Common

Common in Izmir:

• Huge slabs of raw meat sitting on tables outside of restaurants.
• A deep fear of drafts. Because they will make you sick. Unlike the raw meat on the counters outside of restaurants.
• Midnight strolls around town. With your baby.
• Staring. I've started to pick up this habit in earnest. I like that it is socially acceptable here.
• Getting yelled at by waiters for ordering coffee before the meal begins. Apparently I shouldn't want coffee at that time. 
• Deep, deep holes in the streets.
• People using blowtorches on the sidewalks without any safety gear for themselves or caution tape to warn others.
• Taxi drivers sleeping in the back of their cabs.
• Small cakes and ice cream served for free on buses.
• Refrigerated red wine. Everywhere.
• Old ladies who beat cars with their canes.
• Black Lung due to the high concentration of coal dust in the air during the winter months.
• Sitting/standing really close to strangers for no apparent reason.
• Walking into people (like,  full body-checks) and continuing to stroll on past as if no contact were made. My favorite was when an old woman took it to the next level with my friend Lisa -- she didn't just "bump past" her -- she did a double handed push to Lisa's stomach, perhaps to suggest that Lisa should move.
• Every man owns and wears at LEAST one cardigan sweater with caribou on it. Everyday.
• Pants made of sweater. (I have a pair)
• Single serving hand wipes.

be careful?

ps: I love Turkey