Saturday was a day of openings. I was torn between the three fairs I wanted to visit and the opening of the City Square. I decided to go to the fair. After all, I reasoned, the Square would be there for much longer.
What I liked:
Visiting the fairs was for free!
You can actually buy books at the book fair. Last year I realised a dream and visited the world's biggest book fair in Frankfurt. I was very excited about it but then I found out that you couldn't actually buy any books at many stands. I bought several books and spent more than I had "planned". One book is about Bursa. It has pictures of Bursa taken around 1900. Very interesting. If you want to have a look inside the book, go to this link and click on the icon below the book cover and leaf through the book: http://tinyurl.com/2wb3nw.
I also liked the fact that the fair wasn't too big and I actually had the opportunity to talk at length with several authors and had two books signed for my nephews (I hope they wont't read this before I give them their books).
What I didn't like:
When I went into the exhibition halls where the book fair was, I thought I smelled cigarette smoke but I quickly discarded that thought. Couldn't be possible I thought. It was possible! Visitors as well as attendants were smoking between all those books!!! How dare they?! I mean, besides me not liking cigarette smoke, what about safety?
7 comments:
Nergiz, I've enjoyed reading your posts. It's interesting to watch you rediscover Turkey!
You may be interested to know that my husband comes from the central mountains of Greece (near Karpenisi). There is a village south of Karpenisi called "Proussos." People who had lived in what is now known as Bursa before the population exchange brought an icon of the Virgin Mary all the way to this spot, where there is a famous monastery built right into the cliffs. (http://snipurl.com/20s7q [en_agrotravel_gr] )
I have visited the monastery while vacationing in Greece. Proussos and Bursa are the same word.
Nina, I've read your profile and already thought of asking you whether your husband is Greek. His name sound Greek :-)
That's so interesting. I've just read in that book about Bursa, that its original name was Prousa. I knew it was Greek before.
Then you really have to come and visit Bursa/Proussa one day.
Say hello to your husband.
Hello again, Nergiz.
I like your blog very much. I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the posts because they're full of fascinating information and are very interesting visually. Your reflections on "rediscovering Bursa" are particularly engaging, and I look forward to reading how your feelings change as you re-establish yourself there.
What were the education and technology exhibitions like?
Very best wishes—
Dennis in Phoenix
Dennis, thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot to me.
I hope that this blog will also help me to go out and explore Bursa more thoroughly and take pictures. For me visuals are very important. Even books have to be visually appealing in order for me to enjoy reading, even if it's only a well-chosen font and good paper.
Before becoming a language teacher, I was a photographer — a half-baked one, though. I'm hoping to be able to buy a professional digital camera soon and start pursuing this creative side of mine more again. This was one reason why I visited the technology fair. I was however disappointed by it. It was very small and besides some printers and stereo systems, there was nothing of interest for consumers. I think I'm spoiled, in Germany, I visited the world's largest photography fair, the Photokina and another huge IT fair, the Cebit.
At the education fair, universities and schools introduced themselves. There were also some language schools, which was the main reason why I wanted to go there. I was hoping to learn a bit about what kind of schools exist and how, what they offer and how they present themselves. I think it's good for students who want to get a quick overview before enrolling at a university or school.
Dear Nergiz:
I am glad you decided to post the link to your blog, otherwise I would not have found it.
It is very interesting to read your thoughts, reactions and feelings about Bursa, you seem to be rediscovering not only the city but yourself as well.
Keep posting please, I have never been to Turkey. I met 2 Turkish guys when I was doing my master degree in England but I am learning a more about Turkey by reading your posts.
Which of the fairs did you like the most?
Love: Maru
Hi Maru
Good to see you here. I'm glad that you like my blog. I've always liked writing but didn't know that blogging can be so pleasurable, especially when friends drop by and leave comments.
I like what I know about Mexico and would love to visit your country one day. I have a friend there, too. I love Mexican food - especially quesadillas and guacamole.
Dear Nergiz:
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leave a comment. You are welcome to Mexico any time, if fact, the guests room has the best view of the Volcano.
You are right, the Nevado is inactive while the Popocatepetl is not.
I have always enjoyed writing too, I keep a diary, though it is a different feeling when you know that someone may read your thoughts.
I am gathering material to make a Wordpress blog about Mexico but I need to learn first how Wordpress works. After I set my class portal at 21Classes, I am still learning there, I will do so.
See you around dear!
Love: Maru
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