Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
Bahçelievler means houses with gardens. What a lovely name for a neighborhood. I never really visited it much when I lived in Ankara other than visits to the hospital, an antique store, and visits to Anitkabir (the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk). According to Wikipedia, Bahcelievler was known in the 1970s as a battleground for... Continue Reading →
I'm not saying it's going to happen. But I'm not saying it's not either. Should I return to Ankara, what would be my first things to see and do? 1- Hug my mother-in-law and brother-in-law (obviously) and meet my new sister-in-law! I don't think there is a word for "little sister," is there? And if... Continue Reading →
Yeah, I like that title too. It seems like I start all of my posts these days with, "I haven't written in a long time." From now on, and until otherwise notified, let's take it as a gimme that I won't write unless I'm moved - when I really have something to say. So, we... Continue Reading →
When I first moved to Turkey in 2010, I quickly realized that I was constantly converting figures whether it be measurements, temperatures or money. Some equations were easy. Temperatures, of course, were more difficult, after all, those involved a whole formula! For me, the money conversions were the most interesting. Sure, it was simple math. ... Continue Reading →
We all have things we used to do and plan to do again someday. For me, blogging is one of them. I used to post 3 to 4 times a week. Then I left Turkey. I had hoped that with the help of friends, I could keep my readers informed of the comings and goings... Continue Reading →
After years of blogging, my husband decided that I should own a typewriter. I had always wanted one, but had never pulled the trigger. He presented me with my first manual typewriter, a 1961 Royal Futura 800. A year and a half later, I'm the proud owner of 13 manual typewriters ranging from extremely odd... Continue Reading →
I spent 6.5 years in Ankara. Before moving there, one of the most difficult things I could imagine was celebrating American holidays without my family. Even harder, would be celebrating Thanksgiving since it is not a holiday at all in Turkey! It has been two years since I returned to the States. Looking back, my... Continue Reading →
A reader asked a couple of great questions on one of my earlier blog posts, Tips for Driving in the Snow in Turkey. She was wondering about the costs of winter tires and how a non-Turkish speaker could find out about it? Below are my thoughts on the matter, but your experiences would be welcome... Continue Reading →
Hello old friends! It's been a long time. And I am feeling a bit nostalgic tonight. It's over a year now since we returned to the States. Although I felt relieved when we left, I can't say I don't miss Turkey. I do, I really do. Tonight I pulled out an old hard drive looking... Continue Reading →
My husband and I left Turkey in October. We were back in the U.S. in time to celebrate a wave of holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. We moved into our home about three weeks ago. It's been a whirlwind. We truly enjoyed being here with my family. All went well enough.... Continue Reading →
Dear Friends, The day has finally come, my last full day in Turkey. I know, I know. I should've told you sooner. In fact, there are a lot of things I wish I would've done, I could've done. But I didn't. These last few months have been trying, nay, extremely difficult. I had bright moments,... Continue Reading →
Freedom is a word that is thrown around, well, rather freely. It has its definitions, translations, usages. It's been used to describe personal and political agendas. Great minds use the word in literature, in laws, in expressing themselves. Little minds abuse the word in literature, in laws, in expressing themselves. ... Continue Reading →
U.S. Embassy Ankara, Turkey Routine Message for U.S. Citizens: State of Emergency August 8, 2016 U.S. Embassy Ankara informs U.S. citizens resident in or visiting Turkey of potential impacts of the 90-day state of emergency imposed by the Government of Turkey July 21. The state of emergency expands the authority of security forces in stopping, searching,... Continue Reading →
Musings of a Philadelphia lawyer - who married a Turk, quit her day job, and set out for adventure!
-by Terry Henson Kaymak
Adventures in Ankara 