Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Use of Herbs
And I DON'T mean the evil herb kind. :)
I've been trying to incorporate fresh and dried herbs into my daily life. Loving it. My favorite is the oft-ignored fresh Italian parsley. My friend once asked me "What do you use it in?" and I was kind of at a loss- I said "everything".
Well, that would be everyting Turkish, I guess. I buy a bunch every 2 weeks, cut off the stems, put the leaves through a chopper and tuck it away in a Tupperware in my fridge. Then, I'll use it for my Turkish breakfast, sprinkling some on the feta (with EVOOO, and tomatoes). I'll also put it into the tomato chicken soup I make weekly. You can put it on a Shepherd's Salad (tomatoes, onions, leman juice, EVOO, salt and fresh parsley..ummm).
I also like to use dried oregano on my feta for breakfast. It is said that oregano is one of the secrets to a long life. My great-aunts use it daily.
I know prepping fresh herbs is time-consuming, but they are so full of vitamins and chock full of health.
Hoping that you'll incorprate them into your daily lives, too!
I've been trying to incorporate fresh and dried herbs into my daily life. Loving it. My favorite is the oft-ignored fresh Italian parsley. My friend once asked me "What do you use it in?" and I was kind of at a loss- I said "everything".
Well, that would be everyting Turkish, I guess. I buy a bunch every 2 weeks, cut off the stems, put the leaves through a chopper and tuck it away in a Tupperware in my fridge. Then, I'll use it for my Turkish breakfast, sprinkling some on the feta (with EVOOO, and tomatoes). I'll also put it into the tomato chicken soup I make weekly. You can put it on a Shepherd's Salad (tomatoes, onions, leman juice, EVOO, salt and fresh parsley..ummm).
I also like to use dried oregano on my feta for breakfast. It is said that oregano is one of the secrets to a long life. My great-aunts use it daily.
I know prepping fresh herbs is time-consuming, but they are so full of vitamins and chock full of health.
Hoping that you'll incorprate them into your daily lives, too!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Ikebana
Participated in the Lily Society's annual show, for the second year in a row. My Ikebana teacher does the exhibition pieces, using lilies. Then, inside the hall, there is a competition for best lilies.
This year, my teacher outdid herself with the creations. I'll post pics soon. In one piece, she took an old iMac and put lilies inside. There was another that she called "Homage to Michael" (Jackson), that was just a black fedora, and a white lily. When the lily opens up, it's supposed to look like a glove.
it was hard work, but fun. I got to take lots of lilies home. that's the best part. They're now my favorite flowers. And I do love flower-arranging, though don't tell me teacher, but I love conventional Western flower arranging, too. She only likes Ikebana..:)
A very old lady hobby. But I love it. Creativity. Flowers are so, so beautiful.
This year, my teacher outdid herself with the creations. I'll post pics soon. In one piece, she took an old iMac and put lilies inside. There was another that she called "Homage to Michael" (Jackson), that was just a black fedora, and a white lily. When the lily opens up, it's supposed to look like a glove.
it was hard work, but fun. I got to take lots of lilies home. that's the best part. They're now my favorite flowers. And I do love flower-arranging, though don't tell me teacher, but I love conventional Western flower arranging, too. She only likes Ikebana..:)
A very old lady hobby. But I love it. Creativity. Flowers are so, so beautiful.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Istanbul pics
Here are some pics from the day Cigdem and I went on the Bosphorus cruise. Note the pics of Kadikoy Market, too. Lovely. Thank you Cigdem!!!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Notes on Bitez- where to stay next
My cousin told me they stay in Bitez every summer, at a small hotel called "Manuela". Lots of Brits plus Turks who read Cumhuriyet every day (=liberals like me). The owner used to live in Canada and loves Cuba.
Me thinks I need to stay there next time.
Near the Yali section of town, very central. Dolmus' leave for Bodrum all the time, there are supermarkets nearby; the beach is open to the public but has fashionalbe cushion and chairs and umbrellas at no cost - wow!! There are nice restaurants and it never gets too loud at night in Bitez. This is my pace.
Apparently, Hotel Manuela is not too expensive either.
