thegoodfellas/blogset-br huggingface dataset:
first time in contact with a real snowstorm, and I a so excited. As soon as I left the long lines of Immigration/Passport Control, I put on my coat, gloves, hat and scarf ... nothing seemed enough to stand the cold outside. The snowstorm fell in steady, soft flakes, and immediately I thought my nose was going to fall, and my mouth got anesthetized, and speaking was almost impossible.O chao coberto de neveA divisa da agua com a terraJa bem proximo ao soloGalpao de manutencao da Turkish AirlinesTorre de ComandoLaterais da pista coberta de neveFui surpreendida pelo meu amigo Serkan, que me encontrou na fila sem combinarmos, e que fez questao de nao somente me colocar dentro do onibus, como de esperar o mesmo partir. Os meus amigos turcos sao muito hospitaleiros, cuidadosos ao extremo e me tratam como uma princesa, me paparicando de toda forma possivel. Cheguei a comentar com o meu colega de assento, que ele achava que eu era um bebe :) Ja havia ligado para os meninos da casa, que preparavam o jantar e me aguardavam; tambem me deu mais dinheiro vivo caso fosse necessario (tinha comigo 80 Liras Turcas, para o taxi, sendo que mais da metade desceu ralo abaixo de maneira desonesta, pelo taxista sem escrupulos que tive a infelicidade de cruzar pelo caminho. Mas se tudo corresse exatamente como o programado nao teria graca ne ... nem emocao, nem historias dramaticas e engracadas para contar. Chegando ao centro - Taksim - seria somente pegar um taxi ate a casa; que fica entre 20-30 Liras Turcas (equivalente ao Real). Os taxistas la sao vigaristas, entao vc tem q ter muita maldade. Antes de entrar eu perguntei qto seria, ele me disse entre 120-150!!! Imagina, logico q dispensei, ele me xingou ... aquela confusao, ainda mais que entendi ele falando "yabanci" algumas vezes, que signifca "estrangeira" (codigo para "vamos depenar! porque e assim que alguns prestadores de servico desonesto veem os estrangeiros, pessoas ricas e passives de serem feitas de palhaca a torto e a direito, pelo unico motivo de nao falarem a lingua deles) . Andei pra caramba e inclusive tive ajuda de duas mocas desconhecidas para empurrar a minha mala, ate conseguir outro taxi (estava uma bagunca, debaixo da tempestade, vespera de Reveillon, tudo escuro, porque la escurece as 16:00). Perguntei esse segundo taxista se ele tinha taximetro; e entrei. Observando o taximetro, em menos de 2 minutos, ele ja estava na casa dos 6,95!!!! Ou seja, o cara estava me sacaneando. Eu falei com ele, MOCO O SENHOR ESTA SENDO DESONESTO COMIGO. E comecamos a discutir e ele ameacou parar o taxi. Novamente uma longa estoria que vou resumir ..... por fim acertamos o trajeto em 50 LT (seria o dobro, mas eu estava morta de cansaco, mala pesada, neve caindo, ja ficando tarde, proximo as 21:00). Num certo momento uma das avenidas estava bloqueada pela policia e ele me disse que nao poderia seguir em frente, e me fez descer do taxi. Assim, no meio da rua, totalmente perdida, com mala pesada, debaixo
de neve. Ele levou minhas 50 LT, o que considerei um roubo ... E mentiu, disse q eu poderia caminhar ate o meu destino final. Foi um fdp sem preco; e eu amaldicoei o dinheiro que dei a ele. Nao pela grana em si, mas pela DESONESTIDADE. Um cara desse nao pode ser feliz .. e ele nao quis me emprestar o celular, para ligar para os meus amigos! Entao la me vi, sozinha e perdida debaixo do frio, viajando ha mais de 24 horas, empurrando a minha mala sobre a calcada coberta de neve - so quem ja fez isso para ter ideia do esforco que e, pois o peso triplica, e alem do mais e preciso tomar cuidado para nao cair porque e muito escorregadio andar sobre o gelo, como patinar. Caminhei ate encontrar um policial; na verdade um grupo de policiais, eles nao falavam muito ingles e ao ouvirem minha historia, pediram para ver meu passaporte (o equivalente a "bebida quente" que o Sheldon recomendava em casos extremos, na serie Big Bang Theory). Em todo caso, eles me orientaram a chegar numa estacao de metro. La na porta encontrei 3 rapazes e expliquei pra eles o que tinha acontecido. Eu nao tinha ainda comprado o cartao de transporte, pois tinha praticamente acabado de pisar na cidade, e nem dinheiro trocado. Eles eram estudantes e para minha sorte alem de falar ingles, estavam indo para a universidade. Bingo! De la eu saberia chegar a pe ate a casa. Eles