Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
It's just about 8:15 p.m., and I feel as if I should just go to bed. It's been a weekend full of ups and downs. I am at an "up" right, now. Hence, the desire to end the weekend on a good note by going to bed. Friday evening started off with a bang. A... Continue Reading →
After a rough week of trying to repair my laptop, I needed something to cheer me up. So I headed over to the local pastane for tea with friends. I really like hanging out their at the sidewalk tables. One friend does a great job translating for me while the others try to teach me... Continue Reading →
There's nothing like a good Şeker Bayram to raise one's foul mood. I had been down in the dumps for a few days. Şeker Bayram, the three day holiday to celebrate the end of Ramadan arrived on Tuesday evening. A three day holiday in the middle of the week quickly turned into a 9-day holiday for... Continue Reading →
You may remember a post I wrote a while back about McDonalds. I was flabbergasted by their use of the #7 styrofoam container here in Turkey. Well, it seems Burger King is no better. Today I was in one of those moods again. Trying to get some house work done. I still hadn't gone to... Continue Reading →
I have never understood why people complain about birthdays or give the standard, "I don't really celebrate birthdays." It's a bunch of hogwash to me. I love birthdays. The only thing I love more than birthdays is MY birthday! And tomorrow is just that. A few days ago I received an email from my husband wishing... Continue Reading →
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Black Sea region. It was amazingly beautiful. It looked as if someone had set the ocean down right in the middle of Chester County, PA. We visited Safranbolu on the way to the water in Amasra. We stopped for breath-taking views of the countryside as we enjoyed... Continue Reading →
Yep, it's only been 3.5 months, but I'm heading back to the States. This time I have some business to tend to, but will visiting my family for the most part. Once again, as I anticipate my departure, I am salivating over thoughts of food. Yes, pork is at the top of my list: bacon,... Continue Reading →
I just created this recipe today - with things I had in the refrigerator and from my balcony garden. It's easy to make and can be served hot or at room temperature - like a summer pasta salad. As always, you can change the ingredients to suit your tastes! INGREDIENTS: 3-4 Fresh tomatoes 16-18 fresh... Continue Reading →
Moving to Ankara, one of the first things I did was to start planting. Back home, I was a part of a group that began the Broad and South Community Arts Garden. I think it is currently known as the Garden of the Arts. (Click the link to see its beautiful website!) Back then, it... Continue Reading →
I had an interesting couple of weeks. I had several conversations with others about languages, about why we are here in Turkey, about why some don’t like it here, about what people miss about home, about religion, and about life and death. All of these conversations boiled down to one thing: comfort zone. I don’t... Continue Reading →
Our friend Claudia at A Seasonal Cook in Turkey, posted the following on her blog. Thanks for allowing me to repost Claudia! A Truly Turkish Taste: In other words, unripened almonds. I think you have to be born Turkish in order to like these! They are viewed here as an early harbinger of spring not... Continue Reading →
I "borrowed" this recipe from my dear friend Julia. It's quick and easy and oh - soooo good. Like many of my recipes, the ingredients are adjustable. Start with less, you can always add more! A big thanks to Julia for sharing! This recipe goes well with wine and beer. It can be served as... Continue Reading →
Nestled between the rolling hills and green pastures of Chester County is one of the most fabulous restaurants in the Philadelphia area. The Birchrunville Store Café serves upscale contemporary French-Italian cuisine in a down-to-earth country setting. My sister-in-law had wanted to try the place for years. So when I came home for a visit that... 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 