If you read this blog regularly, you would not believe that it was written in the time of Covid-19, because I’ve not mentioned it up until this point. The truth is it’s not something I talk about - which would not surprise you if you know me personally.
Anyway I moved to Arnavutköy in the middle of the pandemic. I did the house hunting and everything when it had already become a thing, and honestly I’m grateful God has kept me from getting sick, even with all the running around I’ve had to do.
The whole world is experiencing lockdown in response to the pandemic, and a lot of people have had to stay at home except absolutely necessary. Istanbul, and Turkey in general has had a different response to the pandemic.
Two weeks ago they started a partial lockdown that started Friday night and lasted until the early hours of Monday morning. There was no movement, and most stores were closed. In my neighborhood only one bakery was open, and one filling station mart. The same thing happened the next weekend, and last week saw an increase in lockdown days from 2 to 4, as the lockdown started Wednesday night and lasted until this morning.
Anyway today I stepped out of my house to throw out the trash and go to the corner store, and found myself drawn to what looked like an open market down the road.
Arnavutköy is a very charming little village hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. It’s not really little tho, as it can take a 40 minute drive to get from my house to another part of it. It’s as country as it gets, which was one of the main attractions for me. I love residential areas, and greatly dislike noise and the bustle of city life.
It’s a farming town from what I’ve seen so far. From the window of my room, I’ve seen grazing farm animals - sheep, horses and cows. Today with the sun and lockdown lifted, everyone grabbed the opportunity to enjoy the sun, play, and get some work done.
One of the most fascinating things about Arnavutköy for me has been randomly seeing old cars from the ’90s and maybe early ’00s. They remind me of my dad’s old Peugeot 505.
There’s probably another lockdown scheduled for this week. I wouldn’t know, because I generally avoid the news and hysteria. Truthfully I’m glad that I’m sheltered from all of it. I’m glad that in my little town, there’s some semblance of normal.
I pray things get better and the world is healed soon. I pray that God continues to keep me safe, and that no plague comes near me. I pray this all passes soon, but in the meantime, I’m going to fiercely protect my space with faith and positivity.
Love, Yoma.
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