Turkish Local Interview: Hande Akdeniz

Throughout my blog you've been experiencing life as told by a foreigner so I wanted to interrupt that trend by getting a local's opinion! Hande Akdeniz, a computer engineering student at Hacettepe University has kindly agreed to answer questions on living life as a local in Turkey.

The infamous Hande Akdeniz

Me: Thank you for agreeing to this interview! How are you today, Hande?

Hande: Actually I m glad to interview with you Melody Thanks. I am a bit tired because of my school routine but it's better nowadays. so i m happy about being with you

M: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

H: I am 21 years old and still a student at Hacettepe University as you have already said, studying Computer Engineering in Ankara. I also was born in here in Tunalı

It's my 4. year at university, and it's really busy in this year at school so i have not much time but when i find time for other things i really like to be with my friends

and i used to interested in kick boxing and fitness, i know it's not looking like that now :) otherwise i have a small family as my parents and one sister.

Studying for exams

M: What's life like for you in Turkey? What does an average day look like for you?

H: Turkey is a really good country to travel but living here, nope not as good as travelling . Because it's hard to study hard to find a good job and it's a disadvantage.

i mean everyone wants to live a good and comfortable life. but in Turkey it's a little bit hard . 

i can say sometimes i wish i would born another country a developed country. but i m not so depressed not at all i m happy to have like my family or friends. And i can say i m trying to be survive :)

M: What do you love about Turkey and living here?

H: i love foods :D because all cities has different meals and turkey is a big country. you can find any kind of food here for you.

i also like my neighborhood people are so modern and kind here.

besides there are many place to see in turkey if you have time and money you cannot get bored in Turkey it's not possible :)

finally it's a sarcastic reason . if you live here you can improve yourselves (and your personality) so easily . because everywhere you go, there is a challenge to solve :D 

 

M: Where would you recommend a traveler to go in Turkey? Any particular cities, attractions or annual events? What is the most underrated city in Turkey?

H: i really love the west part of Turkey . maybe i miss sea :D i do not know but istanbul is really popular for foreigners because of the historical places and 

There are some natural beauties like Pamukkale or Kapadokya etc. yeah you know there are many places as i mention before also how can i say.. east is really mystical and more traditional

M: How did you learn English? You speak better than nearly anyone else I've met here.

H: I started to learn at primary school. Generally it's same for every student. And it continue at highschool and also many of universities but it's not enough to learn just at school you should do also practice in your real life 

i found a chance about it and i m doing some other practices like watching movies&TV series or reading some english books and also books of my lessons mostly in english so i just have to learn it :)

Enjoying Izmir

M: What are your plans after you graduate? Is there anywhere you'd like to travel & if so, where?

H: ahh :) actually i would like to move, work and live abroad a couple years ago. i also want to study  Master of Business Administration after graduate from engineering. 

but now when we talk about reality i have a boyfriend and he lives in izmir . i really would like to go there and work there as a computer engineer. i hope i can go abroad for travelling with him :) who knows.

M: Can you teach us a little bit of Turkish? What's an important, useful or funny phrase?

H: yes of course :) first it's familiar for you 'naber kanka?'  lol it means "what's up bro?" :)
and here is some common words such as
hi = selam
how are you? = nasılsın?
please = lütfen
thanks = teşekkürler
i am Hande = ben Hande
nice to meet you = tanıştığıma memnun oldum (it's a little bit hard i know :D)
i love you = seni seviyorum
and finally it's the most useful sentence for a foreigner when somebody ask or say to you something you can say "seni anlamıyorum" = "I don't understand you"

M: Haha! For anyone confused, Hande's first phrase is making fun of me - I accidentally said "naber kanka" instead of just "naber" to her when we first met.

Lounging in Dikili

M: Now then, is there anything you'd like to change about Turkey? Or is there any popular misconception you'd like to clear up? Can you share some advice about traveling in Turkey for our American readers?

H: yesss!! as a student of course it's education system . i think it's really useless and old it needs reforms. 

about misconception i couldnt think anything. for American readers i just can say come and see :) you will not have regrets.

M: Finally, has Turkey changed since you were a child? If so, how?

H:Actually yes or no i have no answer because my age it's not so old and i may could not understand what has changed. :)

Thank you so much for your time today! We've learned a lot more about Turkey now that we've gotten an insider's perspective. Hopefully your answers will help our readers make a more educated decision about traveling to Turkey.

* Note: none of the pictures in this post belong to me

Life in Ankara, Turkey

Like many other Americans, I harbored some reservations about Turkey when my fiance first suggested the idea of moving abroad. Now, tomorrow marks 6 months since we landed in Ankara and I'm dragging my feet in planning our next destination.

Ankara, Turkey holds a population of 4.5 million+ and is second only to Istanbul which boasts a population of 14 million+ people. If Istanbul is the Beverly Hills of Turkey, Ankara is the Westwood Village. Ankara is an active but cozy city while Istanbul is decidedly more impressive and boisterous. In sum: Istanbul is for vacationing while Ankara is for living.

In 2012 when my fiance visited Ankara for work, I asked him to describe the city for me. At first I was frustrated trying to understand how it could be "peaceful" and "politically unstable" at the same time but upon arriving I soon learned what he meant.

Most people are just trying to live their lives, attending state universities for free or working 60 hours/week. Political unrest exists but mostly rises following elections like the recent one wherein Erdogan, the former Prime Minister of Turkey, was elected President.

