US Teacher in Turkey

 March 20, 2021 I have just experienced an exam week like nothing I've ever experienced before.  Turkey is SERIOUS about their exams.  The exams student just took - in March - were meant to assess what they did from  August - November - their first quarter!  What do you think of that? Remember.  These students are taking most of their exams in English, while their native language is Turkish.  Most of these students have not been in a school building for a year.  They haven't been communicating in handwriting!  They have been typing on a screen. Suddenly, a student is sitting in a cafeteria, in a spaced out desk with their name and picture taped to the top, writing an answer to a Chemistry question.  Each test was 40 minutes long.  A large digital countdown shone on a screen in the front of the room.  They took 2 tests a day, for a week.  They attended no classes.  I proctored, or invigilated, a few of the exams.  What amazed me was the focus of these students.  They were razor

    Turkey, I made it back!  After experiencing rejection for having the wrong Covid test, I did get past the gauntlet at the airport the following week.  I had to produce that Covid test at two other airports on my way back to Istanbul, so believe me when I tell you it is safer to travel than you might think.  I witnessed 3 people rejected for not having a Covid test while waiting at the Frankfurt, Germany airport for my final connection.  "No Covid test, no Turkey!"      I returned to my apartment on the 22nd floor of Mashattan Sitesi, Building A3.  I had one dead plant waiting for me (it was crispy = -( ), but one very much alive ficus plant. First thing, I gave it a good drink.  Then I set to work unpacking, tossing anything suspect from the frig, and ordering groceries. After a day or two, I noticed one of my toilets was draining very slow.  Hummm.  Better be proactive about this.  I contacted Blueground, the management company from which I rent.  "We will send a pl