Poobiddy-Boobiddy

1.  What differences do you encounter when invited to a Turkish home as apposed to a house in your country?
Sam:  There are many differences really.  For one, the invitation itself is different - as Turks prefer to know you personally before inviting you to their home, an act of true friendship.  In the states, being invited to a house can be much more impersonal, a way to get to know someone.
Jason:  The greeting at the door is certainly a difference.  Here in Turkey, kissing on the cheeks is tradition and completely normal - whereas in the states, if someone tried to kiss you, they would back off!  The idea of an american tradition of greeting at the door is a firm handshake, a slap on the back, and a trip to the fridge to grab some diet cokes.
Haylee:  Perhaps the biggest difference is what happens after you get through the door, which can require lots of time and effort in the first place.  Turkish tradition is to offer the guest chai, cookies and even a good size meal before any real talking occurs.  Also, these 'brief visits' can end up stretching to the wee hours of the morning!  In the states however, visits are more impersonal and you end up just talking small talk.


2.  What would you see on the streets of Turkey that would be unheard of in the states?
Sam:  It's interesting, lots of things happen on the streets of Turkey that americans would scoff or even freak out about.  One thing in particular is the taxi drivers.  I've seen them get out after some dude cuts them off and talk smack to the other driver, even getting into fist fights with them!  In the states, this would be crazy and the two might be sent to jail, but in Turkey, there isn't anything odd about it.
Jason:  One thing that struck me as funny in Turkey was how men here carry the load of groceries between them.  From an american perspective, its hilarious to watch two grown men with a tiny bag of lettuce between them, as if the load was too much for one person.  I guess thats just tradition.
Haylee:  The road rage in Turkey certainly was an impact on me that you just don't see in the states.  In Turkey, its totally normal for a 3 lane road to become a 6 lane highway.  Its normal for impossible turns for CARS to be completely possible for BUSES.  Whereas in america, drivers like that would be labeled as maniacs and be hauled off to some jail.


3.  What kind of culinary differences do you like/dislike about Turkey and America?
Sam:  I guess I have just gotten used to the food here in Turkey, but I like it.  I mean, obviously the choices are limited in terms of variety, but it doesn't bother me too much.  As I see it, the states have their cheeseburgers, hotdogs and beer when Turkey has perfectly good doners, corba, and ayran.
Jason:  I have to admit, going back to the states and eating the awesome food there is excellent.  Who doesn't like an all-american cheeseburger from Whataburger?  But Turkish food isn't so bad, even if it is limited.  Doners, chai, all the traditional Turkish foods and drinks are still delicious.
Haylee:  Turkish food can get a bit boring after a while.  The traditional Turk breakfast consists of tomatoes, olives and bread every. single. day.  But hey, once you get over the shock of not have Captain Crunch and poptarts everyday, it really isn't too bad.  And the other traditional foods are quite a supplement for the calorie-heavy snacks in the states.  I know I can gain weight in the states twice as fast as I can in Turkey.