Job Discussion Forums

mongrelcat · Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 232

i dont know why i keep asking this question

justme · Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 1944 Location: Istanbul

I've been to Ankara.

justme · Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 1944 Location: Istanbul

I've been there once, and I may go again in the future. I liked Ankara.

mongrelcat · Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 232

whynotme · Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 728 Location: istanbul

justme · Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 1944 Location: Istanbul

I liked Ankara because it's small but not exactly provincial. I get really burnt out on the huge-ness of Istanbul, and on big city life in general-- I've never really lived in a big city and I'm not used to it. Once the newness of Istanbul wore off, it just became more like another big, crowded, dirty place. Which isn't to say I don't like it here-- I'm just a country mouse at heart, and the stress and crowds and noise and greyness and city dirt bear down on me at times. I miss the smell of grass.

In Ankara (and I should point out I was only really there for a day and a half), I liked it that the streets were wide and relatively empty. There are real trees and there is space between the houses, which in Ist you only get in places I can't afford, like Yeşilk�y. Ankara reminded me of Yeşilk�y. Everyone's not on top of everyone else, and you don't have to share space with strangers that you automatically dislike because they're intruding on your space. Travel time doesn't vary by hours at different times a day because of traffic.

If I had come to Ankara as a new foreigner I would have hated it and gone mad with boredom. I totally understand why mongrelcat's going out of his/her mind. But now I've been here awhile and also I'm getting old so it appealed to me as an escape from here. Also, I think if I had kids I'd rather raise them in a place like Ankara than a place like here.

In conclusion, that's what I liked about Ankara.

Mongrelcat, if I ever find myself there again, I'll drop you a line. Hang in there!

foukan39 · Joined: 22 Nov 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Ankara

Hi,

I started teaching at a high school in Ankara this August. I too am bored out of my mind during most of my free time. It's a great job; it's fun and challenging and all that stuff that you're supposed to want. But you can't do any job all the time and damn do I wish I could find somebody to go get a beer with.

Interested?

bigbadsuzie · Posted: Fri Nov 25, 2005 1:20 pm Post subject: Ankara SUCKS

Been there a few times just for a week or so at a time each time to try and give the place a fair chance .No chance the place sucks . There was no where I could find that was welcoming especially to a big girl like me I thought if this dump is the capital then no wonder not many foreign types live and work here ,and that was in the summer ,for the love of all thats holy where is the pigging sea ?Who wants to live in a place like Turkey if you can't go to your local beach and cool off . WOFT !!!

justme · Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 1944 Location: Istanbul

After going on about how nice Ankara is, I heard yesterday that they made a law men and women can't swim together in the same pool.
Shocked

So I guess it's good they don't have a seaside.

Mark Loyd · Joined: 13 Sep 2005 Posts: 517

jovican · Joined: 11 Nov 2005 Posts: 5

Don't be one of those Ankara bashers..
I've been living here for 10 years.. OK we dont have beach to cool off..
But frienships are really cool here..For those who are bored in Ankara I offer them Marlyn Monroe bar in Tunali Street, where most of the brawlers are foreigners. Especially on Sundays after traditional weekly Hash House Harriers run, it is full of sweaty people Laughing

You can contact me via MSN for further details [email protected]

whynotme · Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 728 Location: istanbul

jovican · Joined: 11 Nov 2005 Posts: 5

Marilyn Monroe bar is there for at least 20 years (according to an urban legend) It is said that the owner is a middle aged guy who was a desperate MM fan..
Perhaps the name seems old fashioned these days but I think it's a virtue to keep your name and reputation for long years. MM bar is not a place where you will see lots of hip&hop teens brawling..Regular comers are elite people.

P.S: I do not take anything from MM for these promotions Cool

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

jovican · Joined: 11 Nov 2005 Posts: 5

You find "Tunali" cr.ap however its long form is "Tunalihilmi"
Tunali Hilmi was a politician during the first Republic years (1923)
He was also a good writer and worked for purifying Turkish language.
He was one of those who supported women rights unfortunately he died in 1928 before the women got right to elect and to be elected in 1934.
The street doesn't have an attractive name like 5th avenue or Champs Elysee but its "Tunali" for 80 years and it will stay so. Either you like it or not