On the Go!!

I just realized the other day that its been close to 7 months since I have been in Istanbul, people around me are also realizing this and some incidents are proof enough. I was walkin on the street at Dikilitas approaching the bus stop and a car suddenly stops next to me to ask me for directions, I try and guide them in my broken turkish, this is not just a one off incident but happens quite regularly. The otherday a few of us trainees went by the water to have fresh fish, the waiter starts talking to 2 of them in English and starts explaining to me in turkish and gives details. I understand 80% of what he says and translate it for the others. I was wondering why was this the case, when I came in for the first few months people could make out I am a 'yabanci' = foreigner, but now it seems that I am one of them. I guess its the body languge, the way you walk around, your sense of direction comes through in the way you carry yourself. Of course I am told I look a little Turkish/Kurdish and go to a local hair dresser which could also be a good reason. It has been quite facinating to observe this change and its a sign that I have blended into the people and life here. I have decided for whatever more time I am here, I am going to make more of an effort to learn turkish. The other day I was convincing the stall owner next to our dorm that I frequent to cook me some Tandoori chicken. We managed to communicate and the deal is that I am going to marinate the 'tavuk' = chicken with some Tandoori masala from home and he is going to roast it for me. Cant wait to have Tandoori chicken by the Bosphorus with some beer! Inshallah!