5 Random Inconveniences of Living in Turkey

If you've been following this blog, you know that I love living in Ankara, Turkey. That said, there are a few differences between life in Turkey and life in the US. Here's 5 random inconveniences to expect in Turkey:

1. No escalators. You'll find them in malls and upscale hotels but otherwise you'll be hiking up and down stairs frequently. Elevators are rare in older buildings like apartments, shops and governmental agencies. On the plus side, you'll have killer calves!

2. Lack of English. While a given in a foreign country, getting around Ankara becomes a complicated puzzle. On the upside, you'll learn Turkish more quickly! No patience? Head to Istanbul for the convenience and comfort of more English speakers.

3. Unpredictable weather. Abrupt swings from 80° F to hailing in under 10 minutes aren't uncommon in summer. Washing your clothes becomes a gamble as you string them out to air-dry on the balcony clothesline. If you've got a 90's style standalone heater, you can try drying them inside the house though.

4. Unsafe taxis. You have a 50% shot of getting a taxi with seatbelts & another 50% chance that they're functional. Your life is in the hands of a distracted driver on their cell phone, on narrow streets with disobeyed one-way signs, and pedestrians crossing on a whim. Life is an adventure!

5. Disorganization. Whether you're a foreigner or a local, government disorganization is a real problem. Ever-changing requirements make even registering your phone inordinately grueling for no conceivable reason. International shipping is an absolute nightmare - bring everything you'd need in with you on the flight over as shipping is inexplicably, unnecessarily difficult.

Like I mentioned at the start, I do love living here and plan to stay for a while. That doesn't mean I don't get homesick or miss the conveniences of life in Los Angeles.

Turkish Vices

From NYC to Compton, each city has their preferred vices. Whether it's gambling, prostitution, or drugs, no place is free from crime or addiction. Ankara is a safe city sans political protests, but here's what I've noticed about vices in Ankara & local's preferences:

Alcohol

Alcohol is expensive but bars are commonplace. Don't purchase bottles from liquor stores as you will get ripped off as a foreigner - guaranteed. Stick to supermarkets like Ogutler, Cagdas, and Carrefour for alcohol. Restaurants also offer a variety of beers and mixed drinks so you'll feel at home. Some younger people drink publicly at parks during twilight, but of course discreetness is preferred.

Cigarettes

Cigarettes are more common in Ankara since they're less expensive than alcohol and keep you warm (important considering the cold climate). This was a surprising discovery since hardly anyone smokes in CA, comparatively speaking, and since there's a lot of hiking up hills - Turks must have lungs of steel!

Marijuana

Marijuana is available in Ankara although it is definitely illegal. I'm not sure about how common it is, where it's from and how it's obtained, or potency compared to what might be sold in CA. Anyone with medical conditions requiring marijuana as a treatment should plan carefully since medical marijuana cards mean nil in a foreign country. Remember you're not in Kansas anymore - respect your host country's laws and regulations!

Prostitution

Prostitution exists, especially for Russian women. I suggest asking locals about specific nightclubs to avoid to ensure you don't get roped in. 

Gambling

Gambling exists in the form of lottery tickets sold in popular areas and off-track betting parlors, but there are no casinos. I haven't seen any other types of gambling, like betting on a backgammon or sports game, but my experience here is limited. 

Extras

Harder drugs like cocaine may exist but keep in mind that economy determines vices. Rich people snort quality coke, poor people smoke crack - this goes for anywhere in the world. I'm unaware of the ubiquity, ease of access, frequency, price, or any problems with harder drugs in Ankara.

Keep in mind that everything I've mentioned above only applies to Ankara, and narrows down closer into our own little neighborhood of Tunali. 

5 Reasons You'll Love Ankara

Los Angeles is an amazing city I'm happy to call my hometown, but Ankara is another experience entirely. Here's 5 reasons I love Ankara already and you will too:

1. It's Alive. As the political capital, there is so much going on at any given time - protests for gay rights, freedom of speech, or about government handling of affairs. People stay out until midnight even on weeknights, often frequenting parks or cafes. There is no shortage of excitement.

2. Outdoors. In LA we struggle to schedule time to go hiking up Runyon Canyon. In Ankara you'll essentially hike daily just going about your day. The streets may be rustic, uneven, and cracked, but your legs will get a killer workout. 

3. Prices. Groceries are cheaper, making it easier to cook and sample a variety of new spices. Vegetables and milk perish more quickly meaning you'll make more frequent trips but get fresher goods. Local clothing stores offer items from ~$5-$20 with higher end shops in the ~$15-$40 range. 

4. Scenery. It rains often so there's a ton of greenery. Parks are everywhere in Ankara. Huge parks with several playgrounds, running tracks and workout equipment, fountains and ducks. Fresh air, greenery, the sound children laughing, the smell of corn on the cob cooking... It's intoxicating. 

5. Nearby Attractions. Nationwide, you can easily visit popular locations like Istanbul, Antalya, Efesis, and Izmir. Or you can continue crossing international lines and visit nearby Greece, Israel, Azerbaijan. Websites like skyscanner.com make planning cheap, nearby trips easier, too. 

It's been officially 3 months to the day that we arrived and I'm definitely in love with this city. Come visit for a change of pace, breathe new life into yourself!