Ganem CP-2

I met my second conversation partner Tuesday, May 17^th. His name is Mustafa Karaduma. He is originally from Izmir, Turkey. He recently finished his training as an electrical technician. I asked him how he liked living in Tallahassee. He said he liked it even though it seemed like a small quiet town to him. I asked him what Izmir was like. He described it as a beach city, a place where vacationers from all over Europe go to relax in the spring and summer time. It is a coastal city with villages surrounding it. I asked him how he liked Izmir compared to Istanbul and Ankara. He replied that he preferred Izmir because it has beaches, warm weather, and an easy going lifestyle.

I was interested in hearing more about Izmir. He compared it to Miami in Florida. He told me I should teach in Izmir if I want to teach abroad in Turkey. He told me it would be a great place to live during the spring and summer time. I would also be able to visit Ankara and Istanbul when I get time for vacation. I told him it sounds like a good idea and I’ll keep it in mind when I try and find work in Turkey.

I asked if he had any brothers and sisters. He replied he has an older brother. He told me that his brother was in the army in Turkey and every male has to serve after finishing his studies. He told me that when he goes back to Turkey he has to serve as well. I asked if he wants to or not. He told me he doesn’t want to. He also told me he was staying in Tallahassee with his aunt and uncle. I asked him how liked it. He told me that they were nice people but were strict and religious. They gave him a curfew even though he is the same age as me, 22. He said he had more freedom back in Turkey and his parents weren’t very religious. I found this very interesting because I told him about a similar situation. My parents became very strict and religious when they came to America. When I visited my aunts, uncles, and cousins in Bangladesh I was surprised to find out my cousins had more freedom than my brother and me.

It was a really interesting conversation but I looked at the time and realized I was five minutes late to class. I told him I had to leave and go to class. He apologized for keeping me late but I told him it was no real problem. He told me it was fun meeting me and looked forward to our next conversation session. It was a good meeting.