Izmir Day Two

First day of real work in the office.

I put on a new, white full skirt (because this hotel is way too high class) and grab a cab to go to work.

I am informed that I have an interview with a wedding house (the first one in Izmir and I think they mean a wedding consultant/decorator). And for lunch the three of us are going to a French restaurant so we can write a review on it.

I am being treated like gold.

I start researching a number of stories. Wind energy, biodiesel, International fair and others. I start contacting people while helping out the freelance writer re-structure her story and make it strong.

One of the reporters started to feel really ill. Her kidney. She went to the doctor and he told her she is passing a stone. She left. It was only the intern and myself who headed to the French restaurant in the company car.

We arrive at the place and I fall in love with this rather large outdoor space by the French Cultural Center and a French school. I would have never known it was there. I have a delicious crepe and cheesecake. It is extremely hot and I regret not getting a salad. The manager sits with us and tells us about the restaurant and answers our questions. I give tips on how you write a review.

When it comes to pay, we don't have to. On the house. (This is a rather expensive restaurant).

The girl is stunned and I tell her it's normal. I haven't paid for any of my meals that I've written about. That's how things are done. She too is shocked.

The editor calls and says my wedding house interview is canceled. We head back to the office.

On the way there, I get a phone call from one of the people I contacted for an interview for a story. He's in Cesme - the beach resort area - and he suggested I come out there tomorrow (which I was planning on doing, anyway). He will show me the wind mills and said that I can swim where he's located and there's even a swimming pool and we'll have lunch. Perfect.

We arrive at the office and the girl tells the editor that we didn't have to pay and tells him that I never pay. He laughs and says: Just don't get used to this treatment, it won't happen in Canada. I tell him that's exactly how it works in Canada and when I told the culture editor that you don't pay for meals in restaurants you review, she thought I too was crazy.

I informed my editor of the person I have an interview with and he was pleased that I got this guy to talk to me. I seem to get all the best people.

He told me he has set up another interview with the Mayor of the largest district in Izmir that includes the beautiful coast line, but also shantytowns.

We head there in the company car and the Mayor is incredible. Full of energy. He is doing amazing work for the people and there is serious change on beautifying and helping the people. Really excited about this article.

Afterwards, I head home.

I walk around the coast and watch another sunset.

I was gonna go to an amazing fish restaurant and do a review on that one (because it is really expensive and well-known), but I wasn't hungry and clearly not in the mood.

I headed back to the hotel, tired, and I decided to go to the rooftop bar and have a glass of wine and ice cream.

A man asked me if I wanted to join him, but tonight I have so much work, that I just couldn't - and wouldn't want too.

I am excited about tomorrow.
Cesme - it is right on the coast. It is the wind-city. Surfing capital of Turkey. Tons of beaches, both belonging to resorts and public. A co-worker who is from Izmir told me which beach I should go to where I will seriously feel like I am in paradise because it is secluded (it will still be filled with tons of people) and I'll have male servers bring me my drinks on the beach. Perfect.

First, an interview at noon and lunch with my subject. Followed by swimming and exploring of Cesme.

Sunday are elections.

We are putting out two editions. One that goes to print at the regular time - 6 p.m. and one that will go to print at midnight. I am working 12 hours on Sunday writing about Izmir results and giving analysis on post-election coverage.

The rules here on reporting on Sunday are very strict.

No alcohol will be sold between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
No one is allowed to talk about the elections (media) until the last ballot is counted because it might sway the public.
No printing of any material.
And politicians are not allowed to do any more campaigning.

It is all done today.

I keep seeing fireworks in the sky. People are celebrating already.

I wonder what Sunday will look like.
I wonder if the AKP will get to be re-elected.
I wonder if they'll have the majority.
I wonder if any other party will meet the 10 percent threshold and get a seat in Parliament.

So many questions. This is an exciting period for Turkey and I'm excited to be part of the history.