I learned something new yesterday and thought I would share it. Yesterday, upon entering Bauhaus (the German version of Home Depot which is also in Turkey), we were asked to show a "HES kodu." Luckily, I was with my husband because I had no idea what they wanted. However, once he informed me what it... Continue Reading →
Doing the Math & My Love of All Things Paşabahçe
When I first moved to Turkey in 2010, I quickly realized that I was constantly converting figures whether it be measurements, temperatures or money. Some equations were easy. Temperatures, of course, were more difficult, after all, those involved a whole formula! For me, the money conversions were the most interesting. Sure, it was simple math. ... Continue Reading →
Typing in Turkey
After years of blogging, my husband decided that I should own a typewriter. I had always wanted one, but had never pulled the trigger. He presented me with my first manual typewriter, a 1961 Royal Futura 800. A year and a half later, I'm the proud owner of 13 manual typewriters ranging from extremely odd... Continue Reading →
Buying winter tires in Ankara
A reader asked a couple of great questions on one of my earlier blog posts, Tips for Driving in the Snow in Turkey. She was wondering about the costs of winter tires and how a non-Turkish speaker could find out about it? Below are my thoughts on the matter, but your experiences would be welcome... Continue Reading →
Shameless Plug
My brother has created a website to promote his lovely hand-crafted furniture. Â I welcome my readers to peruse the site and photos of his work. Â Feel free to contact him directly if you are looking for furnishings (truly artwork) from reclaimed wood. Â Just click the below link. Bill Henson Custom Wood Work
Ordering Online? Beware Cargo!
Due to some of the personal email responses I received from this blog post, I have updated the post. Â First, is my personal experience in Ankara, which may be useful to both Turks and expats here in Turkey. Â Second, is some helpful information for foreigners and Americans when dealing with shipping in the U.S. In... Continue Reading →
Top 5 Things to do in Ankara — Off the Beaten Path
I have hesitated to write a Top 5 "to do" list of my favorite places in Ankara. Â The reason? Â I am not a "usual" type of girl. The things I like to see and do will also be enjoyed by most of you, but most are NOT the typical places you will find on a... Continue Reading →
Belgian Chocolate in Ankara
Last week, my friend Marlene sent out an email informing fellow expats that The Chocolate Art would have Christmas chocolates available on December 8th.  Marlene is a great friend to have - she knows all you need to know as an expat in town.  Although we have mostly been "virtual friends," we finally met this year.  And... Continue Reading →
I spy . . . sweet potatoes!
If you are new to Ankara, and American, you are likely having a bit of a mental breakdown this week. Â Yes, Thanksgiving is upon us and you don't know how you will live without sweet potatoes! Well, feast your eyes on these: The one on the left is an American Sweet Potato! Â There are a... Continue Reading →
Crate & Barrel!!!!!
Crate &Â Barrel has finally opened in Istanbul!!! Well, I'm not sure when it actually happened or where it is. Â What I do know is that the emails I get from them finally have links so I can shop online!!! I'm happy! Hubby? Â - probably not as happy as me!! Â hahahaha Here's the link: http://www.crateandbarrel.com.tr/
Guess who’s Coming to GOP? Hobi Evi!!!
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? Â You didn't know there was a mall in Ayranci? Â Well, that may be the reason that there aren't many shops in it. Ansera Alisveris Merkezi has just a handful... Continue Reading →
Top things to do when Visiting West Chester
This is my list of favorite things to do when going home. Â My list is personal, but you may want to check some of it out when you go - or if you are in the area of Philadelphia, Chadds Ford, Chester County, etc. Visit family and friends Drive the country roads of West Chester... Continue Reading →
St. Nicholas Church, Demre (Myra)
During our week in KaÅŸ, my husband and I set out on our own sightseeing adventure.  We drove to the neighboring town of Demre, formerly known as Myra.  It was about a 45 minute drive - beautiful greenery, mountains, and sea side.  Our first stop was the Church of St. Nick, THE St. Nick, Santa Claus!!... Continue Reading →

