Marc and Ozgur
I met a new friend today. Well, that is not entirely accurate. Özgür and I have spoken quite a few times before, but only a brief “hello”, “how much”, “goodbye”, “see you later”; He in broken English, me in even worse Turkish.
Özgür works at a refreshment stand at one of the parks between my house and the shopping area where we go almost daily. I say refreshment stand because I am not really sure what else to call it.
This outdoor establishment is similar to a concession stand that sells liquor, beer, soda, fruit juice, ice cream, candy, chips, and who knows what else. A little bit of everything one may want to consume in an afternoon at the park I guess. Right now some of you are wondering what I was buying when I stopped in. I know; you can’t help yourself.
Well, after walking a mile into town and walking all over creation to shop for daily necessities, sometimes we stop for an ice cream or Coke Light before walking the mile back home. Ann likes the cones and I like the Magnum bar, similar to a Dove bar in the States (don’t you like how I justified the ice cream by telling you how far we have to walk to shop?).
Özgür always greets me with a huge smile, and always in English. I always respond in kind, but in Turkish. We both want to know the other’s language and both need practice. I found out today that he is a student at the Tourism School in Egirdir. Many of the young people we see out and about are students there.
His home is in Antalya on the Mediterranean coast a few hours from Egirdir. After completing his studies he hopes to work in the hospitality industry back home or perhaps in some other big city. English skills will help him more than anything.
Twice a week his class is conducted in English. This affords him a rare opportunity to hear English, but not speak it. When we stop by he is delighted because for a few minutes he will get to practice. Today I was delighted too.
During the ten minutes or so that we visited with Özgür, we learned of each other’s family and what we both are doing in Egirdir. He was curious as to why we are here. We told him of our work promoting the city for tourism and that we could live anywhere and do what we do. Why not Egirdir?
Özgür told us his name means “free.” I wondered then and I wonder now, “How free is he?” He, like many others, is looking for a good life. Not a way out of Turkey, but advancement, a good job. He is a very dedicated worker and works 7 days a week. People are looking for a better life, whatever that may be.
After arranging to meet regularly for language lessons, I called him “my friend” in Turkish. Another smile. Quite unexpectedly Özgür took me by the hand, bent his 6’ something frame over, kissed the back of my hand, and then brought it to his forehead out of respect and honor.
As I reflect on this encounter, I am humbled. We have come halfway around the world to do a work that seems nearly impossible without knowing the Turkish language. Yet even in broken Turkish and English we can make a small difference in someone’s life. Yes, I met a new friend today. I can’t wait until I can speak the language.
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