Moving to another to another country and I know I have started many articles with this tagline “we are after all Expats “is a stressful event in any event. You have to find a house schools for your kids reacquainted with your surroundings settle into your new job and it goes on and on…
Making Friends
So, what then all is well you’re making a living your kids are happy in their new surroundings and school you’re discovering your way around Istanbul, enjoying the cuisine the culture the weather and generally easing in to the lifestyle as best you can.
But then as I discovered when a moved back here “after forty years in the UK” there was a huge void in my life. I had found a place to live in a good area I had started a consultancy firm I was reunited with my small family but alas I suddenly discovered there was a void. What was it? well ill tell you friends. Yes, friends sound simple right? But coming into a society at the age of 50 is a difficult time to make friends anywhere let alone in another country.
Language is another issue although most Turkish people speak adequate English. The obvious thing I have discovered is Expats trying to find each other through social media joining private members clubs like Soho House, seeking out Rotary Clubs and other business associated organizations.
Gyms are also a good spot to strike up friendships as well as the usual haunts such as cafes and bars, although if you are a man on your own it can be disconcerting.
As I am fluent in Turkish my first encounters were with the local market owners’ butchers as well as the famously knowledgeable taxi drivers who showed me and taught me a lot about the culture from the grass roots.