Keeping these things in mind.
Me thinks I need to stay there next time.
Near the Yali section of town, very central. Dolmus' leave for Bodrum all the time, there are supermarkets nearby; the beach is open to the public but has fashionalbe cushion and chairs and umbrellas at no cost - wow!! There are nice restaurants and it never gets too loud at night in Bitez. This is my pace.
Apparently, Hotel Manuela is not too expensive either.
Keeping these things in mind.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Back in Istanbul
Today, my friend Cigdem and I played local tourist in Istanbul. We took a taxi to Cengelkoy and hopped on a boat that goes on the "Ring", going to several ports on the Bosphorus. It's not a day-long affair like the regular tour.
We got off at Bebek, where Cigdem's sisters met us for lunch at Kitchenette. Very nice restaurant with lovely garden. All 3 sisters grew up in Miami, so we chatted in Turkish and English. Nice to finally meet them.
Then, Cigdem and I moved over to Starbucks in Bebek, where we sipped our mochachinos while gazing at the Bosphorus while we waited for the boat.
Then, the boat took us to Kanlica, where we had 15 minutes to eat their famous yogurt with the powdered sugar. Then, it was back on the boat, and off to Kadikoy, where I bought spices and books for back home. Whew- power day!
We got off at Bebek, where Cigdem's sisters met us for lunch at Kitchenette. Very nice restaurant with lovely garden. All 3 sisters grew up in Miami, so we chatted in Turkish and English. Nice to finally meet them.
Then, Cigdem and I moved over to Starbucks in Bebek, where we sipped our mochachinos while gazing at the Bosphorus while we waited for the boat.
Then, the boat took us to Kanlica, where we had 15 minutes to eat their famous yogurt with the powdered sugar. Then, it was back on the boat, and off to Kadikoy, where I bought spices and books for back home. Whew- power day!
More notes from Bodrum
July 2, 2010:
Actually, I loved cooking dinner in our apart-hotel and eating on our balcony, overlooking the water. Could go in and watch TV anytime, in the comfort of our own home. Who needs to go out to a fancy restaurant, when you've got a balcony and a view? I'll eat spaghetti instead of grilled fish, no prob.
The water was quite cool. Maybe it's too early in the season. People very nice at Aktur. Everyone keeps to themselves.
Went on a boat trip the 3rd day. We went to 4 different coves and I swam each time. I'll post pics soon.
Went into Bodrum one night. Nice. Quiet still, but on July 1, the pace started picking up and everyone started coming in to town. All the concerts, etc. start in July, so I missed that kind of fun. I hear the concerts start at 2 am...
Actually, I loved cooking dinner in our apart-hotel and eating on our balcony, overlooking the water. Could go in and watch TV anytime, in the comfort of our own home. Who needs to go out to a fancy restaurant, when you've got a balcony and a view? I'll eat spaghetti instead of grilled fish, no prob.
The water was quite cool. Maybe it's too early in the season. People very nice at Aktur. Everyone keeps to themselves.
Went on a boat trip the 3rd day. We went to 4 different coves and I swam each time. I'll post pics soon.
Went into Bodrum one night. Nice. Quiet still, but on July 1, the pace started picking up and everyone started coming in to town. All the concerts, etc. start in July, so I missed that kind of fun. I hear the concerts start at 2 am...
Notes from Bodrum
July 2, 2010:
We stayed in a town outside of Bodrum, called Bitez. It was my first time there. Loved it. It's not rowdy and loud, like Bodrum or Gumbet. It's quiet but has a nice beach area called "Yali" full of economical bed and breakfasts and nice restaurants. Next time, I think I'll stay in an apart-otel in Yali. Aktur is lovely, but isolated. You need a car. We ended up renting a car - 4 days for 300 TL.
Turkey is not cheap anymore. Our rent for 4 days at Aktur was 600 TL (for 2 BR/2 bath at an exclusive place, but nevertheless). They quoted something like 4500 TL for a month. Wow.
