Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
2012. What a year. Here's a look back at some of my better blog posts, one from each month. I left out the recipes and restaurant reviews - although there were some goodies there! January, Keeping Up Appearances - How I learned to cover up. February, Junking - Comparing Turkey and the U.S. and my... Continue Reading →
Happy New Year! Are you wondering how to make a lovely breakfast this New Year's morning, but as an expat, don't know how to make pancakes without a box mix from Aunt Jemima or Bisquick? Well, do I have news for you! Here is an easy recipe and all of the ingredients are readily available... Continue Reading →
Did I get your attention? Sorry, this post is not about the actual empire. Rather, it is about my idea for a new business should I ever move back to the States. The business will be called, "The Ottoman Kumpir." "What is Kumpir?" Glad you asked. Kumpir is a stuffed potato, similar to the beloved... Continue Reading →
When I meet a Turk for the first time, they inevitably will ask me where I am from. This is not the case for most Europeans. They always know from my [insert adjective] accent that I am American. Most Turks though aren't trained in distinguishing the English speaker's accents as easily (not that there aren't... Continue Reading →
People often tell me that I am a creative person. I can't disagree with that. I love many things that one would traditionally call creative, music, arts, etc. But I don't agree that a person is only considered creative if they participate in these fields. I mean, if you really like to work on cars... Continue Reading →
Many of you are aware that I am not a baker. Remember this post, To Bake or Not to Bake? In fact, I don't even like cake that much. Now a nice pie, that's a different story! Lemon Meringue, blueberry, pumpkin . . . Anyway, my husband loves cake almost as much as he loves... Continue Reading →
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 →
Did you ever have one of those days where everything seems to fly by but nothing really happens? That's what I am experiencing right now, day after day. I've been back visiting Mom. She of course had a few things she wanted my help with. "No problem!" I wrote them down so I wouldn't forget.... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
People are always asking me what I miss from the States while I am living in Ankara. My answers are always the same. Family. Friends. Food. This week, I realized there are other things. I really miss the greenery everywhere. In Ankara, we have beautiful parks. And we can drive outside of the city to... Continue Reading →
Recently, one of my faithful readers told me she is planning a trip to Pennsylvania and wants to know what she should see. So I am planning on responding with a few blog posts, starting with Philadelphia. Click on the links for more information. I hope you will all join me by adding to the... Continue Reading →
Today is Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday devoted to celebrating those men and women who fought for our country and lost their lives in doing so. My Dad's "Uncle Pete", Private First Class Walter J. Archer, was one of them. He fought in WWII and was killed in action on November 13, 1944 in Italy. He was... 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 