carregaram minha mala pelas escadarias do metro afora, e pagaram minha passagem. Foram verdadeiros anjos. Entao fica dificil julgar ... encontrei um taxista infame e posteriormente, 3 anjos que me puseram no caminho. A caminhada entre a universidade e a casa foi uma epopeia ... somente euzinha, nesses meus miseros 50 e poucos quilos, puxando um peso que deveria ser no minimo 3 vezes mais que o meu proprio, entre ruas totalmente cobertas de gelo. As minhas proprias custas, aprendi em 2 segundos que pisar na neve fofa era infinitamente mais seguro que patinar no gelo em forma de lamina .... algumas partes me foi possivel andar na rua, que apresentava alguns oasis de asfalto aqui e ali, mas o fluxo de carros foi ficando intenso, e era tenso ter que parar toda vez que algum automovel tirava uma fininha. E a neve caia impiedosamente, ate que finalmente cheguei a minha ladeira favorita. E pensei que seria impossivel descer por causa das condicoes. Mas daqui dali fui devagar, devagarinho ate que, consegui! Dobrei a esquina, a casa cor de rosa da mulher que alimentava os gatos no verao de 2014; cheguei ate o portao (nao, nenhum cachorro me sorriu latindo), ate ficar cara a cara com o interfone iluminado! Apertando o "numarada" 7, nenhuma voz me respondeu ...mas a portaria se abriu como num passe de magica, como num "abre-te-sesamo" .... e em segundos meu anjo da guarda dos olhos mais azuis desse mundo se materializou a minha frente, e subiu com minha mala pesada todos os penosos degraus ate chegar
ao 4o andar sem elevador. I was suprised by my friend Serkan, who found me waiting at the airport's shuttle line. Not only he made sure to put me inside the bus, but also waited until it departed and even gave me extra Turkish cash in case I needed. My friends shower me with attention and spoil me rotten, treating me like a princess. Meanwhile, the guys in the house were already cooking dinner. I made it to the downtown area - Taksim - and from there, I should take a taxi until the house. I've done this numerous times, and I know the price is between 20/30 Turkish Liras. But unfortunately, you can not trust all taxi drives in Istanbul, because some take advantadge of tourists and overcharge. So, before boarding, I asked how much that would be, and he told me, something between 120/150 Turkish Liras! Of course I did not go inside his car, and of course he cursed me as only Turkish people can curse. I had to walk a lot until I was able to find another taxi - the downtown area was chaotic under the heavy snowstorm; it was dark, crowded and on top of everything, it was New Year's Eve. I made sure this second cab driver had a taximeter on, and got in the car. Before two minutes passed by, the taximeter was already registering 6,95 Turkish Liras!!!! He was shamelessly cheating! I told him, SIR YOU ARE BEING DISHONEST WITH ME, and we start to fight. He threatened to pull over, and long story short, we agreeded he would charge me 50 Turkish Liras. Still double the fair price, but I was so tired after such a long trip, my luggage was heavy, the snow was falling, it was getting late .... At a certain point, the police blocked the road, and the taxi driver told me I had to get out cause it would not be possible for him to go on anymore - he broke the news as short as that, and I suddenly found myself lost and alone in the middle of the street, after such a long trip, my luggage was heavy, the snow was falling, it was getting late .... he took my 50 Turkish Lira, which I considered a theft ... and he lied to me, he told me I could walk until my final destiny. He was a son of a bitch, and I cursed the money he took from me. It is not about the money itself ( I usually tip Turkish taxi drivers!); it is about te principle, the unecessay DISHONESTY for the mere fact you are a foreigner and don't speak their language and they assume you are "rich" (or a fool). A guy like this can not be happy - and he did not lend me his cell phone, so I could call my friends. So there I was, under the cold, traveling for over 24 hours, pushing and pulling my luggage over the streets covered in snow - with no idea
