My first full day in Istanbul! I had a nice time, for the most part.

This morning I met a guy from the program who is looking for a roommate. We had breakfast and then he showed me the apartment. He was an interesting guy. I didn’t really like the apartment and it was at the top of what I’m willing to pay. I don’t think I’ll move in with him. I just couldn’t see myself living there.

Afterwards I met another guy who is looking to rent a room in his apartment. The apartment was a bit further out than I’d like to be. It would maybe be ok. It was less money and a nicer place, but the room was still not great. I told him I’d think about it, but really I’d prefer something else.

I have to admit, today was a bit disheartening. I only looked at two places, but it was difficult to coordinate getting to them. I didn’t sign up for phone service because it sounds tricky so I can’t call anyone and I don’t have access to the internet when I’m not at the hostel. That means I had to come back to the hostel many times to check the internet and do more searching. I sent out a few more messages so will hopefully be able to look at a few more places tomorrow. I’d really like to get out of this cramped hostel as soon as possible.

It’s a pain trying to coordinate looking at these apartments. I will try to turn this over to God and see how that goes. I also plan to go to a meeting tomorrow in the evening. It’s actually only a block away from where I am staying. I figure I can ask for help and any advice from people at the meeting. Someone might be able to give me some advice.

Otherwise, I’m just trying not to get stressed about this. As much as I’d like to be settled somewhere, I figure it’s better to find some place I’d really enjoy living than choose something so that I can quit looking. We’ll see how tomorrow goes.

I also walked around Taksim and Isiktal(sp?) for quite a while today and then again tonight. I can’t believe how hot Turkish guys are. And they’re everywhere. Wow. Damn.