For a Taste of Four Cultures on Two Contınents
Apr 17th, 2017, 12:00 AM
#201
I hope you still have your pocketknife, OC.
I don't understand our society anymore. Are the terrorists winning by causing fear in voters hearts? Fear and smart decisions do not make good bedfellows.
My heart goes out to you and your dear country. Istanbul is truly one of the most spectacular cities I have ever visited. I hope to visit it again someday, but at the moment, it is but a far off dream.
Wishing you love...
I don't understand our society anymore. Are the terrorists winning by causing fear in voters hearts? Fear and smart decisions do not make good bedfellows.
My heart goes out to you and your dear country. Istanbul is truly one of the most spectacular cities I have ever visited. I hope to visit it again someday, but at the moment, it is but a far off dream.
Wishing you love...
Apr 17th, 2017, 01:06 AM
#202
"My heart goes out to you and your dear country. Istanbul is truly one of the most spectacular cities I have ever visited. I hope to visit it again someday, but at the moment, it is but a far off dream."
I was going to write something very similar - but kleeblatt did it better!
I was going to write something very similar - but kleeblatt did it better!
Apr 17th, 2017, 03:21 AM
#203
The following may be some safety indications for the Turkey traveler :
- Kayseri province which includes Cappadocia and Erciyes ski resort voted 75% Yes to the referandum. Meaning that a majority grees to the hate speech, xenophobia and paranoia of Erdogan.
I would refrain from going there although Cappadocia area, dependent on tourism would be fine. However, you would have to fly to Kayseri or Nevsehir and then transfer to Cappadocia.
You would also wish to take a number of very scenic hikes in lonely areas.
- The supporters of Erdogan are also calling for the re-introduction of the Death Penalty.This is a fundamentalist outlook just as it is in the United States, allowing decision makers to act as God. It is also a bloodthirsty attitude with no understanding of what it means to be human and universal ethics and laws.
Any local xenophobic advocate of the death penalty is a high risk to tourists when the local judicial system is under total control of someone with similar values.
- The other major touristic areas of Mersin, Antalya, Mugla, Aydin, Denizli, Izmir, Canakkale That is the whole Southern and Western coast of Turkey voted predominantly "No"
- "No" votes were ahead by small margins in Istanbul and Ankara.
- The whole of the Black Sea voted "Yes" 60-79%. I will not visit the region, although it may not be very dangerous for the foreign traveler.
- Neither will I visit the central inland provinces of Gumushane, Erzurum, Sivas, Tokat, Yozgat, Elazig, Erzincan, Malatya, Kirikkale, Kastamonu, Nigde although there are some interesting architectural and natural sites which I have missed visiting in the region.
By the way, the prohibitive cost of keeping a harem hit secularists like me before the fundamentalists. The other wives and concubines deserted me right after Eser went to Chicago.
Hopefully first half of June and first half of July would be a good time for Eser and I to meet interested fodorites in Chicago. (Near North)
- Kayseri province which includes Cappadocia and Erciyes ski resort voted 75% Yes to the referandum. Meaning that a majority grees to the hate speech, xenophobia and paranoia of Erdogan.
I would refrain from going there although Cappadocia area, dependent on tourism would be fine. However, you would have to fly to Kayseri or Nevsehir and then transfer to Cappadocia.
You would also wish to take a number of very scenic hikes in lonely areas.
- The supporters of Erdogan are also calling for the re-introduction of the Death Penalty.This is a fundamentalist outlook just as it is in the United States, allowing decision makers to act as God. It is also a bloodthirsty attitude with no understanding of what it means to be human and universal ethics and laws.
Any local xenophobic advocate of the death penalty is a high risk to tourists when the local judicial system is under total control of someone with similar values.
- The other major touristic areas of Mersin, Antalya, Mugla, Aydin, Denizli, Izmir, Canakkale That is the whole Southern and Western coast of Turkey voted predominantly "No"
- "No" votes were ahead by small margins in Istanbul and Ankara.
- The whole of the Black Sea voted "Yes" 60-79%. I will not visit the region, although it may not be very dangerous for the foreign traveler.
- Neither will I visit the central inland provinces of Gumushane, Erzurum, Sivas, Tokat, Yozgat, Elazig, Erzincan, Malatya, Kirikkale, Kastamonu, Nigde although there are some interesting architectural and natural sites which I have missed visiting in the region.
By the way, the prohibitive cost of keeping a harem hit secularists like me before the fundamentalists. The other wives and concubines deserted me right after Eser went to Chicago.
Hopefully first half of June and first half of July would be a good time for Eser and I to meet interested fodorites in Chicago. (Near North)
Apr 17th, 2017, 08:12 AM
#206
Apr 18th, 2017, 01:45 AM
#209
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello OC
I don't expect trouble in the European part of Turkey (gotta go close to Kirklareli - heard the name today).
Not that I have a choice, just wanted to say hello and that I would be going soon to that beautiful country of yours.
