Exploring the culture, history, and cuisine of Turkey through the eyes of not-just-another-tourist
After a rough week of trying to repair my laptop, I needed something to cheer me up. So I headed over to the local pastane for tea with friends. I really like hanging out their at the sidewalk tables. One friend does a great job translating for me while the others try to teach me... Continue Reading →
There's nothing like a good Şeker Bayram to raise one's foul mood. I had been down in the dumps for a few days. Şeker Bayram, the three day holiday to celebrate the end of Ramadan arrived on Tuesday evening. A three day holiday in the middle of the week quickly turned into a 9-day holiday for... Continue Reading →
No, we are not ready to buy a house in Ankara. But, from time to time, we look. I have to apologize in advance for my tone in this post. I am a bit annoyed with a recent real estate situation that occurred here. So I am feeling a bit bitchy. Buying a house in... Continue Reading →
It's starting to feel a little like early Autumn in Ankara. The days are still sunny and hot, but rather pleasant in the low 80's. The evenings bring a cool breeze. And this morning, as I enjoyed my coffee on the balcony, it was downright cold! I am a summer baby, and although I love... Continue Reading →
While on vacation, we had several opportunities to visit Yalıkavak. Yalıkavak is a bit larger than the village of Gümüşlük, and not nearly as big and commercial as Bodrum. Yalıkavak is super cute! The beaches are small, but great. Restaurants on the beach allow visitors to use their lounge chairs free of charge. Be careful if you... Continue Reading →
There is a small park a couple of doors down from my home. I never go there. The little pools are always dry. The walls covered in graffiti. The benches are dusty. The playground in the back is usually empty. Teenagers hang out and smoke there. Visitors to the hospital seek refuge from the shade... Continue Reading →
Gümüşlük is a seaside village and fishing port on the Bodrum Peninsula. It was built above the remains of the ancient city of Myndos. Some remains of Myndos can still be found in the waters that lead to Rabbit Island. We walked through these waters, however, Rabbit Island is currently closed for excavation. Gümüşlük has... Continue Reading →
Recently, my husband and I spent two weeks on the Bodrum Peninsula. We were based in a small village called Gümüşlük. We visited the towns of Turgutreis, Yalakavak, Ephesus, Selcuk, Kuşadası, and of course, Bodrum. On the way there, we even stopped in Afyon which is known for a yummy candy called Kaymak Şekeri and spent... Continue Reading →
You may remember a post I wrote a while back about McDonalds. I was flabbergasted by their use of the #7 styrofoam container here in Turkey. Well, it seems Burger King is no better. Today I was in one of those moods again. Trying to get some house work done. I still hadn't gone to... Continue Reading →
I admit it, I am a Facebook junkie. I love the feeling of keeping in touch with family and friends from afar. I especially love chatting with grade school and high school friends as if our relationships never fell apart. Today, I saw two groups that I loved . . . "You know you're from West... Continue Reading →
Up to 70 percent of all Turkish women are abused by their spouses. Physically, sexually, emotionally, or financially. Wow. Look around you, folks. That's a lot of women. I remember the looks I got from some "friends" in the States when I decided to marry. It was as if I had let them down. Of... Continue Reading →
Just a quick note to keep you updated. Last week we headed out by car seeking another adventure. We made a pit stop in Pamukkale. Absolutely fabulous! I will write more on that later. But you should look it up online when you get a chance. Naturally created travertines formed from the calcium deposits of... Continue Reading →
I can be anything I want to be. That is what I always believed and it seems to be true for the most part. The funny thing is that I have no recollection of a single person telling me this. I don't recall my parents sitting me down and saying, "Honey, you can be anything... 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 