room where some people looked as if they had been there for days. I was then scrutinized and interrogated. I was asked if I was on medication at least 20 times and I'm not exaggerating. They brought a psychologist in to test me. She was the first one with a sense of humor. After that it wasn't too long before I was released. They suddenly had more serious problems to deal with. A woman from Africa was having a mental breakdown. I recognized the symptoms since I've had them myself.
Anyway, they decided it all a big joke to have kept me. Ha Ha I was kept for over three hours! Now I really need some drugs. Fortunately, there are lots of wine shops. I stop off and get a bottle before I head to my niece's.
So I start rambling about the Turkish gov. and my dilemma. "Are you on drugs?" The official asks me. "I wish I say." It was all over with. I was taken to a room where some people looked as if they had been there for days. I was then scrutinized and interrogated. I was asked if I was on medication at least 20 times and I'm not exaggerating. They brought a psychologist in to test me. She was the first one with a sense of humor. After that it wasn't too long before I was released. They suddenly had more serious problems to deal with. A woman from Africa was having a mental breakdown. I recognized the symptoms since I've had them myself.
Anyway, they decided it all a big joke to have kept me. Ha Ha I was kept for over three hours! Now I really need some drugs. Fortunately, there are lots of wine shops. I stop off and get a bottle before I head to my niece's.
Sarajevo
I didn't go to Sarajevo. I was all set to, I had my bag packed and ready for an early morning departure. When I thought no one else would show up to share the tiny room I shared with several others, another girl came.
"Where did you come from?" "Sarajevo, there was so much show I couldn't do anything." "Snow - this time of year!?" All I have are these god damn sundresses, no hiking boots or it wouldn't have stop me.
Okay now what - where do I go? I think I'll check out the internet. I sit close to the computer while one girl chats with every Facebook friend she has. An hour later she says, "Oh did you want to use this?"
I go over my emails. A name I don't recognize says he has visa information. Who is this guy? I almost delete it but I don't. It's from the consulate saying my visa is ready and I can pick it up in London. I've been cleared. I'm in shock. I change my return ticket. Instead of Sarajevo I'm heading back to Split where I'll fly to London in a couple of days.
Another note: Don't depend on Lonely Planet recommendations. I went to this great little restaurant: Fife in Split. The food was delicious and the waitress brought me two extra dishes I didn't order for me to try. I wish I had gone back the next night but I tried the Lonely Planet rec. and wish I hadn't. I also stumbled across a little local bar, where espresso, beer, and wine were half the price of anywhere else. The place was lively. There was lots of dancing and singing but not by me, although I was included by eye contact and drinks were bought.
"Where did you come from?" "Sarajevo, there was so much show I couldn't do anything." "Snow - this time of year!?" All I have are these god damn sundresses, no hiking boots or it wouldn't have stop me.
Okay now what - where do I go? I think I'll check out the internet. I sit close to the computer while one girl chats with every Facebook friend she has. An hour later she says, "Oh did you want to use this?"
I go over my emails. A name I don't recognize says he has visa information. Who is this guy? I almost delete it but I don't. It's from the consulate saying my visa is ready and I can pick it up in London. I've been cleared. I'm in shock. I change my return ticket. Instead of Sarajevo I'm heading back to Split where I'll fly to London in a couple of days.
Another note: Don't depend on Lonely Planet recommendations. I went to this great little restaurant: Fife in Split. The food was delicious and the waitress brought me two extra dishes I didn't order for me to try. I wish I had gone back the next night but I tried the Lonely Planet rec. and wish I hadn't. I also stumbled across a little local bar, where espresso, beer, and wine were half the price of anywhere else. The place was lively. There was lots of dancing and singing but not by me, although I was included by eye contact and drinks were bought.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Overrated Hostels
Hostels aren't always the best deal. Do you want to sleep on a mattress with 30 other kids sharing one bathroom? Sometimes the price is worth it but it definitely isn't worth it in Croatia. I found it hard to believe during the off season anyone would choose a hostel when people with private accommodations are begging for you to stay at their apartments or homes. It's not like you're sharing the place with them. Usually you rarely see the owners because they have their own place. They just come in to clean yours.
I made the mistake not to take a room with one of the women who met me at the bus station and went on into the old town of Dubrovnik to stay at the Lonely Planet recommended hostel. I really wanted to stay with the people I had stayed with the previous two times but they don't normally take borders. I just lucked out the first time by word of mouth. Nensi and Tio both work so I knew they wouldn't be at home and since I didn't know I was coming to Croatia I didn't have their number on me. I didn't want to wait on their doorstep so I went to the hostel.
