thespokenword

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TROPHY CASE


  • Two-Year Club

    Secret Santa
    2010

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Moving to Istanbul for a year! by misterghaniin istanbul

[–]thespokenword 4 points5 points ago

I moved here as a 22 year old...I am headed back home (NC and NYC) for the first time in 2 years in July. I will miss Istanbul A LOT.

Anyways, my general advice is this:

  • If you are aiming to learn Turkish, then live with people who speak Turkish and live in a Turkish environment. Erasmus housing is not the way to go for this, especially if all your courses will be in English. I worked in an all Turkish environment and it helped my language loads. At home I was surrounded by English speakers and it really held me back.

  • If you don't care at all about learning the language, then pick a place with other Erasmus students. You may end up getting overcharged for a nice place with other Erasmus students...but you only have one year in Istanbul...and it is probably worth it to live with other foreigners. I paid 750YTL a month to live in a house with 22 Erasmus students for a year in a half. I met their friends that were visiting, traveled to their native countries to stay for free, made some really awesome lifelong friends, wound up in two awesome romantic relationships and lots of peripheral ones, etc. etc. This is definitely the way to go if you have a 'I want to max out on the European experience' route. So many possibilities in regards with people to meet and things to do. Who cares if it is more expensive.

  • As a male, who was here for two years, I made very FEW Turkish male friends. The general male attitude on a lot of things (I realize these are sweeping generalizations, but they are ones I have formed over the past two years and as someone who has been to the country at least a dozen times previously) is hard to relate to as an American guy who just wants to go out to have a good time and not to aggressively pursue any female (especially foreign ones). Watch out for dudes befriending you just to meet your foreign female friends. I am half-Turkish and found myself feeling really alienated from the viewpoints of most of my brethren. That being said, there are some gems out there and most of the girls are really awesome and interesting.

  • I realize I just assumed you are male. If you are female, be weary. Turkish dudes can be a lot to handle. Travel with your friends, don't be afraid to put dudes in their place...they fucking deserve it.

  • The food. Eat and try everything. I used ZERO caution when trying street food and was never sick from it. Some of the most delicious food I have had here is from the people just selling it from kiosks or on the street. Some must-eats include: -Midye (mussels on the street). Make sure you ask the price in advance because they like to rip you off.
    -Lahmacun - Turkish...pizza salad wrap things. Sounds weird, but super cheap and delicious. -Kebab, Doner, Kofte - Meat eaters dream foods here. Just hunt around and you will find a place that you end up constantly frequenting. -Çorba - Soup! The most important food to eat here. I eat it 3 times a day usually, as I love it. Ezogelin is the best. -Ayran - You might hate it at first, but eventually you will be a die hard fan. Try this more than once or you are throwing away one of the best items in Turkey. Experiment and you will find lots of other stuff, but these are my favs.

  • Taxis. If you look foreign, prepare to be jerked around A LOT. Their general response to you calling them out on their shit is to just look forward and ignore everything you are saying with this oblivious expression. This infuriates me to the point where I have almost boxed drivers in the face. Just threaten to call the police, be rude if you know you are in the right, etc. Especially be wary of these guys in Old Istanbul and when you are absolutely drunk (I have had them rob drunk flatmates on more than one occasion). Always watch where you are going and NEVER get in an unmarked taxi unless you called for it in advance

  • Take the boat to cross over whenever possible. If you aren't crossing over a few times a month, you are probably not exploring Istanbul enough. Lots of gems hidden on the Asian side, especially in the Kadikoy and Moda area. A change of scenery after being on the European side is really nice.

  • Dance, stay out late in Taksim/Bebek, etc. As someone who hates the club scene in the states, I have found some really fantastic clubs here that have people in the college age range dancing (not grinding) to world music. Find yourself a nice rooftop bar.

  • This is a given, but represent the states well. You will hear things that upset you either politically or just general social beliefs. However, it is a two way street. So watch your mouth, don't be a dick for no reason (it is amazing how many Americans I have met that fill our negative stereotypes while here) and let yourself go for a bit.

I think that is aboutttttttttttt it.

