Independence Day

Today, in 1923, Turkey became a Republic - officially ending the Ottoman Empire and accounting Mustafa Kemal Ataturk as the first president.  The day is celebrated all across Turkey, with performances at schools and at military bases.  This year, however, the celebrations were cancelled because of the occurrences in Van - the terrorist attacks that led to the death of over 25 soldiers, and then the earthquake in the same region that killed maybe 100 people - led the government to deem a celebration as inappropriate. 

Our school still had its ceremony though ... but I didn't go out of protest ... and a headache.

Tolga came home today too.  Finally.  He brought home olive oil from the Western region he was in.  Mulberry syrup.  Melons - two from the roadside, two from a villager who gave them to him, some Quince from another villager's tree, and some homemade soaps. 

I had some surprises for him too.  My friend Emily had a pass to the American army base.   I didn't think this was anything special, until I went there.  The army base has stores that sell American products at American prices, with an additional 30% discount.  For example, a Lazy Boy chair there is $200.  A recliner here is over one thousand lire.  

We ate pizza.  Not a big deal until I realized I could order pizza with pepperoni.  Mmmmm.

Then we went to the grocery store.  Emily offered to purchase anything for me with her pass.  I declined.  Partly out of pride, partly because I've gone this long without American products, I'm sure I could survive--

"Rachel, don't you need peanut butter?"

"YES, I DO!"

And then it was all downhill from there, I forgot how many things I "needed":

Bacon, oatmeal, Tums for my pregnancy onset heartburn, Grape Nuts cereal, Dr. Pepper (for Tolga, he loves it), Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Peanut Butter M&Ms.

I went home and ate too many peanut butter M&Ms, but it was okay, I just followed it with some Tums.