Odds and Ends

Here are some observations about everyday Turkish life, as I have seen it.
Breakfast: Breakfast in Turkey is different from what most Americans are used to. We like our bacon (or ham) and eggs, toast, coffee, cereal etc. Here in Turkey, Breakfast is what we would refer to as "continental" however, even in that context, the American version of continental breakfast (which leans towards sweets like donuts or danishes) is different from the European continental breakfast. While you can still get eggs (hard boiled and scrambled are common), breakfast here is usually comprised of several different types of cheeses, sausages of various types (note: all sausage is either chicken or beef. This is because most of the country is muslim and therefore they do not eat pork), tomatoes, cucumber, green and black olives, figs, dried apricots, light wafer-like cookies that you put fruit toppings on, fresh fruits, fresh yogurt with honey fresh from the comb drizzled on top and a wide variety of breads and rolls, fruit juices and tea.
I hve noticed that the Turkish language does not have the letter "x". Therefore if you want a cab, you are calling for a"taksi", as opposed to "taxi". Some words you can easily discern in Turkish. It did not take me too long to figure out that "otopark" is a parking lot, or that "Bankasi" is "bank". Other words, are not so easy to decipher, for example: "Eskelesi" means "ferry". Translating Turkish to English can be just as difficult for the Turks. A sign in our elevator in the hotel boasted that they have the "biggest address" and in the bathroom there is a sign that says if you wish new towels, to put the dirty ones in the "bath-tube'.

We went to Bagdat street yesterday. Bagdat street is quite cosmopolitan and the happening place to go.  Even at night it was a bustling place. Street cafes and restaurants abound, and all of them usually filled up. After dark, the young folks come out to enjoy the cool evening air. The side walks are crowded with couples and young families strolling, and friends hugging. In Turkey, it is quite normal for men who are good friends to hug each other in greeting. Likewise, the young ladies will stroll arm in arm down the street. In all, I found it to be very interesting.

posted: Ken Tolksdorf