edit:
the first London meeting will be on 3.rd December at 6pm in this venue:

Costa Coffee
Shaftsbury Avenue
Picadilly Circus Tube station, exit 4.
From Picadilly circus, make sure Lillywhites in on your right, walk down shaftsbury avenue and the cafe is on the right-hand side.


waseem_uk, has an idea for a meeting for Turkish learners in London. I think this will be great as there are many people in London who learn Turkish as a second language.
I have met some Brits who speak perfect Turkish. It could a good idea to share experiences.

It would be good to arrange a venue specially for this event. Ideally the place should be a cafe like place where people can have a drink while chatting and it would be very encouraging if a few foreigners could make a short speech partly in Turkish.

Probably we will start with a smaller meeting and then will arrange bigger events with better advertisement.

What do you folks think on this? Who is with us?

I am with you on this and would really like to meet as many people as possible. Because I am only a beginner it will inspire me to keep on trying hard - knowing other people have done this!

I think that it's an excellent idea! I live in the midlands but would love to come down for a meet. The idea about everyone giving a little speach is very good! It would be a nice learning task.

Thank you Erdinc for introducing the idea on TurkishClass. It would be great for Turkish enthusiasts to meetup.

We can have some large events, which we can publicise on a large scale. But also, some informal meetups between Turkish speakers and learners. It is a great way of creating some sort of 'Turkish' atmosphere, which can only really be felt in Turkey. An integral part of learning a language is learning the culture too.

So every meeting can be a learning experience and a way to start thinking in Turkish to enhance and consolidate learning.

Any suggestions, venues, times and opinions are welcome.

Evet lutfen.

I think thats a great idea. I'm up for Turkish forums in London. Just when I think my Turkish is improving I stop learning because I don't know where to learn in this city. I'm self taught but want to speak good instead of all broken up.

As for times and venues, I don't mind suggesting Tues/Wed evenings at approx 6.30pm ?? at a cafe near Euston maybe?

I live in West London but thought Euston might be accessible to the masses

Let me know how this progresses.

Vikki scouski03@yahoo.com

what about those who cant make it to london though?? is there no way that we can arrange some online classes?? im sure that this would be greatly appreciated by many

dont worry we will arrange one here istanbul and waiting for you ceyda ehuehuehu...we cant do without you..u know you are indispensible

hehe... ooh please.. thats what they all say

Miss Ceyda,

If you can't make it to London, on a regular basis, you can organise one as close to you and cetral to anyone else attending as possible.

The purpose is to have a 'meetup' and hope that some native speakers also participate.

I have started a yahoogroup for Turkish Meetups. This is to simplify communication amongst those interesed.

Here are the links:

Group name: turkishmeetup

Group home page: http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/turkishmeetup

Group email address: turkishmeetup@yahoogroups.co.uk

* Get started now:
View the group home page, post a message, invite members, share files and photos, create group calendar events, share links, create group polls, and more. It's all easy to use.

PS. This is to complement TurkishClass.com and not to replace.

Miss Ceyda,

A good idea, but Internet forums or chat's are already possible, on this site.

Why not try organising it?

It's all possible.. Just go ahead and try it. They'll always be people who'd like to, but can't make it, you just let them arrange their own.

It might be an idea to have regular msn classes with all those willing to participate and those who dont have anything against sharing their knowledge. However, the fear might be that it would end up as a general chat not as a class :-S

This is a great idea, I would definitely come to the meeting in London, but then again. I'm also up for the meeting in Istanbul in February! Just tell me the time and the place and i'll be there! (I hope we can smoke)!

It is a great idea! Maybe we could start some sort of regular meetings in the new year? That way new learners could even make it their new year's resolutions to learn Turkish?

I'm tempted by the Istanbul one too....

Right, let's get back to the 'London meetup'. What days are best for you to attend and what times?

Please make your suggestions, so that we can get started.

I'd love to meet up but I can't fix a date in cement because the nature of my hubbies job means that we suddenly have to travel rather often. Wish I could be more proactive. Soz about this. But if others decide on a date and place - godswilling I am here. I will try to work my life around it cos I would love to attend.

I think a Sunday afternoon would be good. For me it doesn't matter, but Sunday afternoons are usually good for most people. Saturdays are too busy for people who work. The night times anywhere in central london would be heaving with office workers. If we are all to meet each other as new friends, we need to be able to speak to each other easily. If there are enough of us we could actually 'reserve' an area which would give us room and some privacy.

I propose a Sunday afternoon, preferably before Christmas, in Central London near to transport. I know what my own preference for a venue would be. No one has expressed a preference for the type of meeting place. I would prefer a restaurant (cos I like eating), but we don't want to make it difficult for anyone who can't afford to eat. We want everyone to attend who can. A wine or coffee bar would also be good. However, despite the fact that I live and go out in London, the only places I can think of are a)restaurants, b)wine bars. and the sort of places that I frequent, may not be to everyone's liking as they are generall noisy, smoky and/or involve eating and drinking alcohol (not being much help really am I?)

