In 2008, Ankara was listed as one of the world's worst cities for air pollution. The large increase in natural gas prices and the distribution of free coal by municipalities prior to local elections has led to an enormous jump in pollution levels in Ankara, reaching 9,350 micrograms per cubic meter in the Sıhhiye district.... Continue Reading →
Kabak Mücveri (Turkish Zucchini Fritters)
I actually published this recipe last year. I had tried it at a friend's place and then scoured the internet for this recipe. I made it again this evening, substituting the feta with goat cheese. Loved it again! It's a great way to get your vegetables in! A couple of notes: The first time I... Continue Reading →
Photos of the Day
On Sunday, as I was leaving Eymir Golu (the lake owned by METU) and about to turn on to the highway, I saw this: I realize it looks like a rather rural area, but we truly were turning here to get on to the highway. And he wasn't alone! On the other side of the... Continue Reading →
Adapt or Die: Guest Blogger takes a look at Turkey’s new law on downloading music and movies
So let me get this straight. Turkey is going to allow corporations from other parts of the world to go into your computer and snoop around to see if you have downloaded any music or movies. Meanwhile the options to buy music and DVDs are very limited and expensive here. Hey, I would love to... Continue Reading →
Open Air Cinema – Hot Fun in the Summertime!
CerModern boasts an Open Air Theatre and is showing international films every Tuesday night, 26 June through September 25, 2012. Last night we saw Burn After Reading, starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and John Malkovich. Yeah, it's hot. It's pretty, pretty, pretty hot. But being outdoors in the Summertime is all I want from life.... Continue Reading →
Dafne – Restaurant Review
Yesterday was my birthday. My tradition is to cook a lovely Bavarian meal of Wiener Schnitzel, potato pancakes, and cucumber salad. This year, I set out in search of a German restaurant in Ankara. I sent an email to my fellow expats requesting information. Alas, I found that Ankara hosts no German restaurants. I did... Continue Reading →
You make the call
My wallet was stolen last November. What a hassle that was. You can read more about it here. Six of Ankara's finest arrived on the scene. They spent a couple of hours questioning me at the location, preventing me from calling my credit card companies immediately. They never questioned any of the neighbors who came... Continue Reading →
Recycle America!
One of the great things I like about the States is the attempts to recycle practically everything. I realize we are still far behind and there's always more to do to save Planet Earth. But compared to Turkey, we are miles ahead. Behind? Absolutely! I remember one day back in the 90's (I think it... Continue Reading →
Meet Kemal, my 9-year-old friend who spent a year living in the States
Today's guest blogger is the son of dear friends. Kemal is a 9-year-old "almost typical" Turkish boy. He's typical in most ways but one, he spent a year living in the United States, learning the English language, going to school, and making new friends. Reading this, it will be obvious that he had a little... Continue Reading →
What are you smoking?
I realize it is no longer popular to smoke. (By the way, that makes it much more difficult to buy a quick gift from a tourist shop. Remember the terrible ash trays your parents had in the 70's?) So this post is not about whether I smoke, cigarette butts on the streets, or banning smoking... Continue Reading →
Interview with the Author: The Okçular Book Project
I would like to introduce to you a new friend, Alan Fenn. Alan is a "virtual friend." One of those to whom I referred on a previous blog - one I have never met but highly revere. In my mind, Alan is many things; an author, a blogger, a political virtuoso, lover of flora... Continue Reading →
All Kinds of Friends – In Honor of Kurt
Most of us have at least one good friend. Many of us have lots of friends. Some we are close with and some we don't know well. Some come and go and some last a life time. But do you remember ever wanting to have a pen pal? A friend who you would likely never... Continue Reading →
Am I just being paranoid?
Yesterday, as part of a day full of various "events" in a smallish group setting, I heard a female Imam speak. It followed prayers, as last evening was a Muslim holy day. I couldn't see her directly, and eventually left the room since I couldn't understand what she was saying. She appeared to be very... Continue Reading →
Adventures in Ankara 