I realize this blog is now out of chronological order, but that can't be helped. I still have not gotten to download the pics...computer problems...but will eventually. For now, we'll just have verbal descriptions.
Our little company that travelled to Sivas from Istanbul included mil (Elif-anne), DH's grandmother (Yeter-anne) {"anne" means mother...they attach this to the first name, as we do with "aunt" and "uncle}, sil (Fatma), uncle's wife and 2 kids (Guler, Ulas and Sidal) and DH's aunt (Nilufer), Little Sir and I. DH's uncle, Ali, met us in Sivas, as he was coming from somewhere else. Seems like a lot of people for a 2 bedroom house, but it worked!
When we arrived in Sivas (a city, and also a province), in the "city" of Zara (a very loose term, here,) we then had to take a "service" car...a 15 passenger van, with all our luggage and food packages on the roof...for an hour and a half ride to the house, out in a pastoral village nestled in the mountains.
As all of Turkiye has interesting history, Sivas, in Central Turkiye, east of the capital city of Ankara, certainly has enough tales to fill a history book, all on its own. It was an important city of Asia Minor under the empires of Rome, the Byzantines, and the Seljuk Turks. In 1400, it was sacked by Tamerlane, and fell to the Ottoman Turks (the next empire) after that. The winding roads through mountain after mountain after mountain, have periodic deposits of its historic past. From our house, we made daily excursions, mostly by foot, to explore the beauty of the natural scenery and soak in the history, as well.
At 1275 meters altitude (approx. 3825 ft.), I often felt my ears popping on the bus ride, and also as we climbed some of the higher peaks. Sivas is the highest city in the Central Anatolian region of Turkiye, the most mountainous in this mountain range.
I have always loved mountains, from my childhood days when my father would take us on spontaneous trips upstate New York in the summer. Although I have grown up on Long Island, and have salt water in my veins, I have always said that I could leave the sea...the ocean, bays, etc...if I was in mountains with water. I was delighted to find that our little house had absolutely gorgeous mountain views from every angle. Out of the kitchen, bathroom, and 1 of the bedroom windows, you could see the mountain at the rear of the house (I don't know the mountain names now.) You could see another tiny village (and I mean tiny...villages have anywhere from 20 - 200 houses) nestled at the foot of that mountain, going about a quarter of the way up. From the living room and other bedroom, and the front porch, 4 or 5 other mountains were in view, in every direction.
In front of the house is a small stream, which comes directly out of the rock of the mountain's base, about a mile and a half away, and meanders its way through the village. This stream is wonderful, potable water...in fact, much of the water in this region is bottled and sold...and Turkiye supplies water to many countries of the Middle East...perhaps its greatest national treasure. This water source had also been tapped, below ground, in a well, for the house water.
At the end of the road, there was a fountain, where this water was piped in, and locals would use this to carry water to places where it wasn't piped yet...the concrete workers, for example, would fill water tanks in their trucks, and take it to cemeteries or new construction sites.
Other similar water sources, fresh from the rock at mountain bases, and cold from melting snow, untouched previously by human hands, were sprinkled all over the region, and we got to know which ones we thought tasted best. Many times we would go on excursions with empty 2 liter bottles and bring this delicious water back to the house.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
European Toilets - To Pay or Not to Pay
I have a vague memory of pay-toilets in Italy in 1983. I dıdn't have much need for them, so it wasn't much of an issue. On our road trip to Sivas, it was another story. Every time the bus stopped on our 14 hour Metro-bus trek (very nice, made by Mercedes Benz), we'd all troup out and use the potty. At each one, there was someone in a little booth collecting coins. It's cheap...probably about 20 cents, but still...what if you don't have any money on you? I haven't actually seen any homeless, but what about them? And, for having to pay for it, you'd think they'd always be clean and well-stocked. Not so. Just like American publıc restrooms, some were nice and some were really horrible and stinky.
Anyway, a word to the wise. In many European countries, you have to always have money in your pocket, just in case you hafta go!
Anyway, a word to the wise. In many European countries, you have to always have money in your pocket, just in case you hafta go!
Back in Istanbul!
We are back in Istanbul, and ınternet-land. Lots to write about once I get caught up with everything else. Keep posted.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Going to Sivas
It has been unbelievably hot in Istanbul. I talked to my dad on the computer (webcam) and he did the conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit...said, "That can't be right...it's 103!" I said, "Yeah, that's about right. And it's humid, too." You just about get out of the shower and dressed, and you have rivers of sweat running down your face and back again.
But, after massive packing and re-packing we are on our way to Sivas, to Zara, the mountain village where mıl and fıl are from. Even though we are going to a house, it's like preparing for camping. I dıdn't realize before, they take food, too, as the house is pretty far from markets. Local farmers come regularly with milk and eggs, but I don't think much else. We'll see.
I'll be without internet for 10 days or so, but I'll keep a journal, and post blog entries, hopefully with pıctures, later!
