Loving Wandering Aimlessly...

I discovered I am in the Beyoğlu neighborhood, which features lots of 19th century European architecture. Sandwiched between the Taksim and Galata areas, this is supposedly "the most active art, entertainment and nightlife center of Istanbul." Uh-oh...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyo%C4%9Flu

I had a great 1st day- slept till 1230, then went wandering with my roommate all day long. Walked to several different neighborhoods, including Galata, which is named for theGalata Tower, built in 1348. Beautiful! I didn't go up inside it yet, but I imagine the view is pretty impressive. Ate some good food, including a chicken Durum, drank lots of chai... It was sunny and 50 degrees, but got really cold and windy in the late afternoon. Love the area I'm in... people everywhere, inviting intimate restaurants. Its an interesting mix of shopping, bars, and food. I even found a couple of jazz clubs... I report to school to observe tomorrow morning at 1030. Its about 20 minutes away by bus in the Beyoğlu  neighborhood. I will observe tomorrow and Sunday, and get my own classes starting on Monday. Excited to go to a new 'hood and, as my dear friend, Kevi Sirgo says, Neighboorhood Shop. One of my fave pasttimes.

The people are very stylish here- I'm going to have fun shopping (wait, did I just say that?). Lots of scarves, long jackets, leggings, and tall boots. I can get used to this sort of fashion.... 

Still trying to get back on my sleep schedule after two days of travel, so I'm heading to bed now. I apologize for the vagueness and brevity of these first couple of posts- I just wanted to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later, before I turn around and a month has gone by. 

Miss you all and wish you could all be with me experiencing this!

Serefe!