When first arriving in Istanbul, Turkey, I found my self sticking out like a sore thumb. Pale white skin, freckles, tight skinny leg jeans and a camera hanging around my neck. However over the course of the last 5 months while living on an organic farm in rural Cannakale, Turkey, I have slowly started to blend into the community and culture that surrounds me.
My first step to becoming a VW (Village Woman) was inspired by a fellow VW. Every week we go to a pazaar on Friday morning to buy our weekly supply of fresh vegetables and fruit. We also visit one lady who specializes in 3 different types of cheese. On one particularly cold day, she had out in front of her cheeses, a selection of hand knitted socks. Feeling the frigid concrete beneath my feet through my gumboots, I decided it was necessary to purchase a pair, for my own well being. I chose a beautiful pair of blue and black wool, outlined with silver beads. This was the first step in my transformation.
Footwear. I once made the mistake of leaving the farm without socks on and subjected myself to countless judging stares by the townsfolk as I wandered through the pazaar. Now I never leave home without a pair of socks and these stylish, plastic slip-ons. While it's not the most fashionable look, it keeps my feet warm as well as squeaky clean.
The next necessary item owned by all women are a pair of "VW pants", otherwise known as salvar . These pants are worn all year round and to all festivities. Their baggy design provides almost unlimited flexibility for any daily activity from gardening to afternoon yoga. They sit above my belly button and just bellow my chest, allowing my belly to expand as I fill myself up at each meal time with waaaay too much bread. This pair was made for me by my generous VW friend.
And to top it all off comes the headscarf. In this country where 90% of the population is Muslim, covering your hair and face is common for most women. It also helps keep the cold winds out in winter and the scorching sun off my face on a hot spring day.
A knife is a VW 's best friend and kept close to the body at all times. It can be used for chopping vegetables, cutting string and collecting edible weeds, or ot.
For the last week I have had the great opportunity working side by side in the kitchen with a very skilled VW.
She tought me how to identify edible weeds, make amazing dough for borek and the most efficient way to peel Fava beans. Having this experience has brought me even closer to my goal of becoming a true Village Woman.
* All photos are a credit to N.A.R, amateur photographer. His blog can be found at - www.thesebarnstormers.blogspot.com