Personally, I think this is such a good idea i'll go anywhere, but someone is going to have to start making a few more suggestions or a good idea will fizzle out through lack of direction. This, I find is generally the problem with making democratic decisions - no one can make up their mind. It is better if someone with very fixed ideas about what they actually don't want, were to come up with a suggestion and simply tell everyone when and where to go!

For me an afternoon would be the best; preferably a weekend afternoon. Maybe at 6pm or later could be considered.
I think it will be best to start with smaller meetings in a cafe in central London. Maybe if we choose central London but not West-End, we might find a less crowded cafe. Some cafe's have big and peaceful spaces on the downstairs.
Maybe we can start with such meetings and if there is enough interest we can move on to bigger spaces.

How about the 3.th December, Saturday at 6pm in a central London cafe? If time is alright for everyone finding a suitable place wont be so hard.

Excellent - a decision maker. BRAVO Erdinc. Yep! Sat. 3rd December at 6pm is good for me. Come on everyone else. What are you waiting for?

im not actually planning to take part but dont u think that london is really a suitable place for this? it could be too big and confusing for people who dont live around there to find "the cafe" ur all gonna meet in...plus u know what the traffic is like there..!
what about places around the outskirts of london..?

Miss C. Are you planning to drive to the meeting? Why are you worrying about traffic. I am quite sure you can stop the traffic, just walking down the road The outskirts are no good for people who have to come into London and get home again as all the main railways stations are in London. What area do you live in? Just the area, don't give your address. You couldn't come on your own anyway.

and why aren't you planning to take part? You are a major force on the site!

Hey, it's looking good.

So, the favourite day, so far, is Saturday and time 6.00pm.

The issues that may arise are: Saturday is a busy day. If coffee shops open till late, a good chance of them being busy, otherwise they wouldn't be open after 7.00pm.

If anyone can give any further suggestions with venues... A meal would be good, but of course everyone may not want to eat.

Depending on the number of people attending, we could meet at an Italian cafe near Angel tube station (I can't remember the name, but will let you know). We can go for a meal later, if there is a demand.

What do you think?

i think that a turkish restaurant would be better it would make more sense...

i know that there are a lot of turkish places in harringay... how about that everyone?

A Turkish cafe would be ideal, of course. But need one which will be convenient for all to get to and find.

Sunday is good for me too... Come on people, or else we'll have the meetup without you and we can't do that...

Personally, I would like just a decision upon which we could be agreed. Saturday, Sunday. I don't care. I like nice turkish cafes where we can lie around on big cushions, with coffee, nice turkish music playing gently in the background, convivial company, puffing away on a nagile......ooohhh heaven! come on guys get it together!

I don't know where you can find such 'Cushy' Cafes. The onlyl ones that are near enough are on Edgeware Rd, but they aren't Turkish!

So, Erdinc or anyone else, please suggest some...

How about...Saturday 3rd Dec, for our first meeting? Am saying that because I can't make it on the 4th, Sunday.

Although, if the majority say Sunday, then please do meetup on Sunday! This is your 'Meetup', so You decide.

I think a Starbucks Coffee in Central London will be fine. 3 December looks fine to me but its already very close now.

Ok, Saturday 3rd Dec in Central London.... It would be good if people can confirm their attendence.

Don't worry about the short notice Erdinc, if no one else is there at least I'll get to meet you!

Hopefully, we'll have some other people interested in Turkish from the yahoogroup and elsewhere too.

so when you all get there what are you all gonna do? just meet up and chat or are there going to be some kind of turkish classes?
or have u not thought about that one yet..?

LEAVE DEMOCRACY TO THE ANCIENT GREEKS - and someone take control (or I will!)

Saturday 3rd Dec at 6pm - Do we have an ACTUAL venue? Starbucks in Central London? There are a quite a few! Will they be open on a Saturday evening. Central London tends to be 'closed' at the weekends when all the offices are. Or absolutely rammed to the hilt if they are near a tourist attraction!

Come on people, there is only 1 week. Lets get specific! Someone must choose a venue, give the address and confirm that it is open on Saturday evening and whether there will be room for a group.

I am not sure what we mean by 'Central London' and we really DO need to get organised, or it aint gonna happen!
OR worse...
Eveyone will arrive, we won't be able to get comfortable and there will be a whole bunch of complete strangers congretating on the pavement, freezing their heads off and saying 'OOhhh Merhaba! Where shall we go, we can't get in here!"

Merhaba all, it was cold this weekend wasn't it?

On Saturday I went to Costa Coffee on Shaftsbury Avenue, nearest tube is Picadilly Circus. We were there till just before closing time, 10.00pm.

On the way out, I thought why not use this place? It has a lower ground lounge, plenty of seats. I don't know how busy it will be at 6.00 (there is a Starbucks, which might be more popular, therefore crowded), but we will soon get a seat. However, are seats necessary? I guess they won't be.

What will be discussed? Anything. It's a 'Meetup'. We can meet Turkish/English people, speak in English/Turish and perhaps arrange a venue for Terkan! (jokin)

So, I hope that is central/convenient enough?