But, after massive packing and re-packing we are on our way to Sivas, to Zara, the mountain village where mıl and fıl are from. Even though we are going to a house, it's like preparing for camping. I dıdn't realize before, they take food, too, as the house is pretty far from markets. Local farmers come regularly with milk and eggs, but I don't think much else. We'll see.
I'll be without internet for 10 days or so, but I'll keep a journal, and post blog entries, hopefully with pıctures, later!
Castle-Hunting
On a visit to Refiye Yenge's (aunt from the father's side), Thursday, her 17-year-old daughter, Özge, was showing us pictures of some high school field trips. We came across pictures of Rumeli Hisar (castle), and were reminded of how beautiful it is. On our last trip, we got to view this from the water on our tour-boat trip with other cousins. (I have tried to insert pics here, but this computer is kinda old and not cooperating.) Little Sir and I became enamoured of it from a distance.
Özge's father, Huseyin (Amca..."uncle"), offered to be a 2 day tour guide on his days off and we had a glorious time - probably our best in all of our Turkiye excursions to date.
Thursday eveniıng, we went to the "telefırik" (cable cars) up to the top of one of the "hills" of Istanbul (it's a city buılt on 7 hills, just lıke Rome), overlooking the Bosphorous. At the top, there is a restaurant\tea garden, Pierre Loti, after the French poet who built it late 1800's. He rubbed elbows with all the bigwigs of the time, including Attatürk. After relaxing at the tea garden, overlooking the sea, we chose to walk all the way down the ancient steps (real ankle-killers.) These have been there for hundreds of years...maybe more, as there is a cemetery on either side, where many historic notables are buried.
We dıd some evening-strolling and window shopping, and finally ended up at a "government" restaurant where Huseyin, a civil servant (engineer for the water district) got a really nice discountç. The food was lovely - everything from zeytinyağlı (olive oil drizzled cold appetizers, stuffed green peppers, stuffed grape leaves and eggplant, spicy eggplant salad, green bean salad) to grilled chicken and sea trout with pilaf and bread...ending, of course, with tea, and chocolate dondurma (ice cream) for Little Sir. Our delightful evening ended with a long bus trek back to their house, during which Little Sir fell asleep and had to be carried home the last leg by Huseyin Amca. He woke up and mumbled, "When are we going to the castle?" and konked out again.
Refiye Yenge put all of our clothes in the washer while we showered and donned borrowed clothes to sleep in. Since Turkiye doesn't have clothes dryers, I was afraid the drip dried clothes would still be wet, but the next day, the hot morning sun had dried them by the time breakfast was over and we were ready to leave.
Homemade breakfast is a big daily affair. Huseyin made an omelet: potatoes, tomatoes, assorted peppers, onions, served with black Turkish olives (meaty, strong flavored and quite salty), cucumbers & tomatoes, several cheeses, cherry preserves, pastries (not sweet: stuffed with cheese, peppers, spinach) and fresh bread. (Turkish bakeries run about 16 hours a day, so there's always fresh bread...the Turks demand it fresh at every meal.)
Then, we headed off on our full day of tours with our very professional guide. Really, Huseyin should do this as a side job. He knows all the facts, history, funny stories about so many places, the best routes to take, etc., and, as a government servant, got in free or cheaply in many places. We went to Boğaziçi Universiti, where I'd love to work, the Balikpazarı (fıshing wharf), then Rumeli Castle until it closed and they kicked us out. We excitedly explored every staircase, every turret, every tower, cannon, peephole, the amphıtheater in the middle, and every incredible view of the Bosphorous. Truly breathtaking. The water is so blue - deep turquoise, similar to the Mediterranean, but a little greener.
The history of the castle was just as interesting as the view was gorgeous. In 1451, it was ordered to be built by the Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed II, in an effort to control the water route into Istanbul (then Constantinople) from invasion from the Black Sea, and thus crucial inland waterways. Literally "under the gun" with the loss of control of Turkiye ımmınent, the Sultan made it a contest between his top pashas (generals), to see which regiments could complete their section fastest. This ımmense castle, I think the largest fortress of its kind in Europe, was completed in just over 4 months...really an amazing feat. It is still in great conditıon, not a ruin at all.
Our trek into history ended, and we went back to the fish wharves where we dined at another government restaurant...a fish restaurant right on the docks, with water running beneath it. Little Sir kept hanging over the railing by his chair to feed the fish bread in the water below. We each had different local fish, from appetizers to soup to entrees, and even without the employee discount, it was very very reasonable. Cheaper than McDonalds in the U.S. Even without famıly, Istanbul is definitely a vacation spot I'd recommend!
Özge's father, Huseyin (Amca..."uncle"), offered to be a 2 day tour guide on his days off and we had a glorious time - probably our best in all of our Turkiye excursions to date.
