It's been one week since I got to Turkey. I went to Mersin, my hometown, right away. I love flying domestically in Turkey - it is such a breeze. No long security lines, no taking your shoes off, just show up and go. Most flights in Turkey are one hour and the pilots fly at an altitude where you can see the land below - fun.
The second airport in Istanbul (Sabiha Gokcen) is so convenient for those of us who stay on the Asian side. New terminal, nice cafes, very modern.
Mersin! I was reminded again what a modern city Mersin is. Once people are done working for the day, they all go to the coast for recreation, whether it's biking, walking along the sea, tennis or swimming. Because it's hot, people play tennis starting at 6 am and then, again, at night. Red clay courts - mmmmm...
You don't see too many women who are covered up in headscarves in Mersin. Everyone is wearing jeans and tee-shirts, very comfortable, free. I feel like I'm in a southern European city.
It's a lovely city and I wonder how much longer I will have ties to it. All our relatives there seem to be old now and my mother and siblings don't seem to be interested in returning there. Only me. How I would love to have an apartment, like the one my great-aunt has, with a view of the Mediterrenean Sea at her fingertips, looking out at the Hilton, tennis courts, swimming pools, etc. Gorgeous. What would it take for me to buy a place in Mersin? Would I be bored if I moved there for my retirement? They have a university and a lively arts scene (Mersin State Opera and Ballet, etc.).
As I had promised myself for quite a while, I went to visit my grandparents' graves and pray and make sure that their resting places are properly cleaned and tended to. I was soooo, sooo relieved and happy after fulfilling that promise.
I ended up attending my first political rally while in Mersin! It was so much fun. My great-aunt's house is right by the stadium and that's where the rally was held. It was for the MHP, which is the third main political party in Turkey. What fun, what an electric air there was 3 days before the elections. Followers of the MHP are pretty hard-core loyal, and since this party has been rocked by some scandals during the campaigns, I think the supporters rallied behind their party even more. As his convoy was leaving, Devlet Bahceli (leader of the MHP) stuck his hand and head out, smiled and waved to us!! And my great-aunt and I waved back to him from our balcony and I wished him well.
Places to visit in Mersin: The new Marina, Forum (mall), the seaside neighborhood of Pozcu, the downtown area of Camlibel, where my mother grew up. Near my great-aunt's house, there is a very nice cafe/bakery called "Aydeniz Pastahanesi". Also, "Akdeniz Restaurant" (seafood restaurant).
What to wear in Mersin in the summer: It gets really hot and humid so it's all about keeping cool and comfortable. It would be good to dress somewhat modestly for women. For example, cap-sleeve tee-shirts are better than sleeveless tanks. Most women wear tee-shirts and jeans; very few dresses/skirts seen. Very modern dressing, mostly sporty. A lightweight cardigan might be a good thing to keep on hand.
