Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
We all have things we used to do and plan to do again someday. For me, blogging is one of them. I used to post 3 to 4 times a week. Then I left Turkey. I had hoped that with the help of friends, I could keep my readers informed of the comings and goings... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
A big congratulations to our friend Ozlem at Ozlem's Turkish Table. She has published her first cookbook and I can't wait to read it! I just finished ordering my copy. Yes, she ships to the US! Ozlem's blog has been my go-to for Turkish cooking. Why just this past weekend I paid her blog a... Continue Reading →
Hello old friends! It's been a long time. And I am feeling a bit nostalgic tonight. It's over a year now since we returned to the States. Although I felt relieved when we left, I can't say I don't miss Turkey. I do, I really do. Tonight I pulled out an old hard drive looking... Continue Reading →
My husband and I left Turkey in October. We were back in the U.S. in time to celebrate a wave of holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. We moved into our home about three weeks ago. It's been a whirlwind. We truly enjoyed being here with my family. All went well enough.... Continue Reading →
When I woke up at 4:53 this morning, it had been 10 days, 9 hours and 33 minutes since I had stepped on US soil. I had left Turkey approximately 13.5 hours before that. I left the country for many reasons - in search of a better job, a more peaceful existence, a better life. Turkey... Continue Reading →
Dear Friends, The day has finally come, my last full day in Turkey. I know, I know. I should've told you sooner. In fact, there are a lot of things I wish I would've done, I could've done. But I didn't. These last few months have been trying, nay, extremely difficult. I had bright moments,... 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 