Job Discussion Forums

[mm1978]

Hi all!

I've just landed in Kayseri and looking for things to do and places to go!

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[dutchman]

Try the Kayseri Ethnographic Museum.

[Dedicated]

I spent some time in the past in Kayseri and found plenty to do.

If you like the outdoors, you can go trekking up Mount Erciyes (3,000 metres or so) and in winter it is great for skiing - there is a very good ski centre there. If you like white water rafting, go to the Zamanti river. For football fans, there are two football teams to watch : Kayseri Spor and Kayseri Erciyes Spor, and they have matches in the Ataturk Stadium or the new (2009) Kadir Has Stadium.

Local wine is produced in this area of Cappadocia, and you can visit the Turasan wine factory, and sample the decent local stuff. Kayseri is also a world famous centre for hand-made carpets and kilims and you can go and watch them at work. There are a few places near to the Citadel and Covered Bazaar.

If you fancy a splurge, you can go to the Hilton Kayseri and have a swim in the indoor pool or visit the health club, followed by a drink in the Kale Roof Bar (great views over Erciyes mountain). I cannot remember exactly how much it was, but not wildly expensive, and that seems to be where ex-pats gather to treat themselves.

Foodwise, you must try manti (a type of minced meat ravioli, served with yogurt and garlic). The best place to eat that is at Kasikla restaurant, as local folk usually make it at home. Also try pastirma which is a type of dried, salted beef which adds great flavour to food. You can buy 100grams from shops behind the citadel. A good place to eat Iskender kebab is at the restaurant opposite the Hunat Hatun mosque, but I cannot remember the name.

From Kayseri, buses are cheap to 70 metre high Karpuzbasi waterfall about an hour away, likewise to Goreme (fairy chimneys) in Cappadocia.

Enjoy your time there - the people are very hospitable, so just ask your students, and they will probably take you to places.

[gloomyGumi]

Kayseri sounds good. but are there plenty of schools dershanes there for me to interview at?

[birincikat]

I have lived in Kayseri for many years and love the city as well its people. I have seen many English teachers come and go. Very few stay for more than 6 months. The Kayseri language schools (dershane) and private schools at notorious for not paying their teachers in a timely manner, reneging on their contracts, overworking their teachers, not providing basic help (medical) to those unfamiliar with the language or system. I would be extremely surprised if you were to find a single teacher who has been happy here. It is quite a shame that the schools do not take care of their teachers in an honest and fair manner. I am not a disgruntled teacher with a bone to pick, just a concerned observer.