September 6
        Today was our free day to catch up and work on drawings, paintings, and timelines. Before today I was getting a bit frustrated with my artwork. It was hard for me to trick my mind into viewing three dimensional objects as two dimensions. There is so much more to art than I had ever imagined. For example you have to measure distances, use proportions, and look at details in order to draw in perspective. This had been very hard for me, but I got some help and kept practicing. I am actually pleased with a drawing that I did today.
       After drawing and painting for a while, a group of girls walked down the street to get apple tea. We have come to know the restaurant owner very well and he gave us free appetizers and turkish delight. This happens a lot in Turkey. For dinner we went to this beautiful restaurant and they treated us to tea, baklava, and appetizers. I only had to pay 10 turkish lyra which is $5 for my entire meal, and I got a sparkler! After dinner we walked down the street a few feet and we ended up having tea with the restaurant owner and an American woman we had just met. Everyone is very friendly here, and even after being here for only one week, I already feel like a local. I; however, do not look very Turkish with my blonde hair. Blondes are very rare in Turkey and stick out like a sore thumb.