Ankara's Got a Weird Vibe (and I'm Here for It)
okay, so. ankara. i didn't expect this. i mean, i knew it was the capital, knew it was…serious. but it’s got this…hum. like a low, constant thrum of something just slightly off-kilter. i just checked and it’s drizzling a bit, a damp chill clinging to everything, hope you like that kind of thing. it’s a solid 8.06 Celsius, feels like 6.88, and the pressure’s at 1016. humidity’s punching me in the face, though - 93%. i’m basically a walking sponge.
I’m here as a touring session drummer, which is…a thing. a weird thing. i’m subbing for a guy who apparently ran off with a tuba player. don’t ask. anyway, the gig’s at this place called Kızılay, which is apparently the heart of everything. it’s chaotic. beautiful chaos, but chaos nonetheless. i’ve been wandering around, trying to soak it all in, and honestly? it’s a sensory overload.
I stumbled across this tiny cafe, Simit Sarayı, and the smell of simit (sesame bread rings) was intoxicating. seriously, go. now. TripAdvisor link. Someone told me that the best ones are the ones that are slightly burnt - apparently, that’s where the flavor really is. i’m not arguing.
“Don’t trust the taxi drivers near Kızılay after midnight. They’ll take you on a scenic tour of the entire city…for triple the fare.”
That was drunk advice from a guy at the cafe. seemed legit. i’m sticking to the metro, thanks. it’s surprisingly efficient, though a little…intense. everyone’s got somewhere to be.
I’ve been trying to find some decent vintage shops. Ankara isn’t exactly known for its retro scene, but i’m hoping to unearth something cool. i saw a listing on a local board Ankara Vintage Finds that mentioned a place in Ulus. fingers crossed. if you get bored, Konya and Kayseri are just a short drive away.
I overheard some gossip at a lokanta (traditional Turkish restaurant) - apparently, there’s a huge debate about the best iskender kebab in the city. apparently, Adana Ocakbaşı is the frontrunner, but Hamdi Restaurant has a loyal following. i’m going to have to investigate. Yelp says Hamdi Restaurant has good reviews, but someone else warned me about the crowds. decisions, decisions.
“The pigeons in Anıtkabir are surprisingly aggressive. Don’t make eye contact.”
That was something a local warned me about. i’m taking that as gospel. i’m not messing with those birds.
I’m also trying to find some street art. Ankara’s not exactly a graffiti mecca, but i’m hoping to find some hidden gems. i saw a post on a street art forum Ankara Street Art that mentioned a mural in Dikmen Vadisi. that’s on my list for tomorrow.
Okay, gotta run. rehearsal in an hour. wish me luck. and if you’re ever in Ankara, embrace the weirdness. it’s…memorable.