Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
I have a thing for live theatre. Whether it be a play on Broadway or Shakespeare in the park, I love it! I love musicals, comedies, dramas . . . it doesn't matter. I haven't acted in a play since grade school. In high school, I enjoyed being a part of the orchestra for the... Continue Reading →
This post will NOT pertain to most of my readers. It is written specifically for those who are wondering what happens to the money paid for a multi-year resident permit after obtaining a work permit for a shorter period. It is based on my experience and research. I will not be held legally liable for... Continue Reading →
When one becomes a blogger, we often write personal things that others would not share. In my case, I crossed over from getting my emotions out via keeping a journal and writing poems, to putting myself out there publicly. Lately, I have written posts that have caused concern to many. I was still withholding many... Continue Reading →
The other day, my assistant said he wished it would rain or snow. I smirked a little at first, thinking what an oddity. Only my mother would pray for rain (for her garden). But I know exactly what he means. It's been a very difficult month for me. One month ago my sister died. I... Continue Reading →
Rave as you will about Turkish healthcare, I've had nothing but trouble with it. (Remember this?) Up until now I could at least say that I had little difficulty with the government health insurance (SGK). Up until now . . . So Turkey has two health insurance systems, the government insurance, which was formerly provided... Continue Reading →
I have seen limes from time to time in Turkey, but not often. The first time was on vacation at a restaurant in Kas. I hunted them down afterwards and finally found one store selling them. They were imported and extremely expensive. More recently, I have seen them at specialty shops usually around the holidays. ... Continue Reading →
It was very early in the protests when I realized that no one was actually voicing their opinion. They weren't clearly stating what they wanted. Obviously, much like Occupy Wall St., it was hard to do. The protests were growing around the country, but there was no clear leader. No one to make demands. One... Continue Reading →
I was in Istanbul when it all started. I was safely tucked away on an island, and really didn't know what was going on. Friends started to share translations of news reports and videos. At the time, I was amazed by it all. I didn't have a full comprehension, I probably still don't. But when... Continue Reading →
You must be wondering why I never wrote about the protests here on my blog. The beginning of the protests directly coincided with a job offer here in Ankara. This offer came as quite a surprise, and I had decided it was something I really wanted to do. And so began the long process of... Continue Reading →
When I was a kid, I always requested the same cake from Mom, a white box cake, with light blue icing and decorated with cherries. It wasn't that I liked this cake so much, it was that I thought it looked pretty. I loved blue and I loved cherries. Eventually I moved on to dark... Continue Reading →
While visiting other countries, here are some things I miss about Ankara: These are just a few thoughts for the day. Of course, I miss my family the most. And Turkish Tea. I miss tea. And family. Yes. Family. . . and tea.
Yesterday there was a bomb attack on the AKP headquarters in Ankara. Allegedly, it was thrown towards Prime Minister's Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's office. One person was injured. You can read the full story by clicking here: Double bomb attack hits AKP HQ, ministry building in Ankara This morning I received an email with a message from... Continue Reading →
Ankara streets are laid out like a [INSERT TEXT HERE]. No, that wasn't a mistake. The street map is so crazy, I couldn't think of anything to write! So feel free to comment with your suggestions! It's amazing to me sometimes that anyone finds anything. And yet, we do! This is my version of how... 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 