October 17, 2005
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The Turkey Post
Dang,
I hate starting all over again. So, I'm in Turkey. It's
been almost two weeks now and I've finally got the Internet and VOIP
set-up. Where to begin? Well, let's see, first
impressions... my greatest fear was that I would step off the
plane here in Ankara and think, "Dammit, this place looks like
Queens." Instead, I stepped off the plane, looked around and
thought, "Dammit, this place looks like Korea."
Not the nice parts, mind you, but the still developing areas outside
the cities. As we made our way into the city proper, it got
better, but the grimyness of the streets and the diesel smoke all over
the place reminded me of Seoul. This place is hills, hills, and
some more hills. And holy cow, there is some
seriously crazy driving. I mean, I drive in NYC with
speed and I have no problem with it, but here it's just another
world. It's mostly the taxis. I don't know why they bother
painting lines on the road cuz nobody ever stays in their lane.
They use their horn and their high beams like they're having
conversations with each other. Turns from any lane, anywhere. Our first cab ride, the driver was smoking while
driving with the windows nearly all the way up. Haven't been in a
smoking culture for so long, it's been a bit of a shock. The
place they gave us is nice enough. Three bedrooms, fully
furnished, plenty of space. There's of course lots more to tell,
but I'll bring it out in bits and pieces. Here are some photos we
took of Ulus, the oldest part of the city, and a bit of a tourist stop:
Turkish Phrase of the Day: Siz nasilsiniz?
Means "How are you?" Try saying that fast ten times....
Comments (17)
Hope you're doing well. Looking forward to more updates.
i don't think ankara is on our itinerary...it REALLY does look like korea, theoutskirts of seoul. have you had the ice cream yet?
wow, i didn't know you left for turkey already! that's great. how long are you guys planning to stay there? have a great life/adventure!
good to see that you two are finally there in one piece. please let us know what turkish food is good... i'm still undecided as to what to order when i go, cuz i get differing recommendations from different turkish waiters each time. thanks dude.
1st..congrats on your wedding!! 2nd...please keep posting, so interesting to see and read
wow... so you're officially in turkey now. wow.
well, good luck with everything... i'm glad you're posting. keep them coming!!
i'm so envious of your new life journey!!!
did u just ask a random turkish dude on teh street to take tha tpicture with you?
good to know visa is welcome there. the expressions of you and that turkish dude is hilarious.
you're right, that's a security risk, isn't it... it was nice to see you before you left =]
Great pics indeed but you're right parts of the city do look like Seoul! Keep the posts comin' ...
may God continue to bless you and your wife in Turkey!!!!
Hi! Can't wait to hear how things are going for you. We miss you here...
Sad you guys aren't here ... but glad to hear that you made it safely to Turkey. Keep in touch!
Hoojer, I can't believe you're in Turkey. You & your wife are awesome.
you allllllllll right!!!
Hooj, the Turks must have learned how to drive from the Chinese.
Those pictures make me want to go visit you! Tell Cecillia hello for me!
Hey,
It's not like you left. It seems like you just moved to another state. Turkey looks like shigol. Also, how are you handling the BO?