This hostel cost 30 bucks the most I have ever paid. In New Zealand the next highest, never cost more than $20 but they were lavish. The kitchens were huge, most of the time there were several ovens. The same with the bathrooms which usually included several toilets and sinks.
This hostel said breakfast and internet was included. Well, there was one computer which five people were always waiting to use. Unknowingly I joked, "What we get toast?!" Yeah it was toast. Wonder Bread would be considered high end compared to this. Someone else said it reminded them of dry wall and that was a perfect description.
So unless you go to Croatia in July or August and even then check out private accommodations first. Actually do not go to Dubrovnik in July or August and even outside of those months the prices are comparable to Switzerland or Vienna, Austrian. I had some local man tell me that's where I should go if I didn't like the prices in Dubrovnik.
I made the mistake not to take a room with one of the women who met me at the bus station and went on into the old town of Dubrovnik to stay at the Lonely Planet recommended hostel. I really wanted to stay with the people I had stayed with the previous two times but they don't normally take borders. I just lucked out the first time by word of mouth. Nensi and Tio both work so I knew they wouldn't be at home and since I didn't know I was coming to Croatia I didn't have their number on me. I didn't want to wait on their doorstep so I went to the hostel.
This hostel cost 30 bucks the most I have ever paid. In New Zealand the next highest, never cost more than $20 but they were lavish. The kitchens were huge, most of the time there were several ovens. The same with the bathrooms which usually included several toilets and sinks.
This hostel said breakfast and internet was included. Well, there was one computer which five people were always waiting to use. Unknowingly I joked, "What we get toast?!" Yeah it was toast. Wonder Bread would be considered high end compared to this. Someone else said it reminded them of dry wall and that was a perfect description.
So unless you go to Croatia in July or August and even then check out private accommodations first. Actually do not go to Dubrovnik in July or August and even outside of those months the prices are comparable to Switzerland or Vienna, Austrian. I had some local man tell me that's where I should go if I didn't like the prices in Dubrovnik.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Hvar Concert
The night of the full moon the first of October Evan took me to a concert. It was in a former monastary. The singers/musicians were in the open center. Evan and I had front row center balcony - the best seats and above us the full moon shown down. The voices were beautiful. Two of the songs were old traditional Croatian songs and behind us a few men joined in. Their voices went perfectly with the singers below. I first thought they, too, were part of the group. I felt so priviledged. It seemed as if anyone who was anyone in Hvar was there and so was I!
Being with Evan came with a price - a small one. He always tried to kiss me and I did everything to squeeze away from his grip. Usually a promise to do something else with him later and no not that, though I'm sure that's what he had in mind. As much as I enjoyed the concert it was his food that I kept coming back to. Free wine and his wonderful cheese and meat samples seemed a small price for a slobbery kiss!
I couldn't believe this guy. Evan was still married and his wife lived on the mainland away form his antics. When I told him about Emino, he just wanted me more. "I should go to Vis with you and make you forget." Yeah sure. It was time to leave Hvar.
Being with Evan came with a price - a small one. He always tried to kiss me and I did everything to squeeze away from his grip. Usually a promise to do something else with him later and no not that, though I'm sure that's what he had in mind. As much as I enjoyed the concert it was his food that I kept coming back to. Free wine and his wonderful cheese and meat samples seemed a small price for a slobbery kiss!
I couldn't believe this guy. Evan was still married and his wife lived on the mainland away form his antics. When I told him about Emino, he just wanted me more. "I should go to Vis with you and make you forget." Yeah sure. It was time to leave Hvar.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
So Much for Leaving
I stayed in Hvar for over three weeks and I already missed it. The best thing about not being able to go to Turkey was being able to meet all these great people.
So much for Kachi though. I told him I wrote about him and I think that scared him, that or the price of the dinner he told me he would treat me to. I told him I wanted to know more about his prison experience and he was evasive. I decided it had nothing to do with the war and about drugs. Hey, I do not know but Hvar has a reputation. Which leads to the gossip.
