Not Without My Husband: Sunflowers, Central Anatolia
Camping, and all that Jazz! A day trip to Yedigoller National Park
Every once in a while, the hubby and I both realize - at the same time - that we really need a break. Yesterday was the day! While many Turks have headed to the Mediterranean shores for the weekend, we headed north to Bolu for a day trip. Destination - Yedigöller Milli Parklar (Seven Lakes National... Continue Reading →
A Tree From You . . . A Forest From Us . . .
The Middle East Technical University (METU/ODTÜ) held its Spring 2016 tree planting event today in the ODTÜ forest. Ten thousand trees were planted in honor of two students, Berkay Baş and Ozancan Akkuş, who we lost in a terrorist attack in March. The President of METU spoke, as did Ozancan's father, before the planting. With these 10,000, the University... Continue Reading →
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 tomatoes are coming along! More Recycling Tips!
Remember this post? How to Start Seed for Balcony and Small Gardens. I am happy to report that everything is coming up, herbs, peppers and tomatoes. Oh, the tomatoes! My tomatoes grew a few inches and started to touch the plastic green houses I had created from takeout containers. Although replanting of such tiny seedlings... 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 →
Oh, the things we did!! Jeep Safari in Kaş
Along the road to Kaş, on that first day, we passed several Jeeps on the road. It didn't take long to discover they were on safari. Ha! Safari! I remember walking into the office of Xanthos the next day and point-blank asking one of the owners, "What kind of animals do you have in these parts?... Continue Reading →
There’s a New Shop in Town: Good Earth
I was strolling through GOP (Gaziosmanpaşa) in Ankara, when I came across this sign: Good Earth! A new shop in Ankara! The name was intriguing, so I ventured in. The shop was full of gorgeous textiles (kitchen & bath), candles, furniture, and more. There was even a corner for kids! They have just opened, so... Continue Reading →
Democracy NOW!
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 →
Rain or Snow
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 →
Turkey Rising: What I did during the protests
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 →
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 →
Adventures in Ankara 