Ask an Expat: Martina Pavone

Ask an Expat is our new column aimed at shedding some light on how other expats do Istanbul. Enjoy!

1. Why did you come to Istanbul?

In May 2013 I was invited, along with my group, I soQQuadro, to an international improv festival by the guys who run Azot and the improv group Istanbul Kadıköy Terminali here in Istanbul. I left Italy with some prejudices about Turkey and rather stressed, but as soon as I landed something clicked, like a stroke of lightning, a gut feeling, as if we (me and Istanbul) were separated at birth. I began to see everything around me through the eyes of love. The group of guys working at the Terminali were so welcoming, I met many wonderful people. I felt a very strong energy – so human, so real, so true that it was almost devastating. This city immediately started to inspire me with millions of ideas, projects, and collaborations. I also found a perfect boyfriend (Turkish, obviously). The first few months I kept on going back and forth between Milan – Istanbul, sussing out the city, establishing contacts. I was looking around trying to figure out if there would be a place for me. In August, I finally moved here.

2. What do you do here?

I give singing lessons in a school. I have about twenty students and I also advise the two groups on a musical. In addition I give some private lessons in vocal technique, singing, diction and jazz.

I recently started a collaboration with the Circolo Roma of Istanbul, an association that organizes activities for the Italian community in Istanbul. We started the Istanbul International A Cappella Choir, an international project, which will be the first of many other events that we will organize for foreigners in Istanbul. So far, we have people from Pakistan, Russia, Greece, Italy, Turkey , Belgium, France, USA, Canada, Australia, Tel Aviv and Spain. The project is going around the city and you’ll hear about us very soon! Another project I am  involved in is musicraiser.com, a crowdfunding platform that deals with music projects. I’m working on opening a similar platform in Turkey. The country is full of beautiful independent music projects that we will be very happy to help!

I am also working with the guys of Kadıköy Terminal: I help with organization, communication and promotion, and I am also responsible for the projects for foreigners. In addition to all this, I am the founder and director of the Milan-based cultural association QuindiQuando!

Finally, the beauty of this city and my enthusiasm for living here pushed me to share my experience. I opened my blog unitalianaadistanbul.blogspot.com and from there I have started several collaborations with other blogs – first with the Istanbul section of Zingarate, then Gazzetta di Istanbul, Spam magazine and Vivistanbul, with whom we are planning great things!

Often you can also find me around the city taking pictures, tasting Turkish food (I love Turkish cuisine), running around to catch up with all the shows, events and concerts this city offers. And finally, but perhaps the most important thing I do is… sing, sing, sing, sing!

3. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced here?

The greatest challenge I encountered was undoubtedly the language. Since my decision to move was quite sudden and unplanned, I began to study Turkish only after I moved here. I realized that knowing Turkish here is essential to work. I was lucky, because up to now I was able to use only English, but I am trying my best to learn the local language as soon as possible by studying, reading, watching Turkish TV, listening and learning their songs and I trying to participate in conversations. The children have been the best teachers so far!

Also, among the difficulties of living here, there is an emotional factor: I have a great relationship with my family. I miss them a lot, and as soon as I can I like to fly back, even if only for a weekend.

4. What do you do for fun?

I often go to the theatre, particularly improv shows, since I have many friends who are actors. In Kadikoy, where I live, there are lots of places with live music and it is just a matter of choosing one. I am also getting to know some nice Italians and other foreigners, so I’m expanding my acquaintances, although in general I hang out with Turks, who are racing to come and have dinner at my place and taste the famous Italian cuisine!

5. Where do unwind/relax? Where is your favorite haunt?

I love to take the ferry along the Bosphorus and read. It is one of the most intense sensations: it makes me feel free and is incredibly relaxing. A cay every now and then, take a few pictures, breathe in Istanbul and then back to my book. Perfect.

6. What has been your biggest surprise about Istanbul?

This city is not a city, it is many different cities all at the same time. It can be chaotic, it can be romantic, it can be many things together, some of which contradict each other. In Istanbul there is never only one truth and it is impossible to generalize. The city is a dreamer, messy and late, but still with time for a cup of tea or a relaxing moment on a bench; in a constant race towards modernization, this city between two worlds is enchanting, so rich in history and with stories to tell. I love these contrasts, these opposites: twisted and passionate, just like I like it.

7. Do you have any advice for other expats?

The best advice may be: never stop wondering, do not to fall into a routine, do not lose the curiosity to discover, learn, try and build new things. Finally, integrate with people, with the local habits, with the place. Our backgrounds, our traditions will always be within us, we must not be afraid of losing them. Trying to find them here compulsively does not help us acclimate or adjust to the city. There is a reason we are here, so let’s enjoy it.