Every day I saw this this beautiful woman with the cutest clothes sitting on the steps outside her dress shop having coffee and chatting with other shop owners. I commented on her adorable shoes one day. I later find out that she destroyed this man. This according to another man, but my friend Melanie said he became a drug addict. I met him too. He bummed a cigerette from me. I could not wait to get away from him. I thought he was homeless. There were a few seemingly homeless guys in Hvar bumming cigs. I tell you in Turkey a man would never bum a cig. Of course, in Turkey there are no homeless. I believe they are taken out and executed.
So where I? Oh gossip. Well that's it except for the heavy coke scene that goes on during the months of July and August.
I saw no sign of drugs - thank god. I have enough problems. I only saw generosity. Ivana, at the pastry shop, giving free goodies occasionally, Ivana, with the same name, giving me an extra big scoop of ice cream, Evan giving me deals on proscuitto, cheese, wine and olive oil, among other things. More later. Next blog possibly.
Melanie gave me a 30% discount on top of the off season price for a necklace, braclet and earrings. Next door Frani gave me half of the glasses of wine I drank on the house. He said I helped business. Well, I did get those Austrians to buy two extra bottles of wine. And as for the Austrians they took me out for a beach day, treating me to breakfast and lunch.
I spent very little in Hvar. If I wasn't being treated then I was making my own dinner. I had a great big room with a balcony view of the bay, my own kitchen and bathroom. I first spent $16 for a smaller room and no balcony but for four bucks more got the better one.
When I went to the Santa Barbara Cafe. I didn't have to say a word. Immeditately Milan or another Ivana (popular name) bought me my large expresso with hot milk. I felt like a local. Even this good looking captain who I hadn't seen in four years recognized me. I was so flattered. Although I must say I've stayed at the same home each of the three times I've been here and the family didn't remember me. I'd rather have the captian remember me!
So much for Kachi though. I told him I wrote about him and I think that scared him, that or the price of the dinner he told me he would treat me to. I told him I wanted to know more about his prison experience and he was evasive. I decided it had nothing to do with the war and about drugs. Hey, I do not know but Hvar has a reputation. Which leads to the gossip.
Every day I saw this this beautiful woman with the cutest clothes sitting on the steps outside her dress shop having coffee and chatting with other shop owners. I commented on her adorable shoes one day. I later find out that she destroyed this man. This according to another man, but my friend Melanie said he became a drug addict. I met him too. He bummed a cigerette from me. I could not wait to get away from him. I thought he was homeless. There were a few seemingly homeless guys in Hvar bumming cigs. I tell you in Turkey a man would never bum a cig. Of course, in Turkey there are no homeless. I believe they are taken out and executed.
So where I? Oh gossip. Well that's it except for the heavy coke scene that goes on during the months of July and August.
I saw no sign of drugs - thank god. I have enough problems. I only saw generosity. Ivana, at the pastry shop, giving free goodies occasionally, Ivana, with the same name, giving me an extra big scoop of ice cream, Evan giving me deals on proscuitto, cheese, wine and olive oil, among other things. More later. Next blog possibly.
Melanie gave me a 30% discount on top of the off season price for a necklace, braclet and earrings. Next door Frani gave me half of the glasses of wine I drank on the house. He said I helped business. Well, I did get those Austrians to buy two extra bottles of wine. And as for the Austrians they took me out for a beach day, treating me to breakfast and lunch.
I spent very little in Hvar. If I wasn't being treated then I was making my own dinner. I had a great big room with a balcony view of the bay, my own kitchen and bathroom. I first spent $16 for a smaller room and no balcony but for four bucks more got the better one.
When I went to the Santa Barbara Cafe. I didn't have to say a word. Immeditately Milan or another Ivana (popular name) bought me my large expresso with hot milk. I felt like a local. Even this good looking captain who I hadn't seen in four years recognized me. I was so flattered. Although I must say I've stayed at the same home each of the three times I've been here and the family didn't remember me. I'd rather have the captian remember me!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Seven Bucks an Hour!
I will not be sending much now because my favorite internet cafe closed and all the rest of them cost $7 an hour. It takes me 10 minutes just to switch to English.
I saw Kachi again and he said he was taking me out tonight. It just so happens that the restaurant I really want to go to is his cousin's. Still I'm getting bored. I feel stagnant/paralized here in Hvar. I must make a move and get out of here. I guess I'll head up the coast on Sunday.
I saw Kachi again and he said he was taking me out tonight. It just so happens that the restaurant I really want to go to is his cousin's. Still I'm getting bored. I feel stagnant/paralized here in Hvar. I must make a move and get out of here. I guess I'll head up the coast on Sunday.
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