1) You push down the switch to turn the lights on. I didn't believe it at first, but every light switch is the same. I will not get used to that in two weeks. So every time, I switch it wrong first, and then right on the second try.
2) No clocks. In both our stay at the guest house and in the hospital, there has not been a clock on the wall, or anywhere. Not even an alarm clock on the nightstand. Maybe Turkey is just smarter than the US, and knows everyone is just going to use their cell phone anyway.
3) I have only spent maybe a grand total of 5 minutes watching TV. Oddly enough, I can't understand a word they are saying. But, flipping through the channels one or twice, I could not believe it, but they have at least two channels, out of around 20, which are dedicated to futbol (soccer) 24/7. Two really?
4) In Turkey they don't have the little buttons you push when you want to cross the street. I saw the "walk" sign on the street post across from me, but could not find the button. But, to my surprise when the light turned red, and it was my turn to cross, the sign across the street switched to "walk" (I assume). That got me to wondering, why do we need all those little buttons on street posts in America, why can't it just say walk automatically even if no one is there to see it. Hmmm. Not sure.
5) Flushing toilets. Well, I have seen it all now, but each toliet has two buttons on the wall. One generally larger than the other. Yes, some of you are already getting the picture, but depending on how you are using the toilet depends on how you flush it. I have not got a clear explanation of this one, mostly because I really don't know how to ask appropriately. My best guess is that the small one uses less water, and the large one more. So in an effort to use less water (when appropriate) there are two buttons. And yes, I know that you are dying to know but this is Europe (or pretty close) and they do have integrated bidets in the toilets. I will spare you any addition details, but you can have a look at the photos.
Ok. Maybe this is a little gross, but inquiring minds want to know...
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| Notice the two buttons above. |
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| Needs no explanation |
These aren't such a big deal, but in case you were wondering.
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| Single Light Switch |
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| Dual Light Switch |
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| European Outlet |
Hi - I live on this side of the world, so can explain a bit. But first must add: we are dealing with pudendal nerve entrapment. Your topics here far from 'gross', believe me, what we deal with 24/4 is a zillion times moreso. (And hopefully your wife will never deal with again!) This stuff is fun, love your great post.
ReplyDelete1. Some places here don't get so much rainfall like America, or water cost a lot more, so every drop counts. So you got it. Big button brings more water for the bigger stuff. Just pee 'ing? Small button!
Regarding bidit, how does one really stay clean without it? Mine at home has more settings, for example 'front' or 'back' area, water temperature control, pulse/pressure control of water & even a hot-air dryer. Super hygienic & not wasting more trees! And the other stuff....
2. Many lightswitches in Europe & elsewhere work by pushing switch down. Pretty common.
3. Clocks? No need. Take your time. Why be so stressed about time....common attitude here. (And yes, we use phones for time if needed ;)
4. Soccer is a way of life here. Imagine American football x100. With our cable tv we have 13 (!!) stations dedicated to soccer, two even have 3-D coverage for those with a newer 3-D tv. It's pretty amazing. 5. Yep, never understand buttons to cross a street.
I am always confused in America. Seeing only one toilet button, backwards light switches & no soccer on tv. Not to mention buttons to cross the street that I have never seen work anywhere. Oh yeah, and strange that you don't walk through medal dectors at malls in America, but I did at many schools, elementary to high-school. Here schools very safe. Shooting unheard of. Malls & other public places is where stuff can happen. But then again if it's an airplane, nothing can stop it. ;-((
Looking forward to hearing more of your journey & Shirlayne's recovery!
PS. Red soup? Gross. Never saw that. People 'calling' out at food places (& other places selling stuff) very common in Middle Eastern/Arab culture, which there is a huge influence of in Turkey. (Many countries in this area are considered in Asia, Europe & Middle East.)
G... Thanks for clarifying, it was fun to hear your input from first hand experience, your Bidet, it sounds heavenly, especially for people like us. It is always interesting how each country does everything so differently, I guess that what makes our world so fun. Where exactly do you live? Thanks for reaching out, Hugs!
ReplyDelete-shirlayne