where I was. I walked until I found a group of policemen that did not speak much English and somehow explained them my situation and they were able to point me the way to the nearest metro station. On its entrance, I found three young guys and I told them what has just happened. Luckily, not only they spoke fluent English, but also were students on their way to the university. They took turns carrying my luggage throughout the station, and even paied fo my ticket. From the universiy, I would be able to get home easily, on foot. Thus, it is very difficult for me to judge, as I met one infamous bastard taxi driver but right away, three helpful gentlemen. The way between the university and the house was epic ... me in my 50 something kilos, carrying three times this weight which had probably been my bag then. In two seconds and on my own expenses, I learned that stepping on the piles of fluffy, fresh fallen snow was much safer than solid, slippery ice. The snowstom kept falling heavily, and somehow I arrived at the hill I was supposed to go down to get to the house. I slowly and carefully climbed it down, as it was fully and totally and completely covered in snow, and I thought it would be impossible to walk without falling, carrying my pink bag. I turned the corner, and I made it to the building! I pressed the number 7 on the interphone, and although no voice answered, the door was immediately opened as an "open sesame" had been shouted .. and in matter of seconds, my most blue eyed angel showed up at the entrance, taking my luggage upstairs right away, climbing each and all steps up to the 4th floor . Dentro do meu quarto,com minha gatinha IuliaOlheira pouca e bobagem,mas o sorriso e a alegria sao sincerosPrimeiro jantar turco, preparado pelos meus anjos da guarda Ismail&MuhteremSobremesa: waffle com frutas frescasChegar ao "meu" quarto nessa altura do campeonato nao tinha preco. Ao abrir a porta ja bem curiosa e com o coracao batendo a mil pela oportunidade de rever minha Iulia - a gatinha que resgatei bebezinha em 2014, agora com 1 ano e 4 meses, moradora da casa. Ela se escondia atras da cortina, e me deu algumas patadinhas, unhadas e mordidas ao tentar me aproximar, pois nao me reconheceu de imediato. Muhterem me preparou o melhor prato de comida dessa vida (depois de 24 horas + sem comer ate sopa de pedra ne?), e sobremesa de waffle com banana e laranja fresca do tamanho do mundo. Depois de colocarmos o papo mais ou menos em dia, eles se recolheram e eu fiquei sozinha, apreciando da minha cama e janela a tempestade de neve que caia la fora - e aguardando pela chegada do Ano Novo, tanto no horario turco quanto no horario brasileiro (4 horas de diferenca), ja que o jet lag e toda a excitacao da viagem nao me deixou dormir. Getting into "my" room was priceless.
As soon as I opened the door my heart was beating fast, as I was dying to see my sweet cat Iulia again, after 1 year and four months have passed since I rescued her, when she was just a baby. My friends surprisingly kept her as an indoor pet. She was hiding behind the curtains as obviously she did not recognize me, and after some kicks, bites and scratches, she got a little closer. Muhterem brought me dinner, the best food I've eaten in this life (after 24 hours plus without a decent meal, that was simply Heaven!) and waffle for dessert, covered with fresh banana and orange slices. After we chatted for a while, the couple went to their bedroom and I was alone, enjoying the snowstorm view from the comfort and warmth of my bed and window - while waiting for the New Year to arrive, both in Turkish and Brazilian time zones (4 hours difference). The jet lag and all my excitement made it impossible for me to fall asleep right away. Porque a gente nao vive sem o cha nosso de cada diaAinda desconfiada e se escondendo de mim atras da cortinaChegando um pouquinho mais perto, depois de algumas patadinhas, unhadas e mordidasOs telhados da vizinhanca, completamente cobertos de neveOs carros estacionados na rua da frenteLateral da rodoviaEsquina do predio. Em destaque a lixeira sob a qual encontrei Iulia em agosto/2014. Uma bolinha encolhidinha morando ali debaixo, por dois dias, ate que subi com ela ao verificar que era orfa e nao havia nenhum sinal da mae ou irmaos. VideosAterrissagem no Ataturk International: https://www.facebook.com/eleonora.oliveira.96/videos/10204960884573534/?l=53344576783728249Tempestade de neve vista da minha janela:https://www.facebook.com/eleonora.oliveira.96/videos/10204960948655136/?l=6866379515035302585Snow storms paralyze life across Turkeyhttp://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/snowfall-paralyzes-life-in-istanbul-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=93253&NewsCatID=341