We had lunch for 3 people at Aktur and it costs us 75 TL. The next day, we went to the local market in our rented car and bought food so we can cook at home!! :)
We stayed in a town outside of Bodrum, called Bitez. It was my first time there. Loved it. It's not rowdy and loud, like Bodrum or Gumbet. It's quiet but has a nice beach area called "Yali" full of economical bed and breakfasts and nice restaurants. Next time, I think I'll stay in an apart-otel in Yali. Aktur is lovely, but isolated. You need a car. We ended up renting a car - 4 days for 300 TL.
Turkey is not cheap anymore. Our rent for 4 days at Aktur was 600 TL (for 2 BR/2 bath at an exclusive place, but nevertheless). They quoted something like 4500 TL for a month. Wow.
We had lunch for 3 people at Aktur and it costs us 75 TL. The next day, we went to the local market in our rented car and bought food so we can cook at home!! :)
Back from Bodrum
July 2, 2010:
Just got back from Bodrum last night. Ahhhh... So wonderful down there. Let's just sell everything and move there permanently. Chuck it ALL!!!!! Throw me in the water and just forget about me... "Atin beni denizlere...." as the song goes.
Flew down on Sunday afternoon. Guler Sabanci, the most powerful woman in Turkey and the sixth most powerful woman in Europe, was on our flight (yes, I know you're amused by that last statistic). She's the chairwoman of the board for one of the biggest conglomerates in Turkey. So, why isn't she flying down in her own jet? She's a dollar billionaire. My friend Cigdem says that execs in Turkey don't have private planes. Hard for me to believe. My mom said her bodyguards boarded the flight before her. I didn't notice anyone conspicious. But when you're a billionare, you better have some bodyguards. She was very nice, smiling, polite. Much thinner than in her pictures. It was nice to see such a successful businesswoman/role model in person. :)
Just got back from Bodrum last night. Ahhhh... So wonderful down there. Let's just sell everything and move there permanently. Chuck it ALL!!!!! Throw me in the water and just forget about me... "Atin beni denizlere...." as the song goes.
Flew down on Sunday afternoon. Guler Sabanci, the most powerful woman in Turkey and the sixth most powerful woman in Europe, was on our flight (yes, I know you're amused by that last statistic). She's the chairwoman of the board for one of the biggest conglomerates in Turkey. So, why isn't she flying down in her own jet? She's a dollar billionaire. My friend Cigdem says that execs in Turkey don't have private planes. Hard for me to believe. My mom said her bodyguards boarded the flight before her. I didn't notice anyone conspicious. But when you're a billionare, you better have some bodyguards. She was very nice, smiling, polite. Much thinner than in her pictures. It was nice to see such a successful businesswoman/role model in person. :)
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010:
I forgot how loud the seagulls here are. At 5 am.. Uggh. Followed at 5:45 am by the clicking heels of my upstairs neigbhor. Ahh, apartment living.
Went to Zeynep and Alex's wedding last night. Very nice, poolside, up in the hills of the Bosphorus. Mingling at cocktail hour, I introduced myself to a very Gerard Butleresque guy with a kilt. He said his name was Alex. And I told him my name was Zeynep. We're the backups. :)
Today, I'm heading out to the South- beachtime. No seagulls there. Hope to get more than 5 hours of sleep a night. Here comes the sunburn.
I forgot how loud the seagulls here are. At 5 am.. Uggh. Followed at 5:45 am by the clicking heels of my upstairs neigbhor. Ahh, apartment living.
Went to Zeynep and Alex's wedding last night. Very nice, poolside, up in the hills of the Bosphorus. Mingling at cocktail hour, I introduced myself to a very Gerard Butleresque guy with a kilt. He said his name was Alex. And I told him my name was Zeynep. We're the backups. :)
Today, I'm heading out to the South- beachtime. No seagulls there. Hope to get more than 5 hours of sleep a night. Here comes the sunburn.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010: Istanbul
We had a lovely reunion of my mother's side of the family, at home. My aunt who lives part of the year in Tampa, and who rents an apt. right across the street from us in Istanbul (!) came over. My uncle, who lives in Adana, was visiting his daughter in Istanbul. I got to see them too. And my cousin, Ali, who suprised us all with a layover in Istanbul, on his way back to Afghanistan, came over. My childhood friend, who also lives on our street, came over and talked about his 10 years spent in Miami. He misses it. NBA, TGIF's, working with Cubans, etc. I understand. He invited me to come over one night so we can watch the "Friday, Friday After Next" etc. movies. With buttered popcorn. Sounds like a plan.
