Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
The city of Ankara has a population of at least 4.5 million. The number has doubtless grown since the 2008 census. It is about three times more populated than Philadelphia, whose 2010 count was over 1.5 million. And it's way bigger than my hometown of West Chester, PA, whose 2000 census counted less than 18,000... 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 →
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 →
Another house guest meant another trip to Aksaray to visit Granny and to Kapadokya. Not a problem for me. I never get tired of seeing the sites - or taking more photos! Amy's reflection on the day: "It was just like the Grand Canyon, only better, because I was there!" Well, I have been to... Continue Reading →
From the moment I decided to move to Ankara, troubling questions ran through my mind. What if something happens to my mother? How fast can I get a ticket home? Will my Turkish husband be able to travel with me? If not, will he be able to get a visa to join me quickly thereafter?... Continue Reading →
I have been back in the States for almost 2 weeks now. My "vacation" actually started two days early. Having received a call that one of my sisters collapsed at work, I flew home immediately. In almost 2 weeks, my Abla has gone from very grim hopes of survival, to talking and eating, enduring an 11 hour... Continue Reading →
I recently had the opportunity to meet two new, warm, and friendly faces here in Ankara. They invited me to dinner at one of their favorite spots, minkaa, a restaurant located on 415.Cad., close to the United Nations building. The story is that minkaa is named after the traditional clay pots usually used to cook... Continue Reading →
CerModern - a local art gallery, among other things, is supported by the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (Türkiye Seyahat Acentaları Birliği). The beautifully restored building, resting peacefully beside rustling train tracks, was previously a repair shop for railroad cars. It is now considered an example of “contemporary museum architecture.” In its 11,500 square meters, CerModern... Continue Reading →
Turks are very different from Americans in the sense that they have a completely different perspective of personal space. Turks are always walking into you, no matter how wide the sidewalk. They ask personal questions about the way you look, your weight, and your health. They generally don't follow traffic rules, so your lane... Continue Reading →
Friday night, I touched American soil, not one block from my Aşağı Ayrancı, home. I went to the American Embassy for happy hour. And boy, was it happy. In a long, dark bar gathered dozens of Turks and expats with one thing in common - a dry thirst. Actually, I think they all spoke English... Continue Reading →
Next week will be ten months since I made Turkey my home. Time passes quickly, and at the same time, moves at the same slow pace of that snail I think is living in my Christmas tree. This morning, I have taken some time to reflect on my friendships, both old and new. As we... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 