Find/download the city's map with the most important attractions so you can mark everything I'm typing here and have a plan in mind BEFORE traveling, so you don't waste time. There is a lot to do in a short period of time, so do your homework in advance. Some of the attractions are not very far from each other in fact it is possible to walk to most of them. You will also take the tram,which runs parallel Sultanahmet and takes u to other parts of the city. Before you ride the public transportation, you should buy the card INADVANCE (you fill it up with as much money as you wish; there is probably a minimum). I remember each rideis about 2-3 TL; ask the hotel reception where you should get your transportcard (usually in little markets or bookstands); there is also a machine close to the tram stations (jetonmatik). About 15 TL shouldbe a good amount of money for you to start but pay attention every time youpass the card so you are aware of your balance and refill it in time. Thedrivers do not take any money, only this electronic card.I referred to this site before heading out for attractions, to besure of their opening/closing hours and fees. Some attractions close at least once a week, for cleaning. Beware of the museums/pieces that are under restoration so you don't get frustrated. RECHECK THE TICKETS PRICE, AS THEY CAN GO UP WITHOUT ANY PREVIOUS NOTICE - use the prices here merely as a suggestion/guide. http://www.tourmakerturkey.com/entrance-fee.htmlDay 01: Airport - Taksim by shuttleCHANGE SOME MONEY INTO TURKISH LIRA CURRENCY BEFORELEAVING THE AIRPORT AS THE SHUTTLE AND TAXI DRIVERS DO NOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDSOR FOREIGN MONEY. There are foreign exchange places throughout the more touristic neighborhoods like Sultanahemt and Taksim. Research the current exchange rate in advance so you are able to choose the best value for your money.The cheapest means of transportation is the airport shuttle. You catch this shuttle right in front of the airports exit (you will see a sign written HAVATAS - orsimply ask anybody at the airport's information counter). The shuttle costs about 15 TL (TL = Turkish Lira theconversion is around 1 TL = 0,50 USDollar so 15 TL would be about 8 USD). You buy the ticket directly from the bus driver. It will take you to TAKSIM in about one hour - depending on the traffic, which is usually heavy in Istanbul. Taksim is a center area in Istanbul. From Taksim you should take a taxi untilyour final destination. This area is crowded with hotels/tourists, so it should not be a problem for you to find a cab. Isuggest you have all the address information/phone number ready in a separatepiece of paper so you can handle this piece of paper to the taxi driver, asmany times they have limited English skills or cant speak English at all. ASKTHE PRICE in advance. ALWAYS. Research itinerary prices in advance so you can have an idea of how much it is an honest price to pay. ASK THE PRICE
Kank statue, which was sculpted by my friend's father (it is just after Asyan bus stop = all the bus stops in Istanbul have names). If you walk that area, please take a selfie by the statue and share in the comments. http://artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2014/07/cemiterios-em-istambul-asiyan-asri.htmlThis areais called Bebek (that means baby) and it is one of the most sophisticatedareas of Istanbul. You will find nice fish restaurants/cafes here.http://artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2014/07/bebek-istambul.htmlDay 05: Ataturk's Palace and Ortakoy1- Dolmabahce Palace (Ataturks Palace)Open from 9:00 16:30 Price: 30 TLReserve a whole morning for it, as the palace is big and you will spenda good few hours there. Unfortunately I myself havent visited it yet (justvisited Topkapi a couple of times and an Asian Palace on the opposite side ofthe Bosphorus). Magnificent. Read as much as you can about Ataturk you will see his photo everywhere you go in Turkey. Show respect. Peopleidolize him. Also the Turkish flag you will see it proudly displayedeverywhere, including on top of the mountains, parks, public places. Theyare devoted to their red (symbolizing the blood of those who foughtfor the country) flag. In the afternoon, make it to