Merhabalar! Hello! Welcome to Tiffles in Türkiye.
In 2023, I packed up my life in the United States, brought my two cats, Stormy and Smokey, and moved to Ankara to begin a completely unexpected adventure.
What started as an MBA journey at Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ/METU) became something much bigger: building a life, finding community, learning a new language, and discovering that home can sometimes be found thousands of miles away.
Here you’ll find stories about life in Türkiye, Turkish culture, travel adventures, language learning, vegan food, METU life, and all the little moments that make this journey unforgettable.
Hoş geldiniz! I’m so happy you’re here. ❤️
Explore Türkiye With Me
From everyday life in Ankara to cultural discoveries, language learning, travel adventures, and vegan recipes, explore the different parts of my journey in Türkiye.
Life in Türkiye
Personal reflections on daily life, cultural surprises, new experiences, and finding a sense of home in Türkiye.
Culture & Traditions
Explore Türkiye’s customs, celebrations, history, food, and traditions, through the eyes of an expat.
Learning Turkish
Follow my journey learning Turkish through everyday phrases, practical tips, funny mistakes, and small victories.
Ankara & Beyond
Discover Ankara, weekend escapes, hidden gems, and unforgettable adventures across Türkiye.
METU Life
Stories from my MBA journey, campus experiences, academic challenges, and memorable moments at Middle East Technical University.
Vegan Recipes
Simple, flavorful vegan recipes inspired by Turkish cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and comforting everyday meals.
Start Exploring
There are many ways to begin your journey through
Tiffles in Türkiye.
Maybe you’re curious about moving abroad, learning
Turkish, exploring Ankara, discovering vegan versions
of Turkish favorites, or simply wondering what life is
really like as an expat.
Wherever you start, I’m happy you’re here.
Latest Adventures
A glimpse into recent stories from Türkiye, from university milestones and cultural discoveries to everyday moments of expat life.
Finally! I Did It: Completing my MBA at Middle East Technical University
After three years at Middle East Technical University, a successful thesis defense, and countless moments of doubt and determination, I finally completed my MBA journey.
Expat Life in Ankara: When Your Dream Apartment Gets Demolished (Literally)
Apartment hunting, bureaucracy, and unexpected plot twists in Ankara. A personal story about expat life in Ankara.
Meatless Monday: Turkish Meze Magic (Part 4 of 4)
Meze Magic finale! Week 4 brings simple cucumber-tomato salad & zeytinyağlı enginar (artichokes). Perfect ending to our Turkish summer recipe series! 🌿
Hi, I’m Tiffles.
I’m an American who came to Türkiye expecting an adventure and somehow ended up building a life in Ankara.
What began with an MBA at Middle East Technical University turned into something much bigger: new friendships, a new language, cultural discoveries, plenty of unexpected plot twists, and a place that gradually became home.
Along the way, my two cats, Stormy and Smokey, have remained loyal companions, occasional supervisors, and firm believers that my most important job is still serving dinner.
Tiffles in Türkiye is where I share the stories I collect along the way.
Clarification
A note about the logo...
For my Turkish friends and anyone else wondering: Yes, my logo features a lightbulb, but don’t worry, it’s not a nod to the AK Parti. The lightbulb symbolizes bright ideas! You’ll also notice a beautiful butterfly, symbolizing transformation and adventure, not political affiliation. So, sit back, enjoy the posts, and rest assured – no political agendas are hidden in the blog (just a love for puns and a sprinkle of humor).
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I am so happy to have you here.
