Language and Pepin the Short

This morning I signed on to Facebook and found that today is a former teacher's birthday.  I quickly wished him a "dogum günün kutlu olsun," but I wanted to add a quote from Pepin the Short.  I couldn't find one.  You see, Mr. D. was my history teacher in the 9th grade.  He taught "World Cultures" and... Continue Reading →

0

Rants . . .

"Fear of the Law" has prevented me from writing freely this past year.  Since I wasn't raised here, I don't fully understand how things work.  But I do know that many people have been prosecuted for "insulting Turkishness" under the Turkish criminal code.  I'm not afraid to say that I am afraid of that.  I... Continue Reading →

5

Quick China – Restaurant Review

When I first visited Quick China in G.O.P. (Gaziosmanpaşa), I was unprepared to review it.  I had gone with a new friend to check out the lunch buffet and drink wine.  So that's what we did. Recently, I had the occasion to visit Quick China again, this time at its Bilkent location.  In Ankara, Quick... Continue Reading →

5

A Reflection on Friends

Next week will be ten months since I made Turkey my home.  Time passes quickly, and at the same time, moves at the same slow pace of that snail I think is living in my Christmas tree. This morning, I have taken some time to reflect on my friendships, both old and new.  As we... Continue Reading →

7

Mutlu Yıllar

It's New Year's Eve around the world.  In Ankara, it is celebrated much like it is in other countries, with parties, dinner, and friends.  However, in Turkey, there is a twist.  Many people are adding traditional Christmas festivities to their New Year's celebrations.  In Ankara, I have many friends who have New Year's trees with all of... Continue Reading →

2

Kapadokya

Well, the week of my sister visiting has come to an end.  Early this morning we headed to the Ankara airport en route to a white Christmas in Munich.  We arrived at the airport around 4:45 a.m. only to find that the flight was cancelled due to fog in Ankara.  That's right, not due to... Continue Reading →

6

Family

One of my sisters came to visit.  She had a rough flight from Philly to Munich.  Followed by a two hour delay in the Munich airport due to snow - a total of 6 hours sitting in the airport. We didn't do much Wednesday night.  We had  a quick dinner of soup and salad, and... Continue Reading →

5

Where to “Buy” Christmas in Ankara

As you know, Christmas is not celebrated in Turkey.  However, Christmas trees, lights, and carols are popping up every where.  Even on the TV commercials.  Turks have adapted the Christmas holiday as a New Years' celebration.  "Christmas" gifts are even becoming popular for the New Year's holiday. As an expatriate, I have learned to adapt... Continue Reading →

11

The Ghost of Christmas Past

Often, my mind wanders quickly, from one idea to the next.  I have entire conversations with others in my head.  This morning was no different.  The following thoughts occurred in approximately a 10 second flash in my brain: As I sat on my balcony drinking my morning cup of joe, wanderings of Christmas popped into... Continue Reading →

3

I Know You Are, But What Am I?

Turks are Turks.  It's a relatively new phenomena here that some Turks are identified as Kurds or from other cultures.  And in fact, most of those Kurds and others would have likely told you they were Turks, until recently.  I have read many articles where Kurds call themselves Turks first.  It's the Turks who more... Continue Reading →

3

Up ↑