Driving in Turkey

by Verity K.
(Istanbul, Turkey)

Manyak misin?!!!!

If you have ever been to Istanbul you will know that sometimes the traffic can be pretty crazy here. My favorite Turkish phrase at the moment is 'Manyak misin?!!!' that is 'Are you a maniac?!!!' I have managed to drive a few times here now (of course with Senol directing me every step of the way). The first couple of times were surprisingly easy. No near misses, no incensed drivers bashing their horns.

The most recent time was a little more stressful! Lots more traffic, cars darting in and out in front of me, narrow streets winding up steep hillsides with Audis and Mercedes parked on one side and sheer drops to the other. Let's just say that it ended with @#$@!! and me throwing the car keys at Senol! Hehehe - very funny...in retrospect.

You can read more about my expatriate experience in beautiful and amazing Istanbul on my blog A Pink canary's Nest

Verity