Araz Gholami

July 11, 2021, Istanbul

Apparently, hatred isn’t permanent. After a little over a year since returning to Iran and spending two years in Turkey, I’m finally starting to like it here. The reasons are obvious: the atmosphere and good colleagues at work, a clear and promising future, the ability to work remotely as I wish, the freedom to travel to Iran without restrictions, and, of course, the absence of the surrounding psychos. For the first time in Istanbul, I don’t feel homesick—neither at the company, my accommodation, nor the café I’m currently at. Everything feels pleasant.

Getting to the office was quite an adventure. After landing, I missed the bus that goes directly to the company and took a replacement that dropped me two stops later. Unaware that metro cards require a HES code and mine didn’t have it. For context, a HES code is the one you need before boarding a plane—a type of self-declaration. Once I realized this, I left the station and searched for the HES registration center. Standing in the long line, I learned there’s a website where I could complete this tedious process myself. Meanwhile, I discovered my metro card was registered to my residence number while my HES code was linked to my passport. As a result, 50 lira went to waste, and I had to get a new card and reach the metro station near the office. Heavy rain and taking the wrong street made things even worse, and I arrived soaked. However, the warm welcome from my colleagues made everything better. The company head also handled the hotel, covering much of the first days’ costs.

Since most of my teammates also work remotely like me, I hardly saw anyone in the office. A small gathering was organized on the Asian side, which was very enjoyable.

The day before yesterday, I had the chance to meet two old Twitter friends. We had a lovely walk through the streets and alleys of Kadikoy. It was a memorable evening. Yesterday, together with Behrouz, after a long time, we walked along Istiklal Street and enjoyed street music.

In a few days, Turkey will have a ten-day holiday, and I’m ready for a “trip within a trip” to Izmir and Ankara, if I can find a hotel and tickets.