Graeme Souness causes controversy by planting large Galatasaray flag into the centre circle of the pitch of arch rivals Fenerbahçe after Galatasaray had beaten them in the Turkish Cup final in 1996. by omiclopsin soccer

[–]thespokenword 0 points1 point ago

I love how I see this image constantly while living here. Basically any time there is a derby (or the weeks leading up to it or from it), a good portion of my Turkish friends automatically change their picture to this. Not to mention occasionally catch it on TV or in other cultural references.

It is iconic, even 16 years later. Awesome stuff. Probably so popular cuz Galatasaray is awesome and Fenerhbahce...well they're not (this is said with much GS bias in my blood).

You Might Be A Runner If..... by mmm84in running

[–]thespokenword 0 points1 point ago

They had to save it to the end...otherwise they would have lost half their readers.

The Rains of Castomere by The National (xpost from /Gameofthrones) by patrikmongerin asoiaf

[–]thespokenword 0 points1 point ago

Site is blocked at work. Know of an alternative posting?

Jose Mourinho has signed a new deal at Real Madrid until 2016 by Surfacing710in soccer

[–]thespokenword 17 points18 points ago

What a beautiful four years it has been as a Barca fan...and now Real is all reared up and ready to go under their fearless (and now proven) leader.

I think Tito is better equipped to deal with the pressure from Mourinho honestly. I always admired Guardiola's humility, but it tore him apart physically and I am assuming mentally as well. It just would strike me as unusual for another manager to also adopt a 'no conflict' type of approach when it comes to the media and Jose. I hope Tito stands up for himself, but obviously he shouldn't get carried away. He is a tactically astute guy and I hope most of his talking is done on the pitch with manitas and Pique's two ladies cheering him on.

With the European season all wrapped up, let's spread the love. Post one positive thing about your team's rival. by rocklobstarin soccer

[–]thespokenword 20 points21 points ago

Persistence. 4 years of hiding in our gigantic shadows. Invested money, got a coach (although I can't help but hate him) capable of getting the most out of a relatively new squad...and it finally paid off. Good for them.

Also, Casillas and Mesut are awesome. And Kaka I suppose, although I still don't recognize him as "Madrid".

What [speculations] can we make using choices made by the TV show as clues? by ObiWanBonogiin asoiaf

[–]thespokenword 3 points4 points ago

When reading the books, I sensed that Sansa would become a major player down the line. Fair enough.

However, her strength in the show and the general levels of advice she is getting from characters like Cersei and Tyrion...I really believe she may live it all out and see the end of the series, which is an impression I didn't particularly have from the books.

(Spoilers ALL) What were you really quick/slow to figure out? by whatthenigin asoiaf

[–]thespokenword 14 points15 points ago

It took me a while to realize that the guy who kidnapped Tyrion at the whorehouse in aDwD was actually Jorah even though looking back...it was fairly obvious.

(Spoilers ALL) What areas of the story do you think will not be resolved by the end of A Dream of Spring? by Nukemarinein asoiaf

[–]thespokenword 1 point2 points ago

Damn, very thorough.

Well, fair enough, but then where does that leave the 7th or potentially 8th book if they make major plays with most of these points you have listed?

(Spoilers ALL) What areas of the story do you think will not be resolved by the end of A Dream of Spring? by Nukemarinein asoiaf

[–]thespokenword 31 points32 points ago

I honestly can't see that much being resolved in the next book. If he really does manage to conclude in 7 books, then book 6 will essentially just be an enormous tease of a text. Lots of build-up, characters moving around on the map, a few loose ends being tied up that won't have enormous relevance in book 7, a few characters will be weeded out, etc. Basically, Martin will just be taking one turn on his Civ V game.

Basically though, if Nymeria doesn't reunite with Arya in the next book I will have lost faith.

Happy Birthday to the man who inspired the games that defined my childhood and my music taste. by Communistowlin gaming

[–]thespokenword 2 points3 points ago

Instead of making posts about Tony Hawk and then having this inevitably be a top comment...people should just post about Superman by Goldfinger and then we can start talking about skateboarding.