These blogs are not terribly witty or entertaining yet, are they? Just entries. Have patience. It's only 5 am here. :)
We had a lovely reunion of my mother's side of the family, at home. My aunt who lives part of the year in Tampa, and who rents an apt. right across the street from us in Istanbul (!) came over. My uncle, who lives in Adana, was visiting his daughter in Istanbul. I got to see them too. And my cousin, Ali, who suprised us all with a layover in Istanbul, on his way back to Afghanistan, came over. My childhood friend, who also lives on our street, came over and talked about his 10 years spent in Miami. He misses it. NBA, TGIF's, working with Cubans, etc. I understand. He invited me to come over one night so we can watch the "Friday, Friday After Next" etc. movies. With buttered popcorn. Sounds like a plan.
These blogs are not terribly witty or entertaining yet, are they? Just entries. Have patience. It's only 5 am here. :)
Friday, June 25, 2010:
First order of business - went to get a pedicure at my local salon down the street. Strated chatting about this and that. My version of the barbershop hangout. Then my dear childhood friend and I went to Istanbul Yelken Klubu (Ist. Sailing Club) for a nice long lunch, where we caught up with each other's lives. Her nephew's fiancee's family broke off the engagement, after 3 years of courtship. Came as a shock to the nephew and my friend. I'm sad for him now, but in the long run, that girl was not good wife material, from what I'm hearing. Hope he finds a nice new girl soon.
I still can't say I've gotten in to the local groove. Just bopping around my neighborhood, for the most part. And what a beautiful neighborhood it is, right along the water, with all the yachts.
First order of business - went to get a pedicure at my local salon down the street. Strated chatting about this and that. My version of the barbershop hangout. Then my dear childhood friend and I went to Istanbul Yelken Klubu (Ist. Sailing Club) for a nice long lunch, where we caught up with each other's lives. Her nephew's fiancee's family broke off the engagement, after 3 years of courtship. Came as a shock to the nephew and my friend. I'm sad for him now, but in the long run, that girl was not good wife material, from what I'm hearing. Hope he finds a nice new girl soon.
I still can't say I've gotten in to the local groove. Just bopping around my neighborhood, for the most part. And what a beautiful neighborhood it is, right along the water, with all the yachts.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010: On the flight over from SFO to Istanbul:
I flew United from SFO - Frankfurt and then Turkish Airlines from Frankfurt to Istanbul. The seats on United have gotten minuscule. Everyone commented on that, not just me. Other than that, it was a nice, uneventful flight. THY was comfortable. New fleet, comfy chairs, GREAT food!!! Vegetarian eggplant dish. Mmmm.
Thursday, June 24, 2010:
Initial observations on my favorite city in the world. I forgot how noisy this city is. Not a complaint, just an observation. Living smack in the middle of the city here is different from living in the quiet burbs of Oakland. Even at 5 am, the hungry seagulls and crows are shouting. Other than that, I"m kind of in a daze, since I only slept 1 hour on the flight. My mother tells me life in Istanbul begins after 10 pm. Wish I could join in the festivities
I flew United from SFO - Frankfurt and then Turkish Airlines from Frankfurt to Istanbul. The seats on United have gotten minuscule. Everyone commented on that, not just me. Other than that, it was a nice, uneventful flight. THY was comfortable. New fleet, comfy chairs, GREAT food!!! Vegetarian eggplant dish. Mmmm.
Thursday, June 24, 2010:
Initial observations on my favorite city in the world. I forgot how noisy this city is. Not a complaint, just an observation. Living smack in the middle of the city here is different from living in the quiet burbs of Oakland. Even at 5 am, the hungry seagulls and crows are shouting. Other than that, I"m kind of in a daze, since I only slept 1 hour on the flight. My mother tells me life in Istanbul begins after 10 pm. Wish I could join in the festivities
Sunday, June 20, 2010
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