By İrem Naz Duymuş (AMER/III) & Eda Emekoğlu (AMER/III)
nazduymus@ug.bilkent.edu.tr
eda.emekoglu@ug.bilkent.edu.tr
Dearest Bilkent readers, a long time has passed. Lives have changed, courses have been added and dropped based on momentary decisions. There are little campus crushes to decide on the entirety of the semester in just a week. For those who have been hit by Eros’ arrow, a certain day is coming up that’s bound to be expensive, even if you are just going out for drinks. As I think of myself as “The Conqueror of Tunus,” I believe I have some good recommendations. Sardunya offers Italian cuisine that many students enjoy and can work well for a date, but the place is a little tight so I suggest you make reservations right this second. To keep up with the Italian cuisine, Farvale is on Büklüm street; it’s a popular choice for pizza among students. It is a bit far away from the shuttle stop but it’s the best pizza in town. Up on the Arjantin street there is Charm Bistro with great service and a dazzling interior to have a photoshoot if you are also looking for a way to hard launch your relationship. If you are thinking Chinese, go to Guangzhou Wuyang in Bestekar street; mind you, it is expensive but worth it. If you are going to be chic and cutesy, you can go to Bonapple and have some dessert in the coziest way possible.
However, if you feel like trading candlelight for stage lights, the night doesn’t have to end. Soft Analog has a concert on the most romantic evening of the year, which means dramatic eye contact, accidental handholding and slow dancing as if you’re in a montage with “All the Things She Said” playing in the background. Just remember, while love may be patient, the Bilkent shuttle queues are not. Leave the dorms early; otherwise, the only thing you’ll be sharing is mutual disappointment while standing two rows apart.
And to my single friends who are considering declaring war on Valentine’s Day: don’t bother. It’s overrated. You can do everything couples do, arguably better and with more legroom.
Plus, the city is on your side. Jakuzi is performing on the 18th and Kalben follows on the 20th, ready to heal hearts and break them again. If music isn’t your thing, there are theatre options. “Toz” returns for its fifth season on the 20th starring Zerrin Tekindor, and Demet Evgar’s portrayal of “Afife,” accompanied by an incredible cast, is also waiting to emotionally ruin you.
Whether you’re in love, in denial or just here for the vibes, one thing is clear: this month is booked, busy and emotionally overcommitted and that will continue. That is, of course, assuming we can physically make it out of the buildings. Let’s be honest, the traffic is crazy out there. I mean, have you tried to exit G building in the past couple of weeks? If you haven’t, it’s best to be prepared for a heated rivalry over taking the first step. Eyes lock, shoulders square, time slows. Three, two, one. Who will go first?
