Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
I was strolling through GOP (Gaziosmanpaşa) in Ankara, when I came across this sign: Good Earth! A new shop in Ankara! The name was intriguing, so I ventured in. The shop was full of gorgeous textiles (kitchen & bath), candles, furniture, and more. There was even a corner for kids! They have just opened, so... Continue Reading →
UPDATE: Bookish has closed. Homer Kitabevi, Bestekar Sok. 35 (between Tunali and Tunus) is a quaint little bookstore with a big English selection - especially for kids. D&R is a bigger chain store with a location on Tunali and also in many malls.) A couple of weeks ago, I was strolling home from Gaziosmanpaşa (GOP)... Continue Reading →
GET OUT AND VOTE! Today is election day in Turkey. The Prime Minister is not up for re-election, but his party is. The three largest cities are Istanbul (over 14 million), Ankara (about 5 million) and Izmir (about 3.5 million). Below is some reading from Turkish & International newspapers on the subject: Turkey Politicians Make... Continue Reading →
The 31st International Ankara Music Festival will take place at many venues. This year's event includes outdoor concerts and a light show. The festival starts April 4th and runs through April 30th. For more program details and tickets, check their website at http://www.ankarafestival.com/. Be there or be square!
I had a chat with an old high school friend yesterday on Facebook. I don't know how we got on the topic of cleaning ladies, but we did. Yes, politically incorrect, but in Turkey, there is really no such thing as a male housekeeper. I told him that in Turkey it is very common for... Continue Reading →
Below is a message from: Embassy of the United States of America Ankara, Turkey Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Protests in Turkey March 11, 2014 The Embassy of the United States of America anticipates demonstrations in Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir and other cities in Turkey following the death today (March 11) of Berkin Elvan,... Continue Reading →
In this time of political chaos in Turkey, I would like to share the following article with you. I came across it this morning in a Turkish newspaper. It caught my eye because of its simple beauty: no politics, no fighting, no blaming. No chaos. It does, however, involve religion, but the article is not... Continue Reading →
Last night I dined at the JW Steakhouse (Marriott Hotel) in Ankara. I can't really say I was disappointed, because I did not expect much from it. I can say that I will never go again, unless someone else is buying! I'm a food snob. I love a good greasy cheap diner and I love... Continue Reading →
The below message for U.S. citizens was received today (and applies to most visiting non-Turks): Embassy of the United States of America Ankara, Turkey February 20, 2014 Message for U.S. Citizens Transition Period: Turkish Airport Visas Revised Information and Fee Increase This supersedes the Message for U.S. Citizens sent on January 16, 2014 regarding visas... Continue Reading →
On Friday I had received a call that a woman had passed away. I never met her personally. She was an elderly woman who used to live in my home. She had moved to a nursing home shortly before we moved to Ankara. From time to time over the past few years, I had thought... Continue Reading →
A message from Embassy of the United States of America Ankara, Turkey February 14, 2014 Security Message for U.S. Citizens Protests in Ankara The Turkish National Police (TNP) notified the U.S. Embassy that there will be large protests in the Kizilay area of Ankara on February 15, 2014, between... Continue Reading →
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet a fellow American expat who has started her own American-style bakery in Ankara. Not only did I meet her, but I had the chance to taste some of her delicious sweets! Two Chicks Bakery was established in Ankara last year. The owners realized that American-style cakes and... Continue Reading →
I was surprised last night by a Turkish menu. I didn't know most of the items on the small menu. This rarely happens to me anymore. The star of the menu was Pöç. It was basically the meat and fat surrounding the spine of a cow. (They say the tail bone, but it looks like a... 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 