When I joined Pi Beta Phi (Pi Phi) as a freshman in the fall of 1997 at the University of California, Irvine, I was looking for a home away from home. Little did I know that I’d be doing the same search 12 years later. Except, this time, I’m on the other side of the world in London, United Kingdom!
With over 80 Pi Phi alumnae living in the United Kingdom and countless Pi Phi collegians studying abroad, having an established international network of sisters is priceless. Although we all joined Pi Phi for different reasons and may have had different experiences as collegians and alumnae, we all share a common passion – to connect with educated women to engage in friendship, social/service outlets, networking opportunities, and leadership development.
Living as an American expatriate in another nation, on another continent is challenging. When I found out that I had to move from sunny Southern California to unpredictable London, I was nervous to leave friends, family, colleagues, groups, work, and a region that I knew so well. The idea of establishing new roots was daunting. But, I recognized that I had some tools that I had hoped would come in handy in the future.
I recalled my dark blue new member manual from the fall of 1997 with the words “Pi Phi Forever.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand that that meant. I’ve repeated these words as well as “Pi Phi for life” many times during recruitment (formerly known as rush) to encourage women to join my chapter, and in retrospect, I was using those words as marketing tools. However, after graduating and becoming an alumna advising chapters on the US west coast, I started to understand the full meaning of “Pi Phi Forever” and “Pi Phi for life.” Pi Phi is truly more than just four enhanced college years – it can enhance the rest of your adult life. And for me, it really has.
Although I’ve only been in London for a short time, I’ve already connected with many Pi Phis living in the UK. I’ve met some in person, talked to others on the phone, and exchanged countless emails. Alumnae have offered to help me as I transition into London life and are excited about re-energizing the Pi Phi London/UK Alumnae Pocket.
Creating social and networking opportunities are at the forefront of the London/UK Pi Phi Alumnae Pocket’s mission. As expats living in the UK, making connections with other Pi Phis helps us stay linked to a great organisation and support each other abroad. We are looking forward to our Pi Phi Phiesta fall event on 16th of October to mingle and network with fellow expat Pi Phi sisters.
In addition to social activities, we are supporting Pi Beta Phi literacy initiatives. Pi Phi’s partnership with First Book is a fantastic opportunity to join efforts and support providing books to homes in disadvantaged communities. One easy way to participate in supporting First Book is to regularly “click to give free books” on The Literacy Site. Every click leads to free book donations on behalf of First Book and Pi Beta Phi, so be sure to visit the site and click often!
As an international group, we are also holding a book drive to support Room To Read, an organisation that supports literacy and education in a variety of developing countries. They partner with local communities throughout the developing world to provide quality educational opportunities by establishing libraries, creating local language children’s literature, constructing schools, and providing education to girls. Through the opportunities that only education can provide, Room To Read strives to break the cycle of poverty, one child at a time. The books will be donated to Room To Read via Better World Books.
We are looking forward to a great networking and service events in the future. If you are a Pi Phi (collegian or alumna) living in the UK and would like to get involved, please email mdrouse5.piphi@gmail.com for more information.
Iskender Pala Writing “The relation of a city to water is the kind of primal wedlock; and it is first the water, the most extravagant lover of all times, who embraces the lovers belonging to no one but each other. No city is possible to build up where no water flows; and it is water that builds them up. When brilliance and grace pours forth into the streets, all the lavish wall fountains, springs, cisterns come to light all around.
One’s lifetime in the city is on par with what a stream of water does so being always protected by the never-ending time… Water is the basis on which all life comes about. As in the way plants blossom when aroused by water. Only then comes the hope for fleshy fruits to sprout over their branches. The Holy Koran can be quoted in point as saying “from water have we created all embodied in a form with life” which, in Istanbul, takes shape into a spirit with mostly flow-easy, but sometimes level looks.
Water is the humankind. It is to the water that humans are born and decease. They wash you up at birth, they wash you up at death. Water implies crossing a threshold; a transition, a new phase, an act of transcending the older one. The way being in Istanbul feels epitomizes feeling wholly rejuvenated in a city.
Water is the beloved. Into the water do all the poets with a yearning for the beloved gaze. Expressions of the ultimate remembrace come often through a yearning, a saudade for water. The saudade permeates Istanbul…
Whirling Dervish Painting - View from Above.
Water is the lover. Lovers have always visited their sojourns in water, sobbing out sad stories bringing tears not only in their eyes, but also in others’. Istanbul is a bushfire of love concealed as a teardrop…
Water is the panacea to both the love and the brushfire; it is the ultimate reunifier, and a sedative for many yearnings. Water is itself love, at its purest, just like the chemistry of H2O itself with elements to not only burn, but also extinguish fire. Just think of the romance of the wild-at-heart fighting back tears. Istanbul refers to water at its state of love, to water reuniting the seas that flow apart.
Istanbul is peal made in water; just water, perhaps, to quench your thirst…But whatever the thirst is for, Istanbul is a generous as water just as in rain whose job is to rain.
Come over!… Of whatever time and place you might be, just come over!… Istanbul is full with life.”
<Iskender Pala>
Street Dog & Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)
Istanbul 2010 – European Capital of Culture
Istanbul, Turkey has been named the “European Capital of Culture” in 2010 (www.istanbul2010.org). A city that literally forms a bridge between the Occident and the Orient, it welcomes visitors from all over the world to experience its beautiful setting of contrasts and culture.