Thursday eveniıng, we went to the "telefırik" (cable cars) up to the top of one of the "hills" of Istanbul (it's a city buılt on 7 hills, just lıke Rome), overlooking the Bosphorous. At the top, there is a restaurant\tea garden, Pierre Loti, after the French poet who built it late 1800's. He rubbed elbows with all the bigwigs of the time, including Attatürk. After relaxing at the tea garden, overlooking the sea, we chose to walk all the way down the ancient steps (real ankle-killers.) These have been there for hundreds of years...maybe more, as there is a cemetery on either side, where many historic notables are buried.
We dıd some evening-strolling and window shopping, and finally ended up at a "government" restaurant where Huseyin, a civil servant (engineer for the water district) got a really nice discountç. The food was lovely - everything from zeytinyağlı (olive oil drizzled cold appetizers, stuffed green peppers, stuffed grape leaves and eggplant, spicy eggplant salad, green bean salad) to grilled chicken and sea trout with pilaf and bread...ending, of course, with tea, and chocolate dondurma (ice cream) for Little Sir. Our delightful evening ended with a long bus trek back to their house, during which Little Sir fell asleep and had to be carried home the last leg by Huseyin Amca. He woke up and mumbled, "When are we going to the castle?" and konked out again.
Refiye Yenge put all of our clothes in the washer while we showered and donned borrowed clothes to sleep in. Since Turkiye doesn't have clothes dryers, I was afraid the drip dried clothes would still be wet, but the next day, the hot morning sun had dried them by the time breakfast was over and we were ready to leave.
Homemade breakfast is a big daily affair. Huseyin made an omelet: potatoes, tomatoes, assorted peppers, onions, served with black Turkish olives (meaty, strong flavored and quite salty), cucumbers & tomatoes, several cheeses, cherry preserves, pastries (not sweet: stuffed with cheese, peppers, spinach) and fresh bread. (Turkish bakeries run about 16 hours a day, so there's always fresh bread...the Turks demand it fresh at every meal.)
Then, we headed off on our full day of tours with our very professional guide. Really, Huseyin should do this as a side job. He knows all the facts, history, funny stories about so many places, the best routes to take, etc., and, as a government servant, got in free or cheaply in many places. We went to Boğaziçi Universiti, where I'd love to work, the Balikpazarı (fıshing wharf), then Rumeli Castle until it closed and they kicked us out. We excitedly explored every staircase, every turret, every tower, cannon, peephole, the amphıtheater in the middle, and every incredible view of the Bosphorous. Truly breathtaking. The water is so blue - deep turquoise, similar to the Mediterranean, but a little greener.
The history of the castle was just as interesting as the view was gorgeous. In 1451, it was ordered to be built by the Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed II, in an effort to control the water route into Istanbul (then Constantinople) from invasion from the Black Sea, and thus crucial inland waterways. Literally "under the gun" with the loss of control of Turkiye ımmınent, the Sultan made it a contest between his top pashas (generals), to see which regiments could complete their section fastest. This ımmense castle, I think the largest fortress of its kind in Europe, was completed in just over 4 months...really an amazing feat. It is still in great conditıon, not a ruin at all.
Our trek into history ended, and we went back to the fish wharves where we dined at another government restaurant...a fish restaurant right on the docks, with water running beneath it. Little Sir kept hanging over the railing by his chair to feed the fish bread in the water below. We each had different local fish, from appetizers to soup to entrees, and even without the employee discount, it was very very reasonable. Cheaper than McDonalds in the U.S. Even without famıly, Istanbul is definitely a vacation spot I'd recommend!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Shopping Inconsistencies
I understand all about world trade (in theory), import and export taxes, costs of shipping and all that, but sometimes the drastic differences in prices between U.S.A. & Turkiye is remarkable. Bıg name brands from the States like Nike, Converse, Levis, etc. can be upwards of a hundred dollars more in Turkey, while other products are really cheaper here.
Case in point: suitcases.
Before traveling, we did a little suitcase shopping and found replacing our falliıng apart luggage for anything decent was beyond the budget for this trip. We made do with DH's luggage he came to the States with and a borrowed big piece from DD. Samsonite at Tanger, on clearance, wanted over 300 dollars for one piece, smaller than hers. DH suggested İ try in Istanbul. We went fairly locally, so we could walk (trying to save pennies by not usiıng taxis), and found a very reasonable luggage store. A 3-piece set, made in Turkiye, good quality with much better wheels than our existing pieces, went for 120 ytl. (1 American dollar is approximately 1 1\2 ytl - Turkish lira). So, about 80 dollars...for 3 pieces. DH said I should go back and buy 2 more bigger pieces for the next trip. Crazy not to, as what we have is really finished.
I don't know what gold is going for an ounce in the U.S. It seems really prıcey here, right now. Have to check out the comparison of that. We just went shopping yesterday for "baby gold," as is the tradition to give when a relative has a baby...tiny little gold goin on a red-ribboned pin with the baby's birthyear stamped on it. These get cashed in, as they lose their value after the year (don't ask me...I still don't quite understand that.) It seems what I got for DH's cousin's new little one is more than I've spent before.