I hope to get a free day and visit some things around or in Istanbul (don't need help there), so if you have a rec in the neighbourhood ;-)
I don't expect trouble in the European part of Turkey (gotta go close to Kirklareli - heard the name today).
Not that I have a choice, just wanted to say hello and that I would be going soon to that beautiful country of yours.
I hope to get a free day and visit some things around or in Istanbul (don't need help there), so if you have a rec in the neighbourhood ;-)
Apr 18th, 2017, 05:46 AM
#210
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for keeping us updated. Leaving in two weeks for Istanbul and a side trip to Ephesus.
On a side note, if anyone wants to meet up for dinner in Istanbul, I have the evenings of May 6th, 7th, and 8th free.
KC
On a side note, if anyone wants to meet up for dinner in Istanbul, I have the evenings of May 6th, 7th, and 8th free.
KC
Apr 18th, 2017, 06:25 AM
#211
Woin paris,
Kirklareli is fine.
That is a nice small town in European Turkey traditionally voting against islamists and conservatives. They should have tasty meatballs, "kofte" and good cheese.
Kirikkale (another town with some letters changing places) is between Ankara and Cappadocia, but if one is driving from Ankara, i will recommend the other route via the Konya highway.
Keiracaitlyn,
Things are fine here. The Party and its leadership are savouring their victory, no matter that it is with a tiny margin. Hate speech against EU had almost disappeared when AGIT wrote a nasty report on the referandum.
Trump called Erdogan and now they are the best of friends, till the next phone call.
Trump declared that United States needs Turkey while actually meaning that Trump needs Erdogan. Not at all the same thing.
It will be hectic for me during the time you're here, in handling FIl's doctor visits and home care and both DD's and our two cats each to be housed somehow. We cannnot house all because they cannot stand each other. (I mean the cats) I also need to close down this and the Iznik house, and pack all the baby clothes that DW could not take with her.
In addition to all that, I am the Keynote speaker at a seminar the morning of my early afternoon flight. The company promised to start the seminar earlier, send me a car and have me at the airport in time, directly from the seminar venue.
If I can manage, i will at least give a call to your hotel.
Please write to my other gmail account, [email protected]
and I will respond.
Kirklareli is fine.
That is a nice small town in European Turkey traditionally voting against islamists and conservatives. They should have tasty meatballs, "kofte" and good cheese.
Kirikkale (another town with some letters changing places) is between Ankara and Cappadocia, but if one is driving from Ankara, i will recommend the other route via the Konya highway.
Keiracaitlyn,
Things are fine here. The Party and its leadership are savouring their victory, no matter that it is with a tiny margin. Hate speech against EU had almost disappeared when AGIT wrote a nasty report on the referandum.
Trump called Erdogan and now they are the best of friends, till the next phone call.
Trump declared that United States needs Turkey while actually meaning that Trump needs Erdogan. Not at all the same thing.
It will be hectic for me during the time you're here, in handling FIl's doctor visits and home care and both DD's and our two cats each to be housed somehow. We cannnot house all because they cannot stand each other. (I mean the cats) I also need to close down this and the Iznik house, and pack all the baby clothes that DW could not take with her.
In addition to all that, I am the Keynote speaker at a seminar the morning of my early afternoon flight. The company promised to start the seminar earlier, send me a car and have me at the airport in time, directly from the seminar venue.
If I can manage, i will at least give a call to your hotel.
Please write to my other gmail account, [email protected]
and I will respond.
Apr 21st, 2017, 07:25 AM
#212
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How sad: https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...7&CMP=ema_1364
I hope France doesn't go the route of nationalism and dictatorship too.
I hope France doesn't go the route of nationalism and dictatorship too.
Apr 22nd, 2017, 08:36 AM
#213
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
otherchelebi - thank you for your unbiased take on the situation!
As a Chicago resident, I welcome you! It is a marvelous city in the summer.
I need your honest opinion on a matter.. I will be backpacking through Europe this summer and currently have Turkey in the mix for the middle of June. This would entail 4 nights in Istanbul (Sultanahmet) and 5 nights in Goreme--where I planned on renting a car--and would require flying in and out of Kayseri.
I am a very tall white American, so I will certainly stand out. Would you advise for or against this travel?
Thank you
As a Chicago resident, I welcome you! It is a marvelous city in the summer.
I need your honest opinion on a matter.. I will be backpacking through Europe this summer and currently have Turkey in the mix for the middle of June. This would entail 4 nights in Istanbul (Sultanahmet) and 5 nights in Goreme--where I planned on renting a car--and would require flying in and out of Kayseri.
I am a very tall white American, so I will certainly stand out. Would you advise for or against this travel?
Thank you
Apr 22nd, 2017, 09:49 AM
#214
travelallovernow.
Currently there is nothing averse to your visiting in either Istanbul or Goreme.