Although I’ve never lived in Istanbul, I regard it as a second home (or third home now that I’ve moved to London!). Most of my maternal family has lived in Istanbul at some point during my life and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting eight times since I was six years old. In my adult years, I’ve traveled more often to Turkey and attempted to visit every two years.
My recent visit was the first since I had moved to London as an expat American-Turk. Because I’m less than a four-hour flight away from Istanbul, my visit has been a little less hectic than usual, mostly because I know I will be back again soon. Although friends and family love to surprise me with fabulous outings to Ortakoy, Nisantasi, Taksim, Sariyer, Sultanahmet, Sezen Aksu concert, and the Hidrellez Festival.
Personal goals for this visit were to spend time with my anneanne (maternal grandmother), visit with other family and friends, and expose David (my partner) to my other cultural identity. He’s known me as a “yank” and now he’s seen me in action as a Turk as well.
I made a wish and tied it in the tree at the Hidrellez Festival (Ahirkapi).
My identity is something that I can never fully describe. Now that I’m living in London, it’s become even more difficult. I find myself protecting America, the UK and Turkey when I speak to people who aren’t familiar with those countries. I have ties to all three places and feel obligated to serve as an unofficial ambassador. In the ambassadorial spirit, I’d like to touch on a few Istanbul experiences associated with: language, culture/religion, and the natural/built environment.
Language
Although I’m not as fluent as I’d like to be, my conversational Turkish is sufficient to communicate basic thoughts and responses to family and friends’ many questions. After my nervousness subsided, I successfully translated for David what was being said around him. I paraphrased most of the conversation topics as my brain began to hurt. Luckily, most of my family and friends know a bit of English, so they would help along the way.
I found my Turkish improving as I engaged in challenging situations. Unfortunately, my grandmother was not feeling well during my trip. I was thrown into situations that I had never navigated in the context of healthcare. My sozluk (dictionary) was of no help as I communicated with doctors, pharmacists, and laboratory personnel. These difficult situations forced me to muddle through explanations allowing my Turkish fluency to progress. I still have quite a way to go to be fluent in a professional manner, but I’m proud of my accomplishments in less than 2 weeks.
Hurrem Anneanne (grandma) giving Namik Dayi (uncle) a farewell smooch!
Culture/Religion
Culture is a set of shared community values that have become an accepted “way of life.” For example, greeting each other by kissing twice on the cheek is a cultural norm in Turkey. David was a bit shocked that men also kiss each other on the cheeks as he was only used to that occurring between opposite genders. But, he was relieved to see that you only touch cheeks rather than lay two big wet kisses on the other person!
Turkey is undergoing an ideological shift toward embracing Islam as part of the political arena. This departure from the secular democracy espoused by Ataturk (father of modern Turkey) is demonstrated not only in the political context but also in the day-to-day, secular way of life. As an example, covering hair in accordance with Islamic rules for females is a matter of choice for most Istanbul women.
However, growing tensions are visible between women who cover their hair as well as their bodies in black burkas and long gowns and those who chose to keep their hair uncovered. I experienced a hostile verbal encounter on the street between my pro-secular-government friend and a woman covered in black. Personally, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I am a proponent of free speech, expression and religion. As long as no one is physically hurt or threatened, I encourage people to live in accordance with values that make them feel comfortable and encourage the fundamentals of being a good person. On the other hand, I’m quite proud of Turkey’s secular democracy and the distinct separation of church and state. As long as the fundamental political structure remains the same and Turkey continues to be a bridge between east and west, I respect everyone’s personal cultural and religious choices.
Sisli Streetscape demonstrating a lack of development regulations.
Built/Natural Environment
What can I say about the built environment in Istanbul? From a city planner perspective, I’m not sure whether to be incredibly shocked by the extremely organic and obviously unplanned built elements, or to be proud that the city environment has taken a unique design that cannot be duplicated. It’s hard to grasp how old the city is. As the capital and center of three major empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, it’s undergone transformation after transformation – a true example of urban redevelopment, regeneration and revitalization.
“No city is possible to build up where no water flows; and it is water that builds them up.” – Iskender Pala
Istanbul is a city encompassing two continents – Europe and Asia – bisected by the Bosporus Straight. The Bosporus and adjoining water bodies connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea is magical and carries centuries of man’s history. Some of the most breathtaking places in Istanbul consist of Bosporus Straight views. The mélange of old and new architecture on rolling hills is bordered by scenic views of the water. Istanbul’s built environment and natural environment are symbotic and work together to create an unforgettable place.
Nisantasi Commercial District in Sisli one street away from the old part of town.
In our current age of technological advances, Istanbul is embracing sustainable development concepts and investing in developing transportation and cultural infrastructure. I look forward to Istanbul demonstrating these built/natural environment elements, and especially the social component of sustainability with a focus on people programming as the European Capital of Culture in 2010 (www.istanbul2010.org). I encourage you to visit Istanbul too and share your thoughts with me.
A mini is crashing through the wall! So, I posed in front of it. Just before this photo, David and I were chatting with one of the “magicians” in the London Hamley’s toy store who was demonstrating a magical glowing finger. He heard my accent and asked if I was from the US. I replied, “yes” and he announced, “so you’re a septic!” And I agreed. He asked, “you know what they call anti-Americans?” … “Listerine!”
Allow me to translate:
“American” = “Yank”
“Yank” rhymes with “Septic Tank”
“Septic Tank” is shortened to “Septic”
“Antiseptic” = “Listerine”
My expat lesson learned: Two nations divided by a common language
