Going Out For "American"

We went out for American last night. Instead of going out for Mexican, Turkish, or Chinese food, we went out for American. It's kind of a funny concept because we never say that in the states. Imagine, though, people's conversations around the world. There might be a Turkish family sitting around their table trying to decide what they want for dinner and the dad says, "We haven't had American for awhile. Let's do that tonight." The daughter says, "Oh, Dad. You always want American."
We had a very "American" kind of day. We went to the mall, went to the movies, and went out for American:) It was a very fun day. Lately, we've either been up at school or building the shed (which is done, thankfully), so having a Saturday to do whatever we wanted was really nice.
Our first task was to get some pictures framed. It is very cheap to have them custom framed and matted here in The Turkei (as my Vienna friends and I used to say). We were there quite awhile in the frame shop that was filled with smoke, pictures of Ataturk, and somewhat risque paintings. The shop owner suggested lots of matte colors and frames, but they were not quite our taste- a little gaudy, a little too patterned, a little too gold. I'm was thinking neutral, muted, classic, and Pottery Barn, rather than things that looked as if they could be color for a Beyonce leotard.
As is the custom, we were treated to some cuy ("chai"), or tea during our shopping.. Over steaming cups of what you'd like to believe is some sort of special Turkish tea, but in reality is probably Lipton, we decided to have 3 pictures framed. They will be ready on Wednesday. We will see if our hand gestures and limited Turkish got us what we wanted.
After that, we headed over to the largest and most posh mall in Ankara, Anka Mall. The smell of roasting corn permeates the air (as it does in every mall). This is a very popular snack. The Turks love their corn!!! It's just cooked corn (off the cob), served in a bowl with whatever toppings you want. Though it would not be up to my father's Silver Queen Standards, it smells pretty doggone good.
We went to a super fun furniture store and bought 2 artsy looking picture frames. It took us about 20 minutes to find the frames and about 30 minutes to buy them. I kid you not- 8 employees working behind the register, and 3 customers. 30 minutes.
After finally acquiring our new frames, we went to the movies. A couple things about going to the movies in Turkey: 1. you are assigned a seat (like going to a concert) 2. there is a 15 min. intermission (aka "smoke break")in the middle of the movie (and afterwards you get a 2nd round of previews) 3. they are in english, but with Turkish subtitles. Almost every commercial before the movie started advertised hard liquor and usually in a very suggestive way. I wondered what the lady with the head covering thought about that.
There were many times where Tim and I laughed and nobody else in the theater did. They had the translation, but the subtlety of the humor didn't translate. I also noticed how quiet everyone was. This was especially interesting because Turks are not quiet, reserved people. Nobody whispered during the movie, nobody's cell phone went off, nobody continously rattled candy wrappers. It was quiet-which made me painfully aware of my own popcorn chewing.
Afterwards, we ate American food at a place in the mall called "Num Num." Not really sure of the significance of the name. It could be something they think is an American reference, but really isn't. That happens a lot. You see someone wearing a shirt with an English phrase or name, but it doesn't make any sense.
So, how does another country define "American" food? Onion straws, nachos, burgers, fries, and bbq. That about sums it up. And let's face it folks, no matter how much you like international cuisine (and I do), sometime a kebap just won't do. Sometime you just gotta have a good old American cheeseburger and fries. And there's no shame in that:)