Jagged73
06-08-2006, 06:55 PM
Hello from the far flung land of Turkey.
After way to much time in and airplane, almost being denied entry into the country (thank god for tourist visas), a 7 hour car ride and some boring ass briefings I am finally to my new home away from home.
Some things I have learned....
Sick in Turkish is the same as the four letter F word in english. You say ill instead.
Peach in Turkish is the same as a vulgar term for the part of a womans anatomy that is directly between her legs.
Eric in Turkish is a small green slightly tart plum....their very yummy.
Dur in Turkish means stop.
The exchange rate isnt absolutley fanstasic....about 1.57 to one.
Tonight I bought some fresh baked bread at a bakery. Im still getting used to things being done in the millions but every body just using the whole number.....ie...2 Kilos of potatoes at the open air market is 2 million YTL or as most people say 2 YTL or about $1.75. My bread I was told would cost me "250" so I of course pull out 2.5 YTL (about $1.60) and Im thinking what an awesome deal. No No No Im told not 250 but .25 TYL or about 15 cents america. What a freakin steal. Cabbage which I hate is about the size of a bowling ball and is small for what you normally find at the markets. 1 Kilo of the freshest sweetes plumpest cherries I have ever eaten goes for about 3 YTL.
The doors from my living room and bedroom to my patio are so heavy because they are bullet proof and bomb blast proof. The glass in my windows is about 4 inches thick, but you would never know it to look at it.
The people here are amazingly friendly. I havent had one person show me any kind of ill will.
In short I totally love where Im at and am considering taking them up on having the wife come over and making this a two year tour....provided we can bring the dog and the Jeep.
Well I hope all is well with everyone there in the states and if you have any questions about Turkey feel free to ask me and I can certainly get you an answer.
Phil
After way to much time in and airplane, almost being denied entry into the country (thank god for tourist visas), a 7 hour car ride and some boring ass briefings I am finally to my new home away from home.
Some things I have learned....
Sick in Turkish is the same as the four letter F word in english. You say ill instead.
Peach in Turkish is the same as a vulgar term for the part of a womans anatomy that is directly between her legs.
Eric in Turkish is a small green slightly tart plum....their very yummy.
Dur in Turkish means stop.
The exchange rate isnt absolutley fanstasic....about 1.57 to one.
Tonight I bought some fresh baked bread at a bakery. Im still getting used to things being done in the millions but every body just using the whole number.....ie...2 Kilos of potatoes at the open air market is 2 million YTL or as most people say 2 YTL or about $1.75. My bread I was told would cost me "250" so I of course pull out 2.5 YTL (about $1.60) and Im thinking what an awesome deal. No No No Im told not 250 but .25 TYL or about 15 cents america. What a freakin steal. Cabbage which I hate is about the size of a bowling ball and is small for what you normally find at the markets. 1 Kilo of the freshest sweetes plumpest cherries I have ever eaten goes for about 3 YTL.
The doors from my living room and bedroom to my patio are so heavy because they are bullet proof and bomb blast proof. The glass in my windows is about 4 inches thick, but you would never know it to look at it.
The people here are amazingly friendly. I havent had one person show me any kind of ill will.
In short I totally love where Im at and am considering taking them up on having the wife come over and making this a two year tour....provided we can bring the dog and the Jeep.
Well I hope all is well with everyone there in the states and if you have any questions about Turkey feel free to ask me and I can certainly get you an answer.
Phil