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
Stories about building a new life abroad, cultural surprises, friendships, challenges, and the moments that make Türkiye feel like home.
Culture & Traditions
Exploring Turkish holidays, customs, history, traditions, and the experiences that help me understand this beautiful country.
Learning Turkish
The joys, struggles, mistakes, and small victories of learning a new language one word at a time.
Ankara & Beyond
Discovering the heart of Ankara, weekend getaways, and adventures across Türkiye. From hidden gems to must-see destinations, come explore with me.
METU Life
Stories from my MBA journey at Middle East Technical University: campus life, study adventures, student culture, and everything in between.
Vegan Recipes
Plant-based twists on Turkish favorites, simple recipes, grocery finds, and tips for living a vegan life in Türkiye.
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! 🌿
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.
