Curly horns, a donkey with a saddle. These are a few of my favorite things. This is a typical sight anywhere on a road in Turkey. This particular shot was not far from Gordion where King Midas’ father is buried in a huge tumulus about 45 minutes from Ankara. We have been on this road so many times, that I didn’t even bring my DSLR. This was shot with our little Canon point and shoot, and I love it.
What are some of your favorite point and shoot captures?
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Continue reading Photo of the Day – Sheep and Donkey
This is a photo off our old balcony in Ankara. So calm, so serene. I miss it. Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m loving it here, in Germany, as well….but I do miss Ankara.
Patlican Biber Kizartmasi or Fried Eggplant and Peppers with Yogurt and Tomato Sauce
On a lazy afternoon, thinking about food, of course. This picture and the memory of the taste comes unbidden to mind. Luckily, I got this recipe from my good friend, Fusun. I discovered this dish at one of my favorite restaurants in Ankara. I just love it!
4 Asian eggplants, the long skinny ones salt 2 spicy green peppers, like a 2 jalapeno peppers 1 large can of crushed tomatoes 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 teaspoon sugar salt and pepper to [...]
Continue reading Recipe – Fried Eggplant and Peppers with Sauces
This is a statue that commemorates the Hittites who are one of the many cultures to have lived in this region of Turkey through the ages. This statue stands right in the middle of Ataturk Bulvari and holds a special place in my heart. I have a photo of my brothers and sisters and a friend of mine when we were thirteen sitting on top of it. Too cool!
One thing you have to love about the Turkish countryside, it can seem rather desolate. Coming home late one afternoon from Konya the ride can be monotonous, but to brighten it up is this reminder that at home you can sit down and have a cold Efes beer. Never is an advertisement as welcome as this one.
Travel is about experience, about people. Throw away that guidebook and follow these steps to know the friendliest, most hospitable people on earth. The Turks have been invaded, rarely conquered, and always admired for thousands of years. Living on land that has long been the crossroads of civilizations they have always dealt with visitors from around the globe. Modern day tourists can’t help but trip over these remains of ancient cultures. Famous people such as St. Paul, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and even Barack Obama have come here to conquer or court this country for its supreme position. Ankara [...]
Continue reading How to Get to Know the Turks in Ankara
Children's Day in Kizilay
April 23rd was Children’s Day here in Turkey. The entire country, but especially the schools, are decorated in Turkish flags as well as photos of Ataturk. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk was the first president of Turkey after he helped gain indepence from Greece. He set up the First Grand National Assembly on this day in Ankara, which he made the new capital of the country. That was in 1920, but in 1927 he dedicated this day to children to emphasize their role in Turkey’s future.
Kids all over the country prepare sports and cultural events to [...]
Continue reading Celebrating Children’s Day in Turkey
Temple of Augustus
Ankara is an ancient town; it has been inhabited by someone since about 3000 BC. The first to arrive, the Phrygians had a small settlement. The capital of Phrygia was Gordion about 45 kilometers to the west.
It didn’t become a major city until the Celts conquered it in 278 BC. The Galatians (a Celtic tribe) were very influential with the Phrygians and the language of the Celts (a sort of Welsh or Gaelic) hung around for centuries after the Celts had left the city. The only monument that I know of that still exists from [...]
Continue reading Romping Through Roman Ankara
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