Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
I love gardening! I LOVE GARDENING! In Turkey, it's easy to find certain vegetables when in season. They are usually cheap and readily available at all markets and pazars. But still, there is nothing like a vegetable herb grown in your garden and hand-picked for your meal. I don't have a garden space in Ankara,... Continue Reading →
UPDATE: For more recent information, please also read, "Mission Accomplished! How to Register a Foreign Mobile Phone in Turkey. (March 2015.) UPDATE - April 2017 - Since I find that I get a lot of questions in comments that have already been answered in the more recent blog post (linked above) - I will no... Continue Reading →
A couple of weeks ago, I was walking home from the Atakule area, when I decided to stop at the mall in Yukari Ayranci? What's that? You didn't know there was a mall in Ayranci? Well, that may be the reason that there aren't many shops in it. Ansera Alisveris Merkezi has just a handful... Continue Reading →
Our friend Natalie at Turkish Travel Blog passed this article around the other day, from a blog called Taking Route. I found it really interesting and completely true. "10 Things that change once you've lived overseas." I got a good laugh out of some of it, like I am constantly forgetting words in English!! And... Continue Reading →
I bet that title caught your eye! (Smile.) On almost a daily basis, I hear Turkish women complain about their husbands. He doesn't want to go anywhere. He doesn't do anything. He would never consider cooking for me. Well, I'm here to tell you, it is mostly your fault! Ouch! Turkish women, in general, treat... Continue Reading →
Here's something you don't see too often in Turkey - a DIY tile project! Labor is relatively cheap here, so most simply hire someone. I say "relatively" because prices of everything seem to be on the rise . . . everything but salary. The tile project is not quite done. We came across a lot... Continue Reading →
Turkey's economy has not been so great lately. People are struggling to find jobs. The daily news is alarming. At the same time, Turks are finally "coming into their own." They won't be beaten down any longer. They are fighting for a true democracy. They are searching for happiness. Searching for happiness. This is true... Continue Reading →
This post will NOT pertain to most of my readers. It is written specifically for those who are wondering what happens to the money paid for a multi-year resident permit after obtaining a work permit for a shorter period. It is based on my experience and research. I will not be held legally liable for... Continue Reading →
I have seen limes from time to time in Turkey, but not often. The first time was on vacation at a restaurant in Kas. I hunted them down afterwards and finally found one store selling them. They were imported and extremely expensive. More recently, I have seen them at specialty shops usually around the holidays. ... Continue Reading →
When I was a kid, I always requested the same cake from Mom, a white box cake, with light blue icing and decorated with cherries. It wasn't that I liked this cake so much, it was that I thought it looked pretty. I loved blue and I loved cherries. Eventually I moved on to dark... Continue Reading →
. . . the mouse will cook bacon! Orecchiette with sauteed (in virgin olive oil) brussel sprouts, onions, tomatoes, garlic, thyme, black pepper and bacon. Topped with Parmesan/Reggiano cheese! It's quick and easy! And I don't think a recipe is needed for this one . . .
This is a custom made frame. It is approximately 20 inches by 15 inches. It is not a real wooden frame. Wood is much more expensive and harder to find. But it looks like real wood and the frame is about 2.5 inches wide. Why do I like it so much? It cost only 25... Continue Reading →
One of the most difficult problems for any expat is translation. Living in Turkey without a full grasp of the language presents its own challenges from day to day. Problems with translation can make those matters worse. I am lucky enough to have a husband and several friends who speak both English and Turkish and... 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 