Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
So now it's October, Ekim. The days are still bright and sunny. The evenings have become crisp and chilly. My thoughts have turned to things I enjoyed in the States. Going to the old Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia for the Halloween tours. Selecting and carving a pumpkin. Planting mums. Haunted hayrides while enjoying... Continue Reading →
On September 20th, a bomb went off in the neighborhood of Kizilay, about a 10-15 minute walk from my home. I was walking down a street in my neighborhood at the time. I saw the big cloud of smoke, and thought nothing of it. I didn't hear anything. Moments later, a good friend called to... Continue Reading →
I'm dying here . . . So this past week, I was invited to tour a certain undisclosed location in Ankara. I was very excited about going. I had heard about it many times, but never had the opportunity. It was a grocery store. But not just that. It was an American grocery store. The... Continue Reading →
My neighbor's home was burgarized on Saturday evening. I have heard stories of several burglaries in my neighborhood recently. In fact, I have heard of them all over Ankara recently. The neighbor rented an apartment that had the worst door in the building. It was literally made of particle board as was the surrounding frame. ... Continue Reading →
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 →
It's starting to feel a little like early Autumn in Ankara. The days are still sunny and hot, but rather pleasant in the low 80's. The evenings bring a cool breeze. And this morning, as I enjoyed my coffee on the balcony, it was downright cold! I am a summer baby, and although I love... Continue Reading →
There is a small park a couple of doors down from my home. I never go there. The little pools are always dry. The walls covered in graffiti. The benches are dusty. The playground in the back is usually empty. Teenagers hang out and smoke there. Visitors to the hospital seek refuge from the shade... Continue Reading →
Up to 70 percent of all Turkish women are abused by their spouses. Physically, sexually, emotionally, or financially. Wow. Look around you, folks. That's a lot of women. I remember the looks I got from some "friends" in the States when I decided to marry. It was as if I had let them down. Of... Continue Reading →
During this visit to the States, I have had several people ask me how it feels not to be a lawyer anymore. Wow. Shortly before moving to Ankara, I remember having the same conversation with one of my prior bosses. He is also a good friend and more of a father figure (although he wouldn't admit... 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 know, I know. It seems like a week since I have written a post! In my defense, I did add a new page to my blog this week about things for kids to do in Ankara. It didn't appear as a post, so you may have missed it. It has been quite a busy... 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 