We Were Called Athena
Before we start planning, let me give you a quick summary of how those crazy 26 days went; after all, I’m archiving my writings—maybe one day we’ll turn it into a novel. Why not? 🙂
A week that started sunny, followed by storms and rain, every day filled with food, alcohol, and chaotic, yet highly cathartic moments… And, of course, I’m in my paradise—Marmaris! (January 23).
I had been meaning to go for a stomach check for a while, but ended up going in for my stomach and coming out with my liver. Anyway, let’s leave out the unnecessary details. Then came the surprise birthday from my siblings, followed by the phrase “Welcome, alcohol!” after a shot of Memed Ocakbaşı rakı, and before I knew it, I was in Istanbul.
My sister Başak welcomed me home, and after realizing how much we missed each other, we continued the fun in Istanbul for another week. With my thermos gift in hand, they gave me tickets to the Athena concert and a stand-up show by Baturay Özdemir. (4 sisters, aka “Mars,” have been exchanging the same joint gifts since middle school).
We excitedly headed to Dorock for the Athena concert, but when we arrived, Sisters was playing 90s hits. Without thinking, we figured Athena might be running late, so we waited at the front by the rails until 12:30 a.m.
Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore and said, “Dude, I’m heading to the bathroom. Don’t move from here.” While walking to the bathroom, I asked the security, “Where’s Athena?” and found out that Athena had actually already taken the stage in Taksim…
fter Başak and I held on to the rails for what felt like forever, I told her, “Stop holding on to the rails, Athena is not coming out.” So, we went somewhere else to keep drinking. I don’t understand though—if Athena wasn’t coming, why didn’t anyone tell us while scanning our QR codes at the entrance? And why did you get us all hyped up by fighting to get to the front?
How many beers, how many Jägers, and who the third girl in the photo was—I don’t remember. The only thing I know is that the semester is over, come on, report! On January 24th, while I was trying to recover, my big brother-in-law passed away on my birthday. This was the latest loss in the sacred month of January. Anyway, I experienced the funeral culture, and not just experienced it, but now I’m a master at making halva.
When my mom and her friends came, I found some balance. Honestly, the best part of this life given to me is this: it throws you around, but then it picks you up, and sometimes, you pick yourself up 🙂
Now, onto the new decisions. This year, just as it started with living abroad and traveling constantly, it looks like it will continue in the same way. Just like how I got an “aferin Göksu” from the professors and managed a 3.75 GPA, this semester, I’ll get “aferin” from the juries and write graphic design awards on my CV. I’m here, staying positive, staying strong, continuing to love, and continuing to be loved—a full-of-life version of me. And of course, as it says on my cake: IT HAPPENED, IT HAPPENED, IT HAPPENED!
Wanna Talk?
If one of my designs or writings touched you, maybe we’ll get to know each other – or maybe just share a few words over coffee. No pressure to talk business. If you just need to pour your heart out, I’m here for that too. Write to me!