Kocatepe, the largest mosque in Ankara, can accommodate 24,000 people

As the center of Turkish government, Ankara houses all foreign embassies. I visited the US embassy earlier this year when I unknowingly misplaced my passport in a taxi. Within 24 hours the embassy discovered which hotel I was staying at-despite the fact that my name wasn't even on the hotel records-and called for me to retrieve it. Thanks, NSA. Honestly it was scary, but reassuring that at least as an American I'm always safe here.

Since my fiance and I are both fortunate enough to work from home, most of our free time is spent cooking new foods (I can no longer live without Ottoman spice), taking walks in the park and practicing limited Turkish with our friends at the local grocery store Cagdas (pronounced Chadash).

While it hasn't all been sunshine and daisies, I've fallen in love with Ankara. There's a local Turkish saying that "the most beautiful part of Ankara is the road to Istanbul" but I don't mind - this way Ankara remains a hidden gem away from tourists for me to enjoy.

Good night Ankara, good afternoon Los Angeles!

*Note: I do not own any of these photos

1 Year Abroad!

Wow, it's already been exactly 365 days since my fiance & I left Los Angeles to travel halfway across the planet. While it was scary at first it has definitely been an amazing adventure I wouldn't trade for the world. To celebrate our first year away I thought it'd be fun to look at the year in review!

In this year we have been so fortunate to gain so many new experiences: my fiance worked at a top 10 company in the Middle East, I took my first managerial role before becoming a private consultant, we learned Arabic & Turkish, and so much more.

It was nerve-wracking and painful to leave our loved ones, home and comfort food behind

But we plunged into a new world together, moving up and exploring Dubai

We saw some pretty amazing sights

And started a new chapter of our lives together :)

 

In March 2014, we moved to Ankara, Turkey

And I quickly learned why people fall in love with this city

So far I've seen Istanbul, Abu Dhabi and Oman

And I can't wait to see where life takes us next!

From our engagement at the Jetty Lounge in Dubai, attending my first world conference (Arab Health 2014) & shopping at the Souks to enjoying the relaxed Turkish lifestyle, witnessing protests & releasing our first joint Android app, it's hard to believe how much has happened in one year.

To my dear fiance, if you're reading this, thank you so much for taking me with you on this adventure. There is so much to celebrate - new friends, languages, experiences, cultures - and I am so deeply appreciative of and humbled by these opportunities. While we still haven't decided where to head next (Spain, Indonesia, Greece?), I am happy anywhere as long as it's with you.

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!

Everything You Need to Know About Ankara, Turkey

If you're considering moving to Ankara, Turkey, here's a condensed list of everything you need to know from the economy and politics to lifestyle and personal living:

Fun Facts!
Turkey is a first world country with Ankara as its capital. Most people mistakenly assume the capital is Istanbul, but it's simply the most well known city. Bridging Asia and Europe, there is debate on whether Turkey is considered to be part of the Middle East or Eurasia.

Economy
Turkey is a cheap country and has been called "the cheap man's Rome" for good reason. As of this writing, 1 USD = 2.11 TRY (Turkish Lira). Depending on the position, the average Turkish job offers a salary between 1,000-3,000 TRY while physicians earn up to 6,000 TRY. It doesn't seem like much compared to what people earn in the US, but keep in mind that cost of living is cheaper, too.

Lifestyle
6 day work weeks are the norm, with people enjoying tea, smoking, and drinking for recreation. While Turkey is a Muslim country, alcohol is legal, but heavily taxed (Absolut Vodka runs $40 for a $20 bottle) so people prefer to smoke. Pubs, bars, and nightclubs are easy to find. Ankara's ~5 million population + low income means most people ditch the car in favor of walking and taxis.

Popular Areas
Just like LA, there are several smaller cities within Ankara. Popular areas include Tunalı Hilmi (Beverly Drive), Kızılay (DTLA), and GOP (Beverly Hills). Tunalı Hilmi is a long street filled with cafes, groceries, and clothing stores. Kızılay is cheaper and more crowded, so pay extra attention to your surroundings. GOP is a quieter, more upscale area with higher end restaurants and shops.

Environment
Leave your stilettos behind. Ankara is a rustic city built on a hill, so you'll be walking on unsteady, broken ground most of the time. Climate is cold with spring/summer between May-August and fall/winter the rest of the year. Extreme weather changes - from hail to sun - are not uncommon.

Politics
Despite being a first world country, government corruption does exist. Be aware that there is voter fraud and rigged elections. People are not afraid to protest for gay rights or against police hostility either; watch crowds when in seedier areas and be prepared to turn around if you sense an uprising.

Healthcare
Turkish citizens enjoy national healthcare but foreigners are recommended to purchase international health insurance before traveling abroad or check with their current providers about international coverage. Pharmacies can be found on every block with some medications (e.g. insulin, blood pressure) available without a prescription but dosage may vary.

Your Life in Ankara
$1,000 per month will cover all basic living expenses plus fun extras; the trick is to avoid Turkey's low wages by securing a telecommute job based in the US. There are slight differences between the Turkish and English alphabets but characters are largely the same. Homelessness is more common and I sadly recommend not donating to individual beggars as they will heckle you in the future.

Hopefully you found this list helpful and are better equipped to make a decision on whether or not Ankara is the place for you!