How to Celebrate Christmas in Ankara

Every year there are new comers to Ankara with the same questions we all had.  How do we celebrate Christmas in Ankara? Celebrating one of the biggest of the Christian holidays while living in a Muslim country doesn't have to be as difficult as you may think.  The key is to lower expectations.  Think about... Continue Reading →

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Money Management

I am not a worrier by nature.  Shit happens.  Move on.  Deal with it. I am also not the best when it comes to managing money.  Sometimes I save.  Sometimes I spend.  I know where my weakness is - a fabulous meal with great wine.  I pay for that. I am also not one to... Continue Reading →

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Photo of the day

On my walk to Kizilay I came across these plants. They look like heather but in many vibrant colors. Unfortunately, I didn't get a closeup.  Any idea of what it is?  Does heather come in so many colors?

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Thanksgiving Success

Thanksgiving 2102 Ankara. It was fabulous! Below are my photos of what happens when you share a beloved American holiday with 20 others, mostly Turks, and most of whom lived in the U.S. at some point.  They get it.  They know how to enjoy it. Even Lucky enjoyed the evening . . . This year,... Continue Reading →

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Adventures in Bozcaada

It's been quite a while since I started to write about the long weekend spend touring Çanakkale.  I've been a little sidetracked lately.  To bring you up to date, Day 1 was a trip from Ankara to Bursa, with a stop to eat İnegöl Köfte in İnegöl.  Day 2 started with a trip from Bursa to Troy. Day 2... Continue Reading →

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Turkish Journalists – Report from NPR

Very interesting newscast and article from NPR: Turkey is disputing a new report that names it as the world's leading jailer of journalists, with scores behind bars — ahead of Iran, China and other authoritarian states. Click here to read or listen to the entire story.  The link to the report is in Turkish and English.

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Life is What We Make of It

Life has been so busy lately.  Trips, parties, illnesses, stress. Life is what we make of it. I've never been a person that put friends and family on a back burner.  They always have and always will come first.  Even when they irritate me.  Now, I sometimes find myself juggling which friends and which family... Continue Reading →

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Here’s Something

Inhale. Recent months have been extremely busy. Lots of work.  Lots of house stuff.  Lots of family.  Life can be stressful, even when you are enjoying it.  And then there are the times that aren’t so enjoyable. I am one of those people who have a hard time dealing with stress.  For my body, stress... Continue Reading →

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