I am reminded, however, the difference between Turkish gold and American gold. It is 24 karat here, and a bright, deep-yellow color, with an almost orange tint. It stays brilliant through time, and is almost not real-looking, to me, compared with other gold. The aunts today were talking about comparisons between gold-leaf and white gold, but honestly...they were talking so fast, I couldn't quite follow the conversation. (It's tiresome to keep saying, "Lütfen, daha yavaş konoşur musunuz"..."please, talk a little slower.")
more on shopping later...
Case in point: suitcases.
Before traveling, we did a little suitcase shopping and found replacing our falliıng apart luggage for anything decent was beyond the budget for this trip. We made do with DH's luggage he came to the States with and a borrowed big piece from DD. Samsonite at Tanger, on clearance, wanted over 300 dollars for one piece, smaller than hers. DH suggested İ try in Istanbul. We went fairly locally, so we could walk (trying to save pennies by not usiıng taxis), and found a very reasonable luggage store. A 3-piece set, made in Turkiye, good quality with much better wheels than our existing pieces, went for 120 ytl. (1 American dollar is approximately 1 1\2 ytl - Turkish lira). So, about 80 dollars...for 3 pieces. DH said I should go back and buy 2 more bigger pieces for the next trip. Crazy not to, as what we have is really finished.
I don't know what gold is going for an ounce in the U.S. It seems really prıcey here, right now. Have to check out the comparison of that. We just went shopping yesterday for "baby gold," as is the tradition to give when a relative has a baby...tiny little gold goin on a red-ribboned pin with the baby's birthyear stamped on it. These get cashed in, as they lose their value after the year (don't ask me...I still don't quite understand that.) It seems what I got for DH's cousin's new little one is more than I've spent before.
I am reminded, however, the difference between Turkish gold and American gold. It is 24 karat here, and a bright, deep-yellow color, with an almost orange tint. It stays brilliant through time, and is almost not real-looking, to me, compared with other gold. The aunts today were talking about comparisons between gold-leaf and white gold, but honestly...they were talking so fast, I couldn't quite follow the conversation. (It's tiresome to keep saying, "Lütfen, daha yavaş konoşur musunuz"..."please, talk a little slower.")
more on shopping later...
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
To Dance In The Streets
We danced in the street last night, 18-year-old nıece, Gizem, DH's childhood buddy, Ali, and I, to the wedding music down the steep hill. The others watched, clapping and grinning at the American doing the folk-dance steps in these circle dances. As is Turkish and Mediterranean custom, the evening before and the day of the wedding, folk musicians set up outside the couple's parents' house and play for hours, while friends, family and neighbors (and uninvited guests like me!) come to join in the festivities and dancing. It's like a big public well-wishing for the new couple.
I was glad I remembered the steps from last visit! I'd like to learn others. (I taught them the Cupid Shuffle...not quite a fair trade, but...maybe we'll do the Alley Cat, too. Certainly not the Hokey Pokey. The girls know samba & some ballroom from dance group.)
I was glad I remembered the steps from last visit! I'd like to learn others. (I taught them the Cupid Shuffle...not quite a fair trade, but...maybe we'll do the Alley Cat, too. Certainly not the Hokey Pokey. The girls know samba & some ballroom from dance group.)
The Aspiratör
My favorite new Turkish word is "apiratör" (ya gotta rrroll those 'r's), meaning "room fan". It's been so hot, we borrowed a large oscillating fan to sleep at night. I love the aspiratör.
It's funny, it depends what time of day it is, which windows are opened in the house. In the early hours, all the windows are open, but by 9:30 a.m. or so, only those on the waterview side of the house are opened. The side getting sun always has windows closed and curtains drawn. (Most Turkish homes have layers of white cotton curtains, the one facing the room being lace. Turkish lace is really something. I haven't seen anything like it since my grandmother's. Haven't priced any yet, but it is gorgeous.)
In the earlier part of the day, there is a beautıful breeze coming through the windows of the kitchen and the little bedroom. These windows overlook the Bosphorus, or Istanbul Straıt. This strait forms the boundary between the European side (Thrace) and the Asian side (Anatolia). There are other straıts ın Turkiye, such as the Dardanelles, which have been used for internatıonal trade for centuries. The Bosphorus (Istanbul) connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara (whıch, through the Dardanelles, is connected to the Aegean Sea, which ıs connected to the Medıterranean...)
("The hip bone's connected to the...thigh bone...the thigh bone's connected to the...knee bone..."...I digress...)
Later ın the heat of the day, these windows are closed with the rest...they only let ın hot air, which is oppressive. They're reopened in the evenıng, when the breezes are cool again.
I love looking out the bedroom window at the water, the bridge connecting 2 continents, imagining all the history that's happened here. And at night, the city is all lit up, looking ancient and exotic, yet modern at the same time. Istanbul: it brıdges past and present as it bridges Europe and Asia.
Each time I come, I understand the language, the culture, the people, the history a little bit better. I feel less of an outsider, an observer, and more of an active participant. All that is in my brain, lessons from school and lessons from life, have prepared me for this time...for such a time as this. And it is quickened to me, "Embrace the culture you are immersed in."
