Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
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 →
Our friend Claudia at A Seasonal Cook in Turkey, posted the following on her blog. Thanks for allowing me to repost Claudia! A Truly Turkish Taste: In other words, unripened almonds. I think you have to be born Turkish in order to like these! They are viewed here as an early harbinger of spring not... 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 →
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 →
Last week, our friends at Turkish Muse posted a story entitled, "10 Things I've Learned About Flying in Turkey." This inspired me to share some of my traveling tips on booking flights with you. I am a seasoned traveller. My first flight, at the tender age of 7, was to Germany. Since then I have... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, my husband and I were headed back home from a lovely weekend at a thermal spa. Patalya Thermal Hotel is nestled in the mountains of a national park, about an hour's drive from downtown Ankara. We were rather relaxed. We had taken advantage of the thermal pools, saunas, and baths. I even had an aroma... 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 →
Last night I saw a Turkish musical entitled, "Seslerle Anadolu" or "Voice of Anatolia" performed at Leyla Gencer Sahnesi. It was really beautifully done and I highly recommend seeing the show if you get a chance. Seserle Anadolu is a compilation of traditional Turkish songs, dance, poems and stories that cover varying periods of Anatolian history. The... Continue Reading →
Wednesday was Date Night - dinner and a show. I got all dolled up and had my hair done. Unfortunately, I am still not able to communicate clearly with the hairdressers here. I wanted the hair blown out with a bit of a soft curl towards the bottom. I came out looking like Shirley Temple.... Continue Reading →
It's New Year's Eve around the world. In Ankara, it is celebrated much like it is in other countries, with parties, dinner, and friends. However, in Turkey, there is a twist. Many people are adding traditional Christmas festivities to their New Year's celebrations. In Ankara, I have many friends who have New Year's trees with all of... Continue Reading →
Merry Christmas from Strassberg Germany!
Well, the week of my sister visiting has come to an end. Early this morning we headed to the Ankara airport en route to a white Christmas in Munich. We arrived at the airport around 4:45 a.m. only to find that the flight was cancelled due to fog in Ankara. That's right, not due to... 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 