Hi, I'm @arazgholami, Programmer, Blogger and Explorer.I create things and make them better. I'm a repairer, not replacer.I love to transform complex things to simple things.

Symphony of Migration: Second Movement | First Days in Turkey
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After a two-hour flight that, contrary to my expectation, had no delays, I was at Istanbul Atatürk Airport at 4 a.m.

What caught my attention was the airport’s incredible organization amid the chaos. Less than ten minutes later, I was in the waiting hall.

Without social networks, I feel a greater need to talk to people. Mostly, it involves answering curiosity about Iran, but it’s better than nothing.

Day One:
The whole day was spent settling in and handling initial purchases like a SIM card, all thanks to my friend. Without them, it might have taken weeks.


    
    My apartment key (blue) and keychain (yellow)


Also, the girl at the Turk Telecom office said I didn’t look foreign at all.

Day Two:
Everything feels like it should. A densely populated city, like Tehran, with its crowds, perks, and downsides. Istanbul, being near the sea, is humid, which at least works in my favor. No public fountains, and tap water is undrinkable. Drinking water adds to expenses, cigarettes are sold at the highest prices, and overall, everything feels five times more expensive than in Iran. If your income isn’t also five times higher, you’ll probably face issues.

Update: shopping centers (like Lale Park) have water coolers.

I became addicted to a nearby tea house run by "Hossein Abi" (Abi: older brother, sir). The local supermarket owner thinks he’s a nonbeliever because he’s "Alavi".

Day Three:
Ras Ulbric should really honk for the libertine level of my life these days.


    
    Observed in Beşiktaş, Istanbul


Not thinking about it and keeping myself busy is currently the only way to cope with homesickness. Hats off to military service. Forgetting the reasons for migration happens after some time here, and all bad things in Iran become laughable. Conversations with those who came before change after confirming your presence here, turning more into venting sessions. Supporting each other is something you shouldn’t expect, but in critical moments, you can rely on it—as long as others can count on you too. Their tea is bitter as hell!

Day Four:
Saturdays and Sundays are off at the company. Today, I went with Omid to the grand Starbucks. Later, Samad, Ahmad, and another friend joined us, and we went to Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue. Had a great time—the most touristy thing I’ve done since arriving.

Even though girls walk around in tops and shorts, I still haven’t dared to go out without a sweater for fear of catching a cold.

Day Five:

    
    First serious day at work


Today was my first serious workday at the company. Nothing special happened, except I keep converting all expenses to the equivalent in rials, which makes my blood pressure spike several times a day. Friends informed me this will continue until my income is in lira. Finally, I got a handle on their bathrooms. Public places have their own system, and it’s manageable overall.

There’s no concept of blood money here, and cars aren’t keen on braking. For your own safety, always use the sidewalk and be extremely careful when crossing streets.

Day Six:
After work today, I went with Payam, Nasrin, and their new neighbor “Mehmet” to Beşiktaş Pier. My first encounter with the sea in Istanbul. Everything seems normal for now. Apparently, as things normalize, the panic disappears.


    
    Observed in Levent, Istanbul


Day Seven:
On my seventh day in Istanbul, being able to write this post means the first part of my migration has been successful, and this post reaches its end. The sensory experiences during this time are hard to put into words. Not that they can’t be written, but they can’t be fully conveyed through text. Perhaps I’ve dedicated a number on RadioShab (https://arazgholami.com/radioshab/) to capture the mood of these days, with a background of walking down Istiklal Avenue in Istanbul.

I will have you, I will not have you, if you seek Your blessing / Bind me in mercy and open the doors of tribulation

Sunday 03:03 AM, 13 May 2018
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