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Melek Teyze
In a family as large as this one, there seems to always be someone sick, or a funeral somewhere, a baby expected, a wedding being planned. This trip, one of mıl's sisters Melek (her name...meanıng "angel") Teyze ("aunt") has her husband in the hospital. He was to have an operation on his liver, but the dr. accidentally nicked his lung. We visited him in the hospital yesterday, and he's recovering slowly. Melek Teyze comes daily by bus to be with him, then comes here to the house for dinner and a rest before going back to the hospital, then the long trek home.
Today, Sunday, when it was time to go back to the hospital, she lıngered for awhıle, enjoyıng the cooler evenıng air outside. The family was sıtting on the tiled terrace at the front steps...Güler (another aunt) took the chıldren to buy "dondurma" (ice cream) in a 2 liter container, and Melek Teyze stayed to share it.
Dondurma is similar to our ice cream, but a little more like Italian gelatto. It came in a 3 flavor package: chocolate, vanilla , cherry. It's very good.
Watching Melek Teyze, I am reminded that no matter the culture, the language, the race, we are all the same. Joy & laughter, sickness & heartache know no borders.
Today, Sunday, when it was time to go back to the hospital, she lıngered for awhıle, enjoyıng the cooler evenıng air outside. The family was sıtting on the tiled terrace at the front steps...Güler (another aunt) took the chıldren to buy "dondurma" (ice cream) in a 2 liter container, and Melek Teyze stayed to share it.
Dondurma is similar to our ice cream, but a little more like Italian gelatto. It came in a 3 flavor package: chocolate, vanilla , cherry. It's very good.
Watching Melek Teyze, I am reminded that no matter the culture, the language, the race, we are all the same. Joy & laughter, sickness & heartache know no borders.
The Pazar
That ıs not a typo. The Turks call it a "pazar". I think that's where we got the word "bazaar" from. There are several different versions of this.
Every Saturday, ın lıttle neıghborhoods, vendors arrıve at the crack of dawn to turn the maın street into a shoppıng mall. First, they tent the whole area in, then set up to go untıl about 9 pm. There are farmers' stalls with all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, cheeses and olives, toys, shoes, household items like small electric appliances and vacuum parts, and lots and lots of clothing vendors. I have always done very well at these. I partıcularly like the Turkish skirts, whıch are of good quality fabric, long, fully lıned and have desıgns dıfferent from what we find ın the States. Most cost between 5 and 15 American dollars. Each time, friends gıve me orders to buy some for them.
Saturday mornıng, we were awakened quite early by the sounds of the men and their trucks setting up. Little Sir got up and looked out the window at the street below, saw a truck full of toys and got all excited. He could barely wait until they were all set up and we could go shopping.
We went wıth Ulaş, Yeter-anne (DH's grandmother), Elif-anne (mil), Fatma (sil), Nilüfer and Refiye (aunts), and Özge (17-year-old niece, the only one I can speak English with). I was lookıng for bedding and towels, for the "new" house. I didn't find what I'd had in mind exactly, but I did like what I found. Fatma bought me a really nice bedset and towels for the kitchen and bathroom, in colors I wouldn't have thought of, but whıch will go very nicely. The colors are so much more intense here, and Turkish cotton is wonderful. Also, I found nıce skirts for a friend, and a paır of sort-of-harem-style black pants for myself that look very dressy and comfortable, too.
Elif-anne bought lots of fresh fruit...aprıcots, peaches, cherries, grapes, nectarines. It ıs the custom here to sit out on the "balkon"...beautıfully tiled balcony wıth chairs for all...and eat fruit and drink tea in the cooler summer evenings. Family and friends will sit and talk and laugh for hours. Istanbul, being the great cıty that it is, sprays for mosquitos, so you can actually enjoy the time without beıng tortured by insects. "Karpus" (watermelon) is also very plentiful and popular.
The end of the long, hot "pazar" day is over, and the men are packing everything up. Once the stalls and tents are gone, the town sends the street cleaners. The streets are first swept and garbage removed, then the bıg washer-truck comes and scrubs down the streets. All the hustle bustle is over, the stars are out, and through the kitchen window I can see the lınes of white and red lights, the signs of dıstant traffic in another city that never sleeps.
Every Saturday, ın lıttle neıghborhoods, vendors arrıve at the crack of dawn to turn the maın street into a shoppıng mall. First, they tent the whole area in, then set up to go untıl about 9 pm. There are farmers' stalls with all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, cheeses and olives, toys, shoes, household items like small electric appliances and vacuum parts, and lots and lots of clothing vendors. I have always done very well at these. I partıcularly like the Turkish skirts, whıch are of good quality fabric, long, fully lıned and have desıgns dıfferent from what we find ın the States. Most cost between 5 and 15 American dollars. Each time, friends gıve me orders to buy some for them.
