Smoking

Smoking is still very acceptable here. People smoke in-doors and out. There aren't any non-smoking sections in restaurants. There are ashtrays everywhere, including in the halls of the dorms.

Security

The are serious about security at METU. There is a guard station at the entrance to campus and you can not enter without a student ID. There are also military police on patrols around the campus and military helicopters flying overhead.

Turkish Grocery Store

Laura and I went to the big modern grocery store in town to get a few items. Among other things, Laura picked out some clear nail polish. When we got to the checkout counter there was no price for the nail polish. The cashier went to check the price - she was unsuccessful. She then sent someone else to check the price - they were unsuccessful. This process went on for about 15 minutes. Finally she found someone who spoke English to tell us that we couldn't buy the nail polish.

Blown Up !!

These are the appliances I've blown up so far. The maintanence man doesn't even come anymore when I throw the breaker. He left the box unlocked for me. Notice the soot mark on the small converter.

Turkish Food

My Turkish Breakfast

Turkish Breakfast Buffet

• Olives for breakfast - It's really growing on me

• I ordered a loaded baked potato and it came with: cheese, corn, pickles, olives, mayo, ketchup, and hot-dog bites
  

Ankara

The old part of town

Lisa and Laura (my dorm-mate)

Ancient roman bath site - They made a fire below and these were steam spouts.

A typical view

The 5th Floor

Bathroom down the Hall
Notice there are no hand towels - there's no toilet paper either.

5th Floor Hallway

A more traditional toilet option

Our dorm room

The stairs up to my 5th floor dorm room
Yep ,more stairs

Did I mention it was on the 5th floor?

Just a few more ...

Almost there... Just two more

Here we are the 5th floor !

my dorm

Dorm Building where most of the international students are housed (called "EBI Dorm")

Front Desk (he doesn't speak english)

Public telephones (they take special cards)

Ataturk - there is one picture of him in every room

EBI computer room