Weddings

This past weekend, I enjoyed the company of my family at my nephew's wedding in Lancaster, PA.  It was a very traditional American wedding.  I couldn't help think of the similarities and differences with Turkish weddings.  The wedding took place in a small chapel followed by the reception in aa neighboring hall.  There was a string... Continue Reading →

It’s Never Easy

Being on vacation is never easy.  There's always more to do than expected and much less rest than there should be.  In my case, the lack of easiness is multiplied many times. I'm back at mom's - who now has two of my siblings living with her and two teenagers!  Still, it's a lot less... Continue Reading →

Şeker Bayram

We are currently celebrating Şeker Bayram (Sugar Holiday) in Turkey.  Şeker Bayram is a three day holiday signifying the end of Ramadan and the end of the daily fast.  The holiday reminds me of some of our American and Christian holidays.  First, it reminds me of Christmas.  About a week ago, I was told that we... Continue Reading →

Ramazan and Kayseri

The month of Ramazan (Ramadan) will be ending next week.  Ramazan is the ninth month of the Islamic calender, a time for fasting and special prayer.  During the month, muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.  They ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves... Continue Reading →

Cep Telefonu

Cell phones have become amazingly popular around the world.  Like an American Express card, we don't leave home without them.  I remember the days when I felt naked if I left home without a pair of earrings.  Imagine, an entire day without heavy metals and stones dangling from my lobes.  It was unbearable!  Now it's... Continue Reading →

On Being Lucky

I woke up this morning realizing I had a lot of housework and laundry to do.  As I was trying to enjoy my coffee and ignore those facts, I also realized that it was time for another blog post.  I still have many pics to post from my trip to Side, and my recent trip... Continue Reading →

Why Am I Here? or Happy 4th of July!

It’s time. This post is not a philosophical query into who I am and why I am?  I have read Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, and frankly, it’s all Greek to me.  This is a somewhat simple answer to a question I have been asked over and over.  A question I have been asked by friends and... Continue Reading →

Social Class

When I started writing this blog, I didn't realize how hard and how easy it would be.  For example, I didn't know it would be so time consuming.  Taking pictures, writing my post, converting the photos for web applications, and uploading the story can sometimes take 3 to 4 hours.  I'm not complaining.  I wouldn't... Continue Reading →

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father's Day my friends!  We are celebrating Father's Day here in Turkey, much like we do in the States.  I am cooking a huge breakfast for the family.  We will spend the day together.  And hopefully, we will enjoy a lovely fish dinner at Eymir Orfuz, a fish restaurant located in the woods along Lake... Continue Reading →

Rest in Peace

I am just back from Germany -- again. My aunt passed away. She was the last of my mother's siblings. She was 92. Tante Martha was an awesome lady. She worked for over 40 years in a local factory. She lost her husband to a heart attack after a relatively short marriage and never remarried.... Continue Reading →

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