Ankara's Got a Weird Vibe (and I'm Here for It)
okay, so. ankara. i didn't expect to be here, honestly. my usual circuit is a bit more…sun-drenched. but a gig fell through in barcelona, and this popped up. touring session drumming isn’t exactly a career path paved with roses, you know? it’s more like a gravel road with occasional potholes filled with lukewarm instant coffee.
and the weather? i just checked and it’s…a damp sort of grey. like someone forgot to wring out a cloud. ten point one six degrees celsius, feels like seven point five seven. perfect for brooding, i guess. i’m not complaining, though. i’ve played in worse. once, in a bowling alley in aberdeen…let’s not go there.
so, ankara. it’s…different. it’s not the postcard-perfect turkey you see in travel brochures. it’s…real. a bit rough around the edges, maybe. but that’s what i dig. i spent the first few hours just wandering, trying to get a feel for the place. the architecture is a bizarre mix of ancient and modern - Ottoman-era buildings squeezed between brutalist concrete blocks. it’s visually jarring, but somehow…compelling.
I stumbled across this tiny cafe, tucked away down a side street. the owner, a guy with a handlebar mustache and eyes that had seen a lot, just nodded when i walked in. no “welcome,” no “can i help you.” just a silent offering of strong, black coffee. it was exactly what i needed. i overheard a couple arguing about football - apparently, there’s a serious rivalry here. something about a missed penalty kick. the passion was intense.
“Don’t go near Kızılay after dark,” a woman with a heavily-lined gaze told me, nursing a cup of tea. “Too many…characters. And the traffic? Forget about it. It’s a warzone.”
I’m staying in a pretty basic Airbnb near *Anıtkabir, Ataturk’s mausoleum. it’s…functional. the shower pressure is questionable, but hey, at least it’s dry. if you get bored, Konya and Kayseri are just a short drive away - apparently, they’re known for their whirling dervishes and carpets, respectively. I might check them out if I have time.
Pro-Tip #1: Learn a few basic Turkish phrases. Seriously. People appreciate the effort, even if you butcher the pronunciation. I’m currently attempting “Merhaba” and “Teşekkür ederim.” It’s…a work in progress.
Pro-Tip #2: The public transport is surprisingly good. The Ankara Metro is clean and efficient. Just be prepared for some serious crowds during rush hour.
Pro-Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to get lost. Some of the best discoveries happen when you’re wandering aimlessly. I found this amazing little antique shop just by turning down the wrong street. It was crammed with old records, vintage posters, and dusty trinkets. I bought a Turkish coffee grinder - no idea how to use it, but it looked cool.
Someone told me that the Hamamönü district is a must-see. Apparently, it’s a beautifully restored area with Ottoman-era houses and traditional Turkish baths. I’m planning to head there tomorrow. I also heard that the food is incredible - especially the kebabs. I’m already drooling just thinking about it. Check out TripAdvisor for some recommendations: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g294200-Ankara.html
I’m trying to find some decent live music. Yelp says there’s a jazz club called Jazz on* that’s worth checking out: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jazz-on-ankara. Fingers crossed it’s not just a bunch of guys playing elevator music.
Honestly, ankara is throwing me for a loop. it’s not what i expected, but i’m kind of digging it. it’s got a weird, gritty charm that’s growing on me. I’m going to check out some local forums to see what other drummers think of the scene here: https://www.ankara.gov.tr/. Maybe i can find some jam sessions.
I’m also looking for a good place to get a haircut. My current style is…questionable, to say the least. Any recommendations? Let me know in the comments!
And if you’re ever in ankara, hit me up. We can grab some coffee (or a kebab) and complain about the weather.
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