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 →
More to do in Ankara: METUArt 15
METUArt 15, at METU Culture and Convention Center between March 21 – April 20 METUArt 15 is setting out… METU invites Ankara to the concerts, theatres, films, workshops, talks and the exhibition that will take place between March 21 – April 20, 2014. For more details on the program, check this link: http://kkm.metu.edu.tr/event/metuart-15-at-metu-culture-and-convention-center/
Music in Ankara!
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!
Why Salt Is Important in Baking | Shauna Sever
A wise woman puts a grain of sugar into everything she says to a man, and takes a grain of salt with everything he says to her. Helen Rowland I stopped adding salt to dishes many moons ago -- except spinach. Spinach needs salt. It didn't take long before I realized that food had tastes... Continue Reading →
Cleaning Lady and Saving for College
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 →
The death of Berkin Elvan has brought more protests – U.S. Embassy Warning
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 →
Getting Through Mixed Emotions
It is almost three months since my sister Eileen left us. It's a strange time. Family and close friends remember what you are still going through, but most forget. This is normal. You may remember that I had gone through quite a bit during the months before and after her death. When I think back... Continue Reading →
World churches get a door to the world from Hatay
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 →
JW Steakhouse, Ankara
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 →
Turkish Airport Visas: Revised Information and Fee Increase
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 →
A Turkish Funeral: my family, my friend
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 →
Protests in Kizilay, Ankara today – Be Cautious!
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 →
Two Chicks Bakery
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 →
Adventures in Ankara 