Costa Coffee
Shaftsbury Avenue
Picadilly Circus Tube station, exit 4.
From Picadilly circus, make sure Lillywhites in on your right, walk down shaftsbury avenue and the cafe is on the right-hand side.

Happy?

wow... this post is almost as descriptive as my essay... i could feel myself there u know.. walking down picadilly... past the weird little guys dressed up as robots on them wood block thangs... yep... u guyz shouldnt be worried about gettin lost now

Greetings,

maybe we just start with a small meeting on 3.th December at 6pm at the venue Waseem suggested and carry on with a bigger meeting on January or February.

I think the ideal place for a second meeting would be a centrally located venue close to a tube station and at the same time outside the popular west end area.

Of course I will be there on the 3.th. Cheers.

yep thanks for correction.

Excellent - I see a decision has been made. BRAVO! I'll see you all on Saturdya then!

i think we all turn up wearing a Turkish 'Nazar'Blue beads somewhere noticable, then we will all recognise each other. What do you think? I can cover myself in them i have so many. OOOh I'm pretty excited about this, I hope lots of us turn up!

Who is coming by the way?

Merhaba Classy Classmates


Wish I could be there have fun! Please share details of how it goes






Peace & love& happiness
Tsarevna Stacia/kelley

How about us?? I wish we have a gathering for turkish students here in Manila, too. Hey Filipino classmates let's meet!!
(Oh I think I have to post an ad on that)

Of course, I'll be there...!

I'll have a Turkish book or two out, so you know who we are, if we can't think of something better. Or better still look out for Lyndie and her evil eye charms!

Anyone attending, please confirm. Send me an message and I'll send you my mobile number.

Who is coming on Saturday? - stand up and be counted!

of course me as well

Come on you Londoners (or near Londoners) Will you come?
Geliyor musun?

Özür dilerim, çok uzak! Gelemem.I hope it goes well!

i would love to come but alittle to far for me anyone interested in metting up in exeter come on lets meetturkish learners meeting in london

London it too far for me at this time of year-If your meetup is a success and you have another one in the Springtime then maybe i will have a weekend in London.

There is a new Turkish resteraunt in York I am told-it may be a good place for a Northern rendezvous.

I am going over Xmas to check out the menu and ambience so I will post report afterwards.

HAVE A WANDERFUL TIME, YOU LUCKY PEOPLE

Have a brilliant time tomorrow.. *ahem* today! Enjoy yourselves. Wish I was coming!

Well, how it was?
Can we hear any impressions?

Greetings fellow Class mates. I am just back from the London meet up. Yes I know its late! 12.20. Not too many actual Class mates were there , Just me Erdinc and Waseem as a matter of fact, but there was quite a few new Turkish friends to be made. I have met a very nice Turkish lady with whom I shared a meal (Chinese) when the meeting broke up. she lives quite near me and i think we will be good friends. I had a lovely time.

I got myself 'lost' in Picadilly Circus! and had to be 'talked in' by mobile phone. Really the place is just full of foreigners! i couldn't find anyone who knew where they were going! I am ashamed to say that I know my way round Izmir better than i do London OOL - So all you Londoners and near londoners, you just must come to the next one.

SO EVERYONE... HOW WAS IT????

Hi all,

It was a pleasure to meet Erdinc and Lyndie.. Two very inspiring and pleasent people to know.

I think it was a great turnout, for the first ever Turkish meetup. Hope we have lots more in the future. Of course, the Turkler were disappointed that there weren't may Turkish students.

I hope we can arrange something for next soon so that we have an even better meetup...

Many thanks to all those who were united with us with their thoughts....lol

Waseem

Any suggestions for the next London Meetup?????

London is not the Centre of the Universe Waseem-I suggest York or Manchester!!!!

I think it was held at to short notice. Obviously it would have to be done regionaly. For me London is over 500 miles away.

What about Brussels? Centre of Europe and all that..

Those who don't mind sleeping on the floor can bring their sleeping bags and we all have Türk kahvalti in the morning? çok hoş, degil mi?

About the recent classmates meeting......
Did anyone remember to raise a toast for AlphaF?

I would encourage everybody to organise their own regional meetups. I am asking for suggestions on "London" Meetup, because there is a high concentrate of Turks and students in London.

As for a national 'get together', there should be one, but the hosts should organise everything. It would be difficult for people living in London to organise something in Manchester or York.

So, once again any dates for London?

well, i m afraid there are not many greek classmates here, so it would be useless to organize such a meeting in greece. but i m planning to visit istanbul next month and i would loooove to meet with other TC class members there for a cup of coffee. So? anybody interested?

Oh, let's meet in Amsterdam! I can get there for free with my student pass . Anyway, I'd like to join this meetup one day as well Amsterdam-London isn't that far!

Oh.. but that's too soon! I won't be able to get a good-value ticket anymore and I have to save my money for my trip to Turkey in July . I am thinking about going to the UK soon though. A good friend of mine has invited me over to Manchester.. but that's soo far away from London! *Sigh*.

yeh i'll come but not on sundays ..preferably a saturday