Ryan Milejczak CP #3

10/12/2017
Conversation Partner: Turkey (sp?)
Location: Smoking area behind CIES
Discussion topics: Had a general discussion with Turkey while we shared a cigarette. Talked about where he was from (Saudi Arabia), and how difficult it was to adjust when he first arrived. He mentioned that his father speaks English and, after he began his studies, would only speak English to him and refuse to converse in Arabaic, which he found very frustrating but said it ultimately helped him learn. Also talked about his plans for his week break between sessions. He said he was going to Orlando, and we talked a bit about theme parks, as he had been to Universal and planned to go again. Also talked about Disney, which he said he wasn't interested in, as it was "kid's stuff". We then moved inside and talked for a little bit longer over coffee. Talked about iPhones, and phones in general, and in particular about the value of a new iPhone in Saudi Arabia vs in the US. He claimed a new iPhone in Saudi Arabia would cost about $5,000 USD! But also mentioned that having one would be a really big deal there. Then talked generally about phones for a while; he mentioned a friend of his who was also from Saudi Arabia had given him a case and urged him to put it on, but he refused until one day he was sitting and the phone slid right out of his pocket and hit the ground, at which point he put it right on his phone, which I found funny. All-in-all not quite the typical topic of conversation partner conversations, but still one I found enjoyable and which taught me a bit about Turkey, his culture, and his English language learning journey. 

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