My generation, born in the late 70s and early 80s, has grown up with daily Brazilian soap operas. Although they were silly stories of love, intrigue and revenge, I remember watching them for a few minutes before starting to study after school. At the time of no internet or social network, it was soothing to watch a simple story not to think what happened during classes or what I have as homework that night.

Have you ever thought of the significance of tea? The simplest pleasure we enjoy all day long as Turks or expats living in Turkey. The stimulant that opens our eyes to start the day fresh. The soothing drink that accompanies us while chatting with friends. Turkish tea is different than 5 o’clock tea in England or elaborate tea ceremony in Japan. It is less complicated pretty straight forward. This simple nature of tea reflects the Turkish way of life according to the American author Katherine Branning. During the presentation of her book, “Yes, I Would Love Another Glass of Tea,” Branning explains how Turkish tea is drunk:

Most of us become more active when we visit a new place as a tourist or live in a foreign country. We want to understand the new culture, meet new people, taste different dishes, listen to different music and languages. For these reasons, we see more expatriates' involvement in social causes in non-profit organizations.

The International Women of Istanbul (IWI) is such a social organization that gathers international women who volunteer their time and talents to foster relationships with one another. It may sound weird to feel lonely in a city with 12 million residents but it is quite common to feel lost in a huge crowd especially if you're new to the Turkish culture.

Expat+Harem is online community of foreign women writers living in Turkey. Originally from Berkeley, California, the founder, Anastasia M. Ashman is a global nomad who has lived in Rome, Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul for the past 14 years. Ashman describes herself as ‘an author, creative entrepreneur for the global soul, editor and international bestseller.’ She has a backgound in the media and entertainment sector in LA. Since 2003 the year she got married to a Turk and moved to Istanbul, she has been the producer of the Near East’s 1st Global Nomad Salon in association with Janera Soerel of Janera.com . The Economist calls this worldwide series of intellectual dinner parties “jetsetters with a conscience.”