I don't remember dancing bears, but it is so fun to hear these detailed stories. I can visualize it so well. Neat to hear all the different experiences and memories.
Here's one for you. We had a Turkish maid we loved, Mahida, and as you all know, they didn't have the bathing systems we are used to, so maybe you can relate to this story. Mahida would clean our house every Tues. & Thurs. and after she left we'd have to open all the windows and doors to air out the house. lol Finally one day, my mom (Henrietta Turney) made a beautiful bath brimming with bubbles, and told Mahida to get in. Mahida stayed in the bath about a minute or less, and would call out, "Now mum, now?". Mom would say, "No Mahida, you stay in". Then in another minute or so..., "Now, mum? now?"... "No Mahida.. you stay in." This went on for quite some time. Finally she got the hang of it. Problem solved!
Once mom went to the bazaar in Istanbul and bought a very old iron with all the beautiful patina that goes with being antique. Mahida felt very bad for 'mum' with her 'old black iron' and next time she came she brought her a shiny new one. lol. The Turkish people we knew were precious.
Anyone remember what you call PEACHES in Turkish and know why? lol. Anyone remember loving Ekmek and Peanut butter & learning to ski at Uludag? I hear short skis are back! lol. Patty

in turkish peach is seftali. manisa and the orchids
are wonderful in the early spring. turkish peaches
is like the bread they make, the best. the plum and
fig trees seemed 2 be everwhere we went. the english
pronunciation of peach (pic)means persons father who
is unknown in turkish. TNT GODBLESSALL

Ekmek with Peanut Butter... LOVE IT!!! It was so good when skiing at Uladag. Yum...
Tina, wanted to say, I'm the WORST emailer in the world, but only because I sell stuff on ebay and get computer weary and so many emails from customers that I get an aversion to even looking in my email box. Then I get on a kick and have to touch base with my KAS buddies again. It makes me more secure So don't give up on me!

OMG! I remember so much of that! Our second maid, Sukrea (Ramzia had to quit due to illness) took my little brother and I to a turkish wedding. Someone in her family got married and it was quite an experience for us! My mom and I used to talk about all the various memories of Turkey. Remember chai? Still my favorite. Ekmek... hadn't thought about that in a good long while. Awesome memories!!!

I didn't drink Chai back then,which is probably why I don't drink it now. I've been thinking about trying it though. What's the best kind and how do you do it?

I wish I could find a recipe to make authentic Ekmek.

Remember the Pretzels they carried on the platters on their heads? I remember well the exciting smells and sights from the ferry going over to Istanbul.