During my break, I did a lot of thinking about my blog. Naturally, as soon as I decided to take a break, I found many things I wanted to write about. But I realized that I still needed space. This morning, I decided to reinstate my last article. I had removed it, not because of... Continue Reading →
Taking a Break
Yesterday, a suicide bomber attacked the American Embassy in Ankara. He killed one of his own people, a Turkish citizen who worked as a guard. What the fuck?! The man simply went to work one day and died because of some a-hole's radical political views. The man lost his life, because he needed to feed... Continue Reading →
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Explosions in Ankara
This Message came directly from the U.S. Embassy today: Please be advised that explosions have been confirmed in front of Embassy Ankara. U.S. citizens are advised to not visit the Consulates in Istanbul, Adana or the Embassy in Ankara until further notice. We will update this message to U.S. citizens on our webpage when we... Continue Reading →
The Colors of the Rainbow
From time to time I am asked what I miss the most from the States. Today, I realized I miss the colors of the rainbow. Turkey is chock full of Turks. They come in varying colors, dark skin and dark hair, blonde hair and light skin. I've even met some red heads. But it's just... Continue Reading →
Pickled Beets & Apple Salad Recipe
A few days ago, I was hungry, wanted something healthy, and I didn't want to go to the grocery store. I looked in the refrigerator and saw three jars of pickled beets and fruit. Thinking I should start eating them, I searched the internet for recipes and came upon many recipes for beets with apples.... Continue Reading →
Lucky, the cat who likes the vacuum
It's been a while since I have written about Lucky, the street cat we rescued. He's gorgeous, part Angora (Ankara). He loves to play, and play, and play . . . The little bugger is deaf, so there are some things that Lucky is just not afraid of as other cats are. Here's a video... Continue Reading →
The Best of 2012 Ankara Style
2012. What a year. Here's a look back at some of my better blog posts, one from each month. I left out the recipes and restaurant reviews - although there were some goodies there! January, Keeping Up Appearances - How I learned to cover up. February, Junking - Comparing Turkey and the U.S. and my... Continue Reading →
Pancakes from Scratch – an easy New Year’s Recipe for Expats
Happy New Year! Are you wondering how to make a lovely breakfast this New Year's morning, but as an expat, don't know how to make pancakes without a box mix from Aunt Jemima or Bisquick? Well, do I have news for you! Here is an easy recipe and all of the ingredients are readily available... Continue Reading →
From my Family to Yours . . .
Merry Christmas!!!
How to Celebrate Christmas in Ankara
Every year there are new comers to Ankara with the same questions we all had. How do we celebrate Christmas in Ankara? Celebrating one of the biggest of the Christian holidays while living in a Muslim country doesn't have to be as difficult as you may think. The key is to lower expectations. Think about... Continue Reading →
Photo of the Day
Korean War Memorial, Ankara
Photo of the day
On my walk to Kizilay I came across these plants. They look like heather but in many vibrant colors. Unfortunately, I didn't get a closeup. Any idea of what it is? Does heather come in so many colors?
Thanksgiving Success
Thanksgiving 2102 Ankara. It was fabulous! Below are my photos of what happens when you share a beloved American holiday with 20 others, mostly Turks, and most of whom lived in the U.S. at some point. They get it. They know how to enjoy it. Even Lucky enjoyed the evening . . . This year,... Continue Reading →
Adventures in Ankara 