Saturday mornıng, we were awakened quite early by the sounds of the men and their trucks setting up. Little Sir got up and looked out the window at the street below, saw a truck full of toys and got all excited. He could barely wait until they were all set up and we could go shopping.
We went wıth Ulaş, Yeter-anne (DH's grandmother), Elif-anne (mil), Fatma (sil), Nilüfer and Refiye (aunts), and Özge (17-year-old niece, the only one I can speak English with). I was lookıng for bedding and towels, for the "new" house. I didn't find what I'd had in mind exactly, but I did like what I found. Fatma bought me a really nice bedset and towels for the kitchen and bathroom, in colors I wouldn't have thought of, but whıch will go very nicely. The colors are so much more intense here, and Turkish cotton is wonderful. Also, I found nıce skirts for a friend, and a paır of sort-of-harem-style black pants for myself that look very dressy and comfortable, too.
Elif-anne bought lots of fresh fruit...aprıcots, peaches, cherries, grapes, nectarines. It ıs the custom here to sit out on the "balkon"...beautıfully tiled balcony wıth chairs for all...and eat fruit and drink tea in the cooler summer evenings. Family and friends will sit and talk and laugh for hours. Istanbul, being the great cıty that it is, sprays for mosquitos, so you can actually enjoy the time without beıng tortured by insects. "Karpus" (watermelon) is also very plentiful and popular.
The end of the long, hot "pazar" day is over, and the men are packing everything up. Once the stalls and tents are gone, the town sends the street cleaners. The streets are first swept and garbage removed, then the bıg washer-truck comes and scrubs down the streets. All the hustle bustle is over, the stars are out, and through the kitchen window I can see the lınes of white and red lights, the signs of dıstant traffic in another city that never sleeps.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Istanbul
We are safe and sound ın sunny Istanbul. Our 10 and a half hour flight on Turkısh Aırlıne was enjoyable (except for tryıng to sleep ın a seat.) We dıd have to sit for an hour on the JFK tarmack before they let us on the runway and then agaın at Ataturk Aırport, we had to waıt ın lıne behınd other planes for our gate to disembark. Turkısh Airlıne had us on a nıce new airbus with lots of neat perks that weren't there last trip. On the back of the seat ın front of you, there is a screen with a remote...you can choose to watch a movıe from a list of about 25, or cartoons, or news, or play vıdeo games, or watch from cameras mounted on the outside of the plane. Very interesting. Little Sir was entertained the whole time, and didn't even open the toys in his backpack.
It's always nice to see those happy faces in the crowd, looking just for you. 10-year-old Ulaş, Little Sir's cousin, ran around and found us first. We got a fırst-class ride in DH's cousin's new van...very comfy.
More later...relatives stopping in to visit by the dozens...
It's always nice to see those happy faces in the crowd, looking just for you. 10-year-old Ulaş, Little Sir's cousin, ran around and found us first. We got a fırst-class ride in DH's cousin's new van...very comfy.
More later...relatives stopping in to visit by the dozens...
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Virus- Free At Last
Thanks to a lovely lady in India, after 7 hours total of tech support ( not kidding!) I am finally virus-free, and the computer is up and running again. Just in time to go to Turkey! I'm not ready yet. Ack!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Last Summer (of You & Me)
I am taking a short break from organizing our closet, while DH is out doing a side security job. He dragged out everything that was so tightly packed in there since we moved in in December, after we found a moldy leather belt. Stuff is strewn all over the bedroom in a manner to best take advantage of the day's sunshine and wind. Now, I have to sensibly put it all away, and get back to organizing my stuff. Tomorrow, or maybe later tonight when he gets home, we'll start packing suitcases. So many decisions to make when you're leaving for a month. One suitcase just for gifts and hand-me-downs. What to take, what goes together, what do I still have to buy? Don't want to take too much, don't want to get stuck without something I can't buy there...
sigh...
And so, I spent 20 minutes reading the beginning of Ann Brashares' The Last Summer (of You & Me), loaned to me yesterday by DD, for the trip. I didn't want to save it totally for the airplane, just in case I didn't like it. But I do. So, now I am forcing myself to stop reading it and putting it on the "carry-on" pile. So far, it gets a thumbs-up from me. I'll keep ya posted.
sigh...
And so, I spent 20 minutes reading the beginning of Ann Brashares' The Last Summer (of You & Me), loaned to me yesterday by DD, for the trip. I didn't want to save it totally for the airplane, just in case I didn't like it. But I do. So, now I am forcing myself to stop reading it and putting it on the "carry-on" pile. So far, it gets a thumbs-up from me. I'll keep ya posted.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Happy July
I haven't blogged in awhile. So much has been happening. The college year and school year came to a successful close, Little Sir graduated from kindergarten, DH, No. One Son and DD are busy with summer work and I am joyfully not working, except for a few private summer music students.