Backpackers are usually welcomed and assisted in Turkey no matter what their complexion or height may be. After all, they are not "Ugly Americans" who act as if they own the world.
Middle of June is great time climatewise.
Consider flying in and out of Nevsehir rather than Kayseri, if for nothing, for reducing the distance.
I very strongly recommend that you view the Nuri Bilge Ceylan Cannes 2014 Winner film Winter Sleep (Kis Uykusu) before you get to Goreme. Hope you can stream it. Actually, if you have watched but did not like Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf, maybe you should avoid Winter Sleep.
If I hear and/or believe that there could be any issues for you, I will make sure to post it here
Currently there is nothing averse to your visiting in either Istanbul or Goreme.
Backpackers are usually welcomed and assisted in Turkey no matter what their complexion or height may be. After all, they are not "Ugly Americans" who act as if they own the world.
Middle of June is great time climatewise.
Consider flying in and out of Nevsehir rather than Kayseri, if for nothing, for reducing the distance.
I very strongly recommend that you view the Nuri Bilge Ceylan Cannes 2014 Winner film Winter Sleep (Kis Uykusu) before you get to Goreme. Hope you can stream it. Actually, if you have watched but did not like Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf, maybe you should avoid Winter Sleep.
If I hear and/or believe that there could be any issues for you, I will make sure to post it here
Apr 22nd, 2017, 12:11 PM
#215
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hahaha thanks! Everything I've read and heard has led me to believe it's just as safe--if not safer--than other parts of Europe 
Now with regards to Nevsehir, it appears that the airport is under construction until September 30th, so that would not be an option.
Now with regards to Nevsehir, it appears that the airport is under construction until September 30th, so that would not be an option.
Apr 25th, 2017, 09:54 AM
#216
The government is in a shambles.
They thought they would get away with millions of fake ballots and full control of all judges and prosecutors.
But Europe finally understood the slyness and the European Parliament assembly put Turkey, one of its founders. on an audit standby. The importance of this decision is better understood when I remind you that the current Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs was the chairman of the European parliament for two years up to 2010.
The president and the prime minister called Angela Merkel a Nazi, now the Turkish Minister of Finance, trained in UK, has to slink to Germany to beg for economic aid.
Majority of Turkish expats in Germany, Belgium, Austria and Holland voted "Yes" in the referandum for one-man rule.
Now these countries are considering to send them all back to the country where their preferred political system is reigning.
Today, Turkey bombed YPG positions which were fighting against IS in cooperation with United States. The site of destruction and 70 dead was visited by United States military.
I wonder how the scheduled talks with Trump will go.
Government will soon start realizing that new attempts to divert national attention to mystical and mysterious foreign threats from all and sundry (except Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Azarbaijan, Pakistan, Israel and the open and secret organizations of the Moslem Brotherhood.)will not work anymore.
Both tourism and foreign investment are at all time lows, and some exporters are being told by the importing country companies that they do not wish to deal with an undemocratic Turkey.
And, to top it all, Ivanka Trump does not plan to visit Turkey. -
They thought they would get away with millions of fake ballots and full control of all judges and prosecutors.
But Europe finally understood the slyness and the European Parliament assembly put Turkey, one of its founders. on an audit standby. The importance of this decision is better understood when I remind you that the current Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs was the chairman of the European parliament for two years up to 2010.
The president and the prime minister called Angela Merkel a Nazi, now the Turkish Minister of Finance, trained in UK, has to slink to Germany to beg for economic aid.
Majority of Turkish expats in Germany, Belgium, Austria and Holland voted "Yes" in the referandum for one-man rule.
Now these countries are considering to send them all back to the country where their preferred political system is reigning.
Today, Turkey bombed YPG positions which were fighting against IS in cooperation with United States. The site of destruction and 70 dead was visited by United States military.
I wonder how the scheduled talks with Trump will go.
Government will soon start realizing that new attempts to divert national attention to mystical and mysterious foreign threats from all and sundry (except Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Azarbaijan, Pakistan, Israel and the open and secret organizations of the Moslem Brotherhood.)will not work anymore.
Both tourism and foreign investment are at all time lows, and some exporters are being told by the importing country companies that they do not wish to deal with an undemocratic Turkey.
And, to top it all, Ivanka Trump does not plan to visit Turkey. -
Apr 25th, 2017, 10:00 AM
#218
By the way, for those who missed my thread
DD in labor in Chicago, Worrying in istanbul
in Fodorite Lounge
Arya was born last Friday and is fine except for a remarkable behavioral resemblance to her mother who never slept and always cried for attention.
If we have a GTG in Chicago, I promise that we will not bring Arya to prohibit any sane conversation.
DD in labor in Chicago, Worrying in istanbul
in Fodorite Lounge
Arya was born last Friday and is fine except for a remarkable behavioral resemblance to her mother who never slept and always cried for attention.
If we have a GTG in Chicago, I promise that we will not bring Arya to prohibit any sane conversation.