Ortakoy.2- Ortakoyis the coolest neighborhood you can imagine. There is this beautiful mosquewhich is painted in delicate tones of pastel pink, by the Bosphorus waters.They have a little fair going on where you can find antiques, jewelry,clothes, decoration stuff. You will lovethe atmosphere, I guarantee you. Take the time to eat the local food, calledkumpir. The kumpir is a delicious huge stuffed potato you can choose whateveryou want stuffed in potato, as it is made in front of you. Once you eat, take aboat for the whole tour of the Bosphorus (it is ok to be a tourist rightnow because they have an audio pointingout whats to see includingGalatasarays Club, And you will see the most important and beautiful Istanbul monumentsfrom the water. There is a tour that takes about 1 hour and there is one thatis more complete, and takes you to the Asian side depending on the time andweather, choose which one is more appropriate. But TAKE THE BOSPHORUS TOUR. http://artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2014/08/ortakoyum-dos-bairros-mais-charmosos-de.html3- Have youtaken the Turkishbath yet? If not, maybe thats a good opportunity now. http://www.cemberlitashamami.com/index.php?dil=enYouve madeit! And hopefully youre so much in love with this city as I am (well, I havebeen in a serious relationship with Istanbul for 15 years now). If you have more than 5 days to spend, then you can stretch this itinerary accordingly. For my goingback to Istanbul thoughts and comments in 2013, read:http://artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2013/08/istanbul-existe-magica-nessa-cidade.html
Mercado Egipcio, ou de Especiarias (como o nome indica, onde e encontrado todo tempero que se tem conhecimento no mundo). Atras do Mercado de Especiarias encontra-se o Mercado de Plantas e Animais, que vende mudas, terra, fertilizantes e varios tipos de racao ao atacado e a granel (queridos leitores, fica a dica: nao deixem de comprar 1 ou 2 kilos para levar sempre dentro da bolsa, e alimentar os gatos que encontrarao pelo caminho - serao muitos, e estarao famintos, e virao ate voces na esperanca de um petisco ... tenham sempre algo que possa oferecer a eles. O kilo de racao sai em torno de 8 LT (equivalente ao nosso Real). Quando viajarem de barco, levem pao para jogar para as gaivotas - elas agradecerao e a travessia e fotos serao magicas, com bandos voando a sua volta ..) Eminonu is the heart of Istanbul .... always crowded; doesn't matter if it is day or night. It is a harbor area; from where boats cross Europe/Asia and there is also a very busy tram line. It is close to Marmaray too, which is a train station. The New Mosque (Yeni Camii) dominates the view. This area has intense businesses and attracts many tourists; the Spice Bazaar is in the corner. Behind the Spice Bazaar there is another market, devoted to gardening and pets. There you will find everything related to them, such as seeds, fertilizers, plants and dog, bird & cat food. Note to my dear readers: do not forget to buy a few pounds of cat food and keep it always handy; you will find dozens of cats on your way and they will be hungry and they will come to you hoping you have something to feed them (it is very cheap, about 8 TL/kilo; less than USD 3/kilo). Same advice when it is time to take the boat; have some bread with you so your jorney and pictures will be magic, surrounded by seagulls that will be flying around you trying to catch a snack ...Senhorinha muito distinta e elegante, a caminho da mesquitaVista geral da praca, a partir da escadaria da mesquitaTem um metro passando por essa ponte; fiquei esperando ele passar para tirar a fotografiaBazar Egipcio, 1664Foi um senhor que se ofereceu pra tirar minha foto ... depois ficou insistindo para que fosse ate a loja dele, de sementes. Devidamente dispensado; ja estou mais do que escolada & escaldada ...Escultura de vendedor de simit, o donut de gergelimNa fonte de ablucaoVista geral do Mercado, que fica atras da Mesquita NovaEminonu no verao; post de 2014:http://artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2014/07/eminonu.htmlMesquita Nova por dentro, 2014:http://artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2014/08/istambul-mesquita-nova-ou-yeni-camii.htmlMercado de plantas e animais, post de 2014:http://artesdemarias.blogspot.com.br/2014/08/istambul-mercado-de-plantas-e-animais.html