Bahçelievler means houses with gardens. What a lovely name for a neighborhood. I never really visited it much when I lived in Ankara other than visits to the hospital, an antique store, and visits to Anitkabir (the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk). According to Wikipedia, Bahcelievler was known in the 1970s as a battleground for... Continue Reading →
And just like that … A Tip for Traveling in Turkey (Post-Covid)
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 →
When Manayunk Returns to Ankara
I'm not saying it's going to happen. But I'm not saying it's not either. Should I return to Ankara, what would be my first things to see and do? 1- Hug my mother-in-law and brother-in-law (obviously) and meet my new sister-in-law! I don't think there is a word for "little sister," is there? And if... Continue Reading →
Kiteboarding Turkey
I'm not a water sports person, so I have no idea when kiteboarding, also known as kite surfing, became popular. I would love to share with you, however, my firsthand experience having watched it live in Turkey. At the end of summer 2018, we took a trip to Burhaniye (Ayvalik) on the western coast. My... Continue Reading →
The Turk Takes a Trip
Are you tired of the winter blues? Need a little break from Ankara? Feeling a little athletic? Can you deal with just a little bit of hectic travel? Why not try winter sports in France?! As I've previously written, Turkey boasts a truly beautiful mountain for snowboarding and skiing in the heart of Anatolia at... Continue Reading →
Snow Season! Snowboarding & Skiing in Kayseri
Folks, I know it's cold out there! Why not consider some winter sports? About a 4-mile drive from Ankara,, in the heart of Anatolia, lies Kayseri. I call it the "financial heart" of Turkey. But it's more than that, it boasts a mountain larger than those in the German Alps! Erciyes, how I love ye,... Continue Reading →
Turkish Holiday Destinations
Thinking of traveling to Turkey? Already there and wondering where to go and what to see? Please click on this link. It contains links to many of my blog posts on travel to some of my favorite spots. Ankara to Istanbul! The Mediterranean coast, Aegean, and Black Sea! Kapadokya!!! And let's not forget the paragliding adventure!... Continue Reading →
Friends, Death, and Manayunk. I’m baaaaaack.
It's almost 8 months since I left my home and moved back to the States. So many times I have had ideas for blogs posts. Good ones and bad. Happy and sad. Angry. But I didn't write. This week an old friend told me he felt like he had lost touch. Although we really don't... Continue Reading →