And now this from my garden in downtown Ankara. . . A big thanks to Alan who encouraged me to "pinch" a bit of land. Guess what, Alan? I did just that!
Photo of the Day – Homegrown Tomatoes
Beypazari Festival this weekend!
The Beypazari Festival has started and will continue through Sunday evening. There will be many concerts, exhibitions and activities. There are also booths selling local food,arts, crafts, and other items. Beypazari is a tiny, lovely village, full of restored Ottoman homes, approximately 100 km from Ankara. I believe there are buses running there. It is also famous for... Continue Reading →
My Little Corner of Ankara
Today's photos of my favorite place to walk, run, and enjoy nature in Ankara. I've posted similar photos before. Do you remember where it is?
Montague vs. Capulet and the Power of Love – a Turkish Wedding
A while back, I was witness to an incredibly horrifying clash at what should have been an otherwise beautiful event - a wedding in Ankara. I have been to many weddings in Turkey. Sometimes, I have only attended the wedding receptions. The actual marriage is often done privately at a local office. Additionally, there is a... Continue Reading →
The Baltic Quartet – the Celebration of Lithuania’s Freedom
Last night my husband and I had the pleasure of joining the in the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Restoration of Lithuania's Independence. Lithuania's Ambassador to Turkey, Kestutis Kudzmanas, and his wife have been in Ankara for several years. We were lucky enough to have met them a few years ago and have been... Continue Reading →
How to Start Seeds for Balcony and Small Gardens
About two weeks ago, I posted that it was time to plant your seedlings indoors. Remember this one? Time to Start Seeds Indoors! I have to admit that according to the chart on that blog post, I was already a little late for some. And then I sat on it for another two weeks! I... Continue Reading →
Time to Start Seeds Indoors!
I love gardening! I LOVE GARDENING! In Turkey, it's easy to find certain vegetables when in season. They are usually cheap and readily available at all markets and pazars. But still, there is nothing like a vegetable herb grown in your garden and hand-picked for your meal. I don't have a garden space in Ankara,... Continue Reading →
Security Message from U.S. Embassy, Ankara: DHKP/C member wanted by TNP still at large
U.S. Embassy Ankara, Turkey February 5, 2015 Security Message: DHKP/C member wanted by TNP still at large In light of the second anniversary of the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front or Devrimci Halk Kurtulus Partisi/Cephesi (DHKP/C)’s February 1, 2013 suicide attack on U.S. Embassy Ankara, and the DHKP/C’s stated intention to commit further attacks against the... Continue Reading →
Sweets for Valentine’s Day? Try Semotti’s Bakery in Ankara
Valentine's Day is just a week away! If you are looking for something special for your sweetheart, you should try Semotti's Bakery in Ankara! In addition to cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats, Sema creates special gluten-free, Dairy-free and sugar-free recipes. And of course, she carries some not so sweet treats, like Turkish pasta (makarna)... Continue Reading →
Top 5 Things to do in Ankara — Off the Beaten Path
I have hesitated to write a Top 5 "to do" list of my favorite places in Ankara. The reason? I am not a "usual" type of girl. The things I like to see and do will also be enjoyed by most of you, but most are NOT the typical places you will find on a... Continue Reading →
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Worldwide Caution – From the U.S. Embassy in Ankara
The Department of State is updating the Worldwide Caution to provide information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that U.S. citizens need to maintain a high... Continue Reading →
KIVA – Restaurant Review
Before the Christmas holiday, I had the wonderful luck of being invited to dine at KIVA with a new friend. I'm not sure which I like better, the friend or the food! Located on the terrace level of one of Ankara's newest malls, Next Level, KIVA specializes in Anatolian cuisine. It's concept is as a "modern... Continue Reading →
Belgian Chocolate in Ankara
Last week, my friend Marlene sent out an email informing fellow expats that The Chocolate Art would have Christmas chocolates available on December 8th. Marlene is a great friend to have - she knows all you need to know as an expat in town. Although we have mostly been "virtual friends," we finally met this year. And... Continue Reading →
Adventures in Ankara 