The evening of the last day of school, June 29, we started work on the house. Serious work. We had been doing little jobs on the weekends, as we could, redoing the kitchen step by step, installing ceiling fans in the bedrooms, shopping for supplies for summer construction. The family has pitched in as they could. Now the big stuff starts. DH is going to be ripping out the kitchen floor and laying a new one. Various contractors are coming with estimates and we're doing prep work and as much as we can on our own. Ripping up the wall-to-wall carpet was a chore, to say the least, but now the hall has clean hardwood floors, and freshly repaired and painted walls. The carpet is removed in the living room, and work has begun there as well. The sliding glass door will be replaced, and the flooring repaired where condensation and termites have taken their toll. The front of the house is getting a facelift, too.
Getting a mortgage was enough. We don't need another loan for home improvement (although that was offered...no more loans, thank you!) So, we've been really careful, spending lots of time researching options, what's the best flooring, kitchen choices, etc., seeing what we can do ourselves, what we can afford to hire out. The big thing is getting all the decisions made and prep work that require me, because Little Sir and I are going away for a month, leaving DH and my dad (Papa) here in the construction zone.
I am going to attempt another travel blog on our trip to Turkiye, but I may not be near a computer as much as last trip. We are planning to go to Istanbul, where you fly in, and stay with family for a few days, then with DH's mom (Baba-anne), grandmother (Yeter-anne), sister (Fatma), and a few others, we are headed to the village where the family originally came from. (They're not really city people. DH's parents came to Istanbul when they got married.)
When Little Sir was born, DH's father celebrated by building a house on the family property in their village. We were supposed to go see it last trip, but he was not feeling well enough to take us. (After we returned to the States, his health took a turn for the worse and he eventually died that August, saddening us all.) This will be our first opportunity to visit. Everyone tells us it's in a beautiful place, with a mountain stream flowing through the property, deep enough for wading and swimming, with fish ready for the taking. Little Sir is looking forward to lots of cousin-time, playing there at the new house and getting in lots of hours playing soccer.
5 more days to get the house-planning and prepping done, paperwork squared away, life-stuff to deal with, as well as our trip-shopping and packing. And then, we're off!
The evening of the last day of school, June 29, we started work on the house. Serious work. We had been doing little jobs on the weekends, as we could, redoing the kitchen step by step, installing ceiling fans in the bedrooms, shopping for supplies for summer construction. The family has pitched in as they could. Now the big stuff starts. DH is going to be ripping out the kitchen floor and laying a new one. Various contractors are coming with estimates and we're doing prep work and as much as we can on our own. Ripping up the wall-to-wall carpet was a chore, to say the least, but now the hall has clean hardwood floors, and freshly repaired and painted walls. The carpet is removed in the living room, and work has begun there as well. The sliding glass door will be replaced, and the flooring repaired where condensation and termites have taken their toll. The front of the house is getting a facelift, too.
Getting a mortgage was enough. We don't need another loan for home improvement (although that was offered...no more loans, thank you!) So, we've been really careful, spending lots of time researching options, what's the best flooring, kitchen choices, etc., seeing what we can do ourselves, what we can afford to hire out. The big thing is getting all the decisions made and prep work that require me, because Little Sir and I are going away for a month, leaving DH and my dad (Papa) here in the construction zone.
I am going to attempt another travel blog on our trip to Turkiye, but I may not be near a computer as much as last trip. We are planning to go to Istanbul, where you fly in, and stay with family for a few days, then with DH's mom (Baba-anne), grandmother (Yeter-anne), sister (Fatma), and a few others, we are headed to the village where the family originally came from. (They're not really city people. DH's parents came to Istanbul when they got married.)
When Little Sir was born, DH's father celebrated by building a house on the family property in their village. We were supposed to go see it last trip, but he was not feeling well enough to take us. (After we returned to the States, his health took a turn for the worse and he eventually died that August, saddening us all.) This will be our first opportunity to visit. Everyone tells us it's in a beautiful place, with a mountain stream flowing through the property, deep enough for wading and swimming, with fish ready for the taking. Little Sir is looking forward to lots of cousin-time, playing there at the new house and getting in lots of hours playing soccer.
5 more days to get the house-planning and prepping done, paperwork squared away, life-stuff to deal with, as well as our trip-shopping and packing. And then, we're off!
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Delaware
DH and I just realized we are both off, unexpectedly, for 3 days...that SAME 3 days. Amazing. This has not happened in a really long time. So, what are we to do? Work on the house? NO!!! Get caught up on real life stuff, erranding, etc.? NO!!!
We need to get away, DH, Little Sir and I, someplace where we can just BE, relax, have fun, enjoy each other, have no responsibilities or stresses, no work-related issues, someplace a little warmer than here, but not too far to drive.
DH is thinking Delaware, but neither of us has really been there. I've driven through on my way to D.C., but not stayed there, ever. Never even eaten a meal there, I don't think. Been doing a little net surfing, and so far have only come up with the Great Delaware Kite Festival, which sounds interesting.
So, dear Blogworld...does anyone have any ideas? Someplace good for a 5-year-old, too? Not too pricey, not too fancy. Please respond.
