When I arrived in Samsun, one of the assistant coaches picked me up and took me to the gym. My team (Cankaya) played at 2:00 p.m., so they were currently playing when I got there (I came in about half-time). We play again tomorrow and then Sunday as well. We have two pre-season tournaments that we play in before our first official game on October 24th.
Being able to sit back and observe the team was interesting. We have a very young time, so it is definitely going to take some time. The basketball is totally different here (I don't think it is as physical).
Coach told me that I am not going to play this weekend, so that I can rest and also have some time to learn some plays. It is definitely interesting, because the head coach and one of the assistant coaches speak little or no English, so we do kind of have an interpreter(the other assistant). The girls are really nice on the team. Everyone had been extremely welcoming, which is great. I was checking my facebook, and one of the girls wrote on my wall, "Don't worry Megan we loved u we will safe u in turkey =))))))"
Turkey is unique. Totally different culture from America obviously. New sights and sounds, which makes it interesting! Oh also I was able to see the Black Sea on the way to the gym from the airport, and I thought that was pretty neat! I haven't gotten a picture yet of that, but hope to :)
Tonight I had my first meal with the team. It reminds me a lot of how things were run in college. Everything is done together and as a team. I personally am glad, because I wouldn't know where to go. For supper we had beef stew, rice, salad (tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers), and bread. They don't really give that big of portions, so I will have to get used to that.
Below are a few pictures that I took of the hotel we are staying in for the weekend. Coach made a point in the meeting tonight after supper that we would stay in better "housing" from here on out. He said he wasn't pleased with it. I honestly don't think it is terrible, at least we have a roof over our head right?