I got a bunch of Euro 2012 tickets through work I won't be able to use, and I'd like to give some away to you guys somehow if I can, because this little community is pretty great. I apologize if this is breaking rules. by bigsnailin soccer

[–]thespokenword -2 points-1 points ago

Definitely interested in tickets to see Portugal or France. Best friend is French, girlfriend is Portugese...we live in Europe and love futbol. Plus it is an excuse to travel. You rule!!

Happy 15th Birthday Final Fantasy VII! by Namrhofin gaming

[–]thespokenword 4 points5 points ago

The best.

Recruiting Today? by PopeAmadeusin redditempire

[–]thespokenword 0 points1 point ago

I am interested in rolling a new char (just bought the game yesterday) on this server in hopes of eventually joining the guild. However, if the guild is full..should I even bother as it'll be a while before I'm level 25 and by then, you'll probably be out of space.

For sale: Nintendo Wii set with accessories and games - TRL500 (Istanbul) [XPOST // Turkey] by QubaHQin istanbul

[–]thespokenword 0 points1 point ago

Hey I am interested! Don't sell on CL!

What's the strangest sensation you've ever experienced? by snowySwedein AskReddit

[–]thespokenword 0 points1 point ago

Did a ctrl+f for salvia. Seriously. Only out of body experience I've ever had. Can't put into words how crazy and scary it was. Nothing in my life will ever compare again.

Pep Guardiola is the legend to be remember here for ages by the_phetin soccer

[–]thespokenword 0 points1 point ago

I think a lot of just boils down to luck. The luck that...at this point in time...an incredible squad matched up with an incredible coach that understands the philosophy of the team, has played previously with players on the squad and in general has a mutual understanding with players as a result of a history with the club.

Yes, he also has a fantastic tactical understand of the squad as well. His signings generally always prove fruitful (even Ibra wasn't so terrible).

Could another coach have won titles with this squad? Probably. 13 in 4 years? Seriously fucking unlikely.

This squad will eventually fizzle out. Villa, Xavi, Puyol...probably don't have much more mileage on them. Guardiola always looks as though it may be his last year.

Who can be our talisman in the back like Puyol? When was the last time we lost when he played a full match? (I honestly can't even remember.)

Who can orchestrate a midfield like Xavi? Who can connect with Iniesta so flawlessly? Thiago can't. Cesc can't. Busquets can't. Sincerely doubt any other midfielder elsewhere can play his role.

We will always adapt our style of play to the squad we have. However, as it stands...this is just several lucky things coming together in something like a football orgasm. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Match Thread: Santos vs FC Barcelona by wank_furiouslyin soccer

[–]thespokenword 0 points1 point ago

Messsssi! Poor defending, but cheeky and beautiful.

Besiktas top group as they beat Stoke 3-1! by residentbodybuilderin soccer

[–]thespokenword 0 points1 point ago

As a Turk who frequently attends matches, I would have to disagree here. There are racists of course (just like in every league).

We're/They're not violent either...just super passionate and occasionally a bit excessive.

Match thread: FIFA Club World Cup: Al Sadd vs. FC Barcelona by sulejmaniin soccer

[–]thespokenword 0 points1 point ago

6 months? Spaniards are worried he'll even miss the Euros.

Match thread: FIFA Club World Cup: Al Sadd vs. FC Barcelona by sulejmaniin soccer

[–]thespokenword 6 points7 points ago

Villa hardly gets any playing time as of late and now he's hurt. Go figure.

Match thread: FIFA Club World Cup: Al Sadd vs. FC Barcelona by sulejmaniin soccer

[–]thespokenword 2 points3 points ago

I feel seriously bad for that goalie.

Match thread: FIFA Club World Cup: Al Sadd vs. FC Barcelona by sulejmaniin soccer

[–]thespokenword 6 points7 points ago

That's a really big bus.

Matt Damon as Santa Claus - The more I learn about him the more I like him by Lowryder007in videos

[–]thespokenword 2 points3 points ago

I don't ever get to plug my video on anything, but I filmed this video when I was a university student 2 years ago. I got to hang out with Matt Damon and see water.org in action. Check out our video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrnVqVFa_38

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