Mersin-10, Turkey

An adventurous American academic travels to North Cyprus to teach at a new university. He has no idea what it will be like living and working in a country which has no official international recognition except by Turkey. All mail must be addressed to 'Mersin-10, Turkey' to reach the north side of the island. There is no internet or email. It is a lonesome existence, and the mostly Turkish students are not prepared to study in English. It is a hard struggle and discouraging when the electrical power breaks down for several months. The Cyprus Problem is perpetually discussed with seemingly no possible solution in sight. The Greek and Turkish Cypriots keep playing their political games while the people seem to not care. In the politically charged atmosphere, it is treacherous and dangerous to even express one's views of the situation. Nevertheless, there are rewards and frustrations. He comes to look at the absurdity of daily life with a sense of humor in order to survive.