Ten Things to Know About Turkey

In no particular order:

1.  Istanbul is NOT the capital city of Turkey.  Ankara has been the capital since 1924.

2.  Simits are delicious thin round bagel-type things coated with sesame seeds.  You can usually buy 3 for 1TL (about $0.80CAD).  Couple that with a freshly squeezed orange juice for 2TL from your local street vendor and you have a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack!

3.  When stuck 4 cars back in a traffic jam, repeatedly honk your horn at the people in front of you so that they know you are more frustrated than they are to be stuck there.  When stuck 5 cars back, repeatedly honk your horn and make rude hand gestures to show the 4th car back that you are even more frustrated than he is.  Etc, etc, etc.

4.  Pepsi is very difficult to find.  So if you want to move here and you love Pepsi, start conditioning yourself to the taste of Coke.  Then you won't be as disappointed as I was when I arrived.

5.  If you are addicted to Tim Hortens, don't come here.  The coffee here is thick, black and strong.  If you are addicted to Starbucks, come on down!  There is a Starbucks on every street corner!  If you like tea, you will be most welcome!

6.  Dido chocolate bars are the same as KitKat bars but instead of 4 breaks, you get 5.

7.  Turkish gum is horrible.  If you want European or American gum be prepared to pay for it or better yet, bring a large supply from home!

8.  When calling the bank, don't be surprised when you "Press 9 for English" and you get a non-English speaking person.  Also don't be surprised when that non-English speaking person puts you in the never ending phone loop of being connected to other non-English speaking people at "Press 9 for English".

9.   When you ask someone if they want something and they respond with "Thank you", this mean "No".  When you ask someone how they are and they respond "Thank you", this mean "Fine, thanks". 

10.  Milk is not bought in the cooler section of the grocery store.  It is stocked on a regular shelf and has a Best-By date of 3 months.  This was really freaky for me to see.  Kaymak is the pure cream skimmed from the top when making milk.  It is extremely delicious when paired with sour cherry jam on top of fresh white bread.