Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
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 →
When I woke up at 4:53 this morning, it had been 10 days, 9 hours and 33 minutes since I had stepped on US soil. I had left Turkey approximately 13.5 hours before that. I left the country for many reasons - in search of a better job, a more peaceful existence, a better life. Turkey... Continue Reading →
Today is a day to remember those we lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. According to CNN: The Victims: At the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, 2,753 people were killed when hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 were intentionally crashed in the north and south towers.... Continue Reading →
Here's something you don't see too often in Turkey - a DIY tile project! Labor is relatively cheap here, so most simply hire someone. I say "relatively" because prices of everything seem to be on the rise . . . everything but salary. The tile project is not quite done. We came across a lot... Continue Reading →
GET OUT AND VOTE! Today is election day in Turkey. The Prime Minister is not up for re-election, but his party is. The three largest cities are Istanbul (over 14 million), Ankara (about 5 million) and Izmir (about 3.5 million). Below is some reading from Turkish & International newspapers on the subject: Turkey Politicians Make... Continue Reading →
I had a chat with an old high school friend yesterday on Facebook. I don't know how we got on the topic of cleaning ladies, but we did. Yes, politically incorrect, but in Turkey, there is really no such thing as a male housekeeper. I told him that in Turkey it is very common for... 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 →
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 →
I am not a worrier by nature. Shit happens. Move on. Deal with it. I am also not the best when it comes to managing money. Sometimes I save. Sometimes I spend. I know where my weakness is - a fabulous meal with great wine. I pay for that. I am also not one to... Continue Reading →
So let me get this straight. Turkey is going to allow corporations from other parts of the world to go into your computer and snoop around to see if you have downloaded any music or movies. Meanwhile the options to buy music and DVDs are very limited and expensive here. Hey, I would love to... Continue Reading →
. . . and still I am not done! April 15th is Tax Day in the U.S. The day of reckoning. This year that fell on the weekend, so it should have been pushed to Monday. But thanks to some never-heard-of holiday in D.C., it was moved to the 17th. And let's not forget it... Continue Reading →
Ten years ago it seemed rare for many expats to move to Turkey, especially Ankara! But a new trend has seen more and more foreign nationals flocking to Turkey in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. Turkey has become somewhat of a hot spot for tourism in the last few years, continually... Continue Reading →
29 December 2011 / TODAY’S ZAMAN, İSTANBUL The following is the full article as posted in today's paper: Questions abound over airstrike that killed 36 in Southeast The deaths of 36 people, who may have been locals smuggling in goods from northern Iraq, killed in an overnight airstrike by Turkish warplanes in southeastern Turkey have... 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 