We need to get away, DH, Little Sir and I, someplace where we can just BE, relax, have fun, enjoy each other, have no responsibilities or stresses, no work-related issues, someplace a little warmer than here, but not too far to drive.
DH is thinking Delaware, but neither of us has really been there. I've driven through on my way to D.C., but not stayed there, ever. Never even eaten a meal there, I don't think. Been doing a little net surfing, and so far have only come up with the Great Delaware Kite Festival, which sounds interesting.
So, dear Blogworld...does anyone have any ideas? Someplace good for a 5-year-old, too? Not too pricey, not too fancy. Please respond.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tired of the Virus Cycle
Ugh! I have spent most of the past winter fighting one virus after another with Little Sir. The last one went on and on and on...and the doctors? Don't get me started.
The on-call ped. ""No point in bringing him in. It sounds viral, so just give him Motrin/Tylenol..."
ER dr. "After 4 days of 104, should be on antibiotic...prob. strep...we'll do a culture...also bloodwork for cocsachi, mono, etc., follow up on tonsillitis."
ENT: "Def. not tonsillitis. Yes, they're really enlarged with white spots, but that's just 'debris'"("debris?!??") "Culture's pos. for strep...here's a diff. antibiotic."
Ped: After 7 days 104 fever "Yay! It's not strep!" (but the ENT said it was and we're on another antibiotic.) "Ok, come in."
Ped. After 8 days 104 fever, "Yes, you do need to see someone else..." hook up to Infectious Diseases.
Inf. Dis. "Well...it wasn't strep. Never should've been on antiobiotics..." (after 3 rounds of that)..."prob. mono, but you're past the worst of it now , anyway. After 2 days fever-free can go back to schl. No recess or PE, tho', for a few weeks. Keep following up with Ped for liver/spleen check."
Are we done yet?
On the upside...we've been fever free for over a week now, he's eating again...lost about 7 lbs, ane when you're barely 44 lbs. to start with, and underweight, this isn't a good thing.
It's spring. I declare Health reigns!
The on-call ped. ""No point in bringing him in. It sounds viral, so just give him Motrin/Tylenol..."
ER dr. "After 4 days of 104, should be on antibiotic...prob. strep...we'll do a culture...also bloodwork for cocsachi, mono, etc., follow up on tonsillitis."
ENT: "Def. not tonsillitis. Yes, they're really enlarged with white spots, but that's just 'debris'"("debris?!??") "Culture's pos. for strep...here's a diff. antibiotic."
Ped: After 7 days 104 fever "Yay! It's not strep!" (but the ENT said it was and we're on another antibiotic.) "Ok, come in."
Ped. After 8 days 104 fever, "Yes, you do need to see someone else..." hook up to Infectious Diseases.
Inf. Dis. "Well...it wasn't strep. Never should've been on antiobiotics..." (after 3 rounds of that)..."prob. mono, but you're past the worst of it now , anyway. After 2 days fever-free can go back to schl. No recess or PE, tho', for a few weeks. Keep following up with Ped for liver/spleen check."
Are we done yet?
On the upside...we've been fever free for over a week now, he's eating again...lost about 7 lbs, ane when you're barely 44 lbs. to start with, and underweight, this isn't a good thing.
It's spring. I declare Health reigns!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
IRS
After struggling with a computer program to do my taxes, determined not to spend $500 to pay someone to do them for me, I ended up at the IRS office. I have found the workers there to be very helpful, patient, understanding...real people!
I recommend that if you are not sure of what to do, or have any questions at all, trot on down there to the Riverhead office. I'm sure you'll be glad you did!
I recommend that if you are not sure of what to do, or have any questions at all, trot on down there to the Riverhead office. I'm sure you'll be glad you did!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
My Life Really Is In The Middle
When I first called this blog "Life in the Middle," I meant because I am chronologically in the middle of my family. But lately, it is abundantly clear to me that I am the only one who understands the separate people in this family of mine...I can empathize, sympathize, see each one's point of view. But none of them seem to see each other's point of view. I feel like I am the hub of a wheel, with each spoke facing in a different direction, only joined by me.
It ain't easy bein' a hub.
It ain't easy bein' a hub.
Friday, January 23, 2009
All Moved In - Sort Of
Well, it's been awhile, but I think it's ok to take a minute and blog.
We are all moved in...sort of. If you can say that sleeping in a bedroom that's freshly repaired, spackled, painted and very clean, yet with suitcases and assorted storage containers piled up "moved in", then we are.
So much has been accomplished, yet there's so much still to do.
So, how did you spend your Christmas vacation away from school?
We spent ours MOVING!
And I think it's safe to say we'll spend the February break UNPACKING and trying to settle in.
We are all moved in...sort of. If you can say that sleeping in a bedroom that's freshly repaired, spackled, painted and very clean, yet with suitcases and assorted storage containers piled up "moved in", then we are.
So much has been accomplished, yet there's so much still to do.
So, how did you spend your Christmas vacation away from school?
We spent ours MOVING!
And I think it's safe to say we'll spend the February break UNPACKING and trying to settle in.
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