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An idea for representing your culture and country

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muratkorman
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An idea for representing your culture and country

Post by muratkorman » Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:24 am

Hi everyone,

It has been some time since I have become a member of this forum and I really find it very interesting and useful. This forum has also become a melting pot of many cultures with members from many countries around the world. With discussions we make through the threads we get to know each other better and it also leads to understanding the different cultures along the way.

I know that there are so many people interested in travelling around and visiting new countries during their expatriateship just like me. We all know that life can bring us to another point in the world which we never imagined. One day you may find yourself getting ready to relocate to my country and even my home city. It could also happen to me that after my assignment here I could relocate to another part of the world.

My proposal is to give some links from internet about your country, your culture, your city. This could become such a useful database for members of this forum who are eager to travel and discover new places and who may relocate due to the nature of their jobs.

As a starting point I give you below a few links about Turkey and Istanbul. I am sure many of you have heard about my home city Istanbul, but I guess there are many who never read a word about it. Please also include links about your city, country which you think will be useful. Let's improve the forum with this contribution. I believe all the expats should have the responsibilty to take the role of "civil ambassador" of their countries wherever they live.

For the members who are interested in Turkey or Istanbul, they can PM me for any type of questions.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/ ... ope/turkey

http://www.allaboutturkey.com/index.htm

http://english.istanbul.com/?Vst=2
With my kind regards

Murat Korman

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Rich D
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Post by Rich D » Wed, 16 May 2007 2:40 am

I have been overwhelmed with how helpful people in Istanbul have been. Today I managed to do a couple of things which yesterday I needed help from a local member of staff.

When I told him of my (admittedly modest) achievement I was surprised that he could not hide mild disappointment. Then he said "Oh, so I have lost that chance to help you with that. Perhaps there is something else I can do for you next time."

I'm not saying people in Singapore were not helpful but ths is on a different magnitude! Now I wonder if I can get someone to build a school near where I want to live!!!!
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Post by Barczar » Wed, 16 May 2007 11:00 am

Great idea! Being a Canuck I have to post the official Canada Tourism Link found here - www.canadatourism.ca

More importantly I am from Saskatchewan, which according to 9 out of 10 gophers and white tail deer alike agree is the BEST part of Canada. the official tourism site found here - www.sasktourism.com

Being Canadian is more than Lumberjacks, Hockey Players and curlers! Ask any true Canadian what the best beer in the world is and it undoubtably they will say Molson Canadian, which in itself is a Canadian institution - the slogan is "I AM CANADIAN" website found here - www.molson.com

One of the biggest cult TV shows ever to come out of Canada is the Trailer Park Boys, which is a mocumentary of a couple of guys living in a trailer park (when they are not in Jail) and grow weed (marijuana) and get stoned and drunk pretty much at every single possible moment. A warning seeing as we are in Singapore the website has adult content drugs, swearing, sexual intent etc, but being from Canada with one of the most relaxed artistic mentalities in the world, everything on Trailer Park Boys is broadcasted accross Canada...we don't have the same social hangups as found out here - website - www.trailerparkboys.com

As far as Music goes, most people unless they have been hiding under a rock know of Celine Dion, Bryan Adams, Micheal Buble - and as according to the South Park movie, "The governement of Canada has appologised for them over numerous occassions!" The band that is so undeniably Canadian and is again an institution is the rock band the Tragically Hip. Huge stadiums fill up faster for a Hip concert than any other band in hours, sometimes minutes. The Hip as they are affectionately known as is possibly one of the greatest secrets Canada has along with the lead singer Gordon Downie who is truly a patriotic artists. Many of us believe that to become a Canadian citizen, we don't care if you know the National Anthem (unless you go to a hockey of Canadian Football game) as long as you know a few hip songs, you're good people to us! website - www.thehip.com

Speaking of Canadian Football, here is the link to the Canadian Version of American Football. Remember, our Field (pitch) is longer and wider, our end zone is deeper and most importantly...our balls are bigger (literally) website found here - www.cfl.ca


A link I quite enjoy is the Americans guide to living in canada - website found here - www.americansguide.ca it's so true and generally very amusing.

Man I feel like I could go on for a while here because let's face it, Canada is a huge place and one could spend a lifetime trying to find all the cool things to do and see there...hopefully the above should get you started...

Cheers eh?!
If you want to play with the Big Dogs you can't pee like a Puppy!

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Post by muratkorman » Wed, 16 May 2007 11:34 am

Thanks for the post Barczar. I hope what I have started here could be a useful guide for others and I expect some other members to share their knowledge with us.
With my kind regards

Murat Korman

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Post by Barczar » Wed, 16 May 2007 11:43 am

For the first time in a long time I actually really enjoyed writing that post! Thanks for the idea eh?! I can't believe I've been outside of Canada now for 10 years, writing that post just reminded me of what I left behind. That being said, it's what i tell everyone, "if you are not from there I believe it is the greatest place on Earth...however, being from there, I believe there has to be something better out there!" The typical Grass is Greener on the other side eh?! I hope this thread catches on, I for one would be very interested to see what other people have to say about their own countries etc...
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Post by jpatokal » Wed, 16 May 2007 5:23 pm

You only need one URL for the entire world, and it's in my sig. The best part? If there's a problem or a mistake, you can fix it yourself! :cool:
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Post by Kats_ » Thu, 17 May 2007 3:00 pm

Barczar wrote:For the first time in a long time I actually really enjoyed writing that post! Thanks for the idea eh?! I can't believe I've been outside of Canada now for 10 years, writing that post just reminded me of what I left behind. That being said, it's what i tell everyone, "if you are not from there I believe it is the greatest place on Earth...however, being from there, I believe there has to be something better out there!" The typical Grass is Greener on the other side eh?! I hope this thread catches on, I for one would be very interested to see what other people have to say about their own countries etc...
Share your sentiments! No matter how much I had wanted to stay away from my parents in my late teens...I still love them and miss them more-so-now. The same applies to my country. I wanted to explore the world then; I yearn to go home for each Diwali now....

Murat, it is a really cool idea.
tonton toto, ton thé t'a t-il ôté ta toux?

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Post by muratkorman » Thu, 17 May 2007 3:35 pm

If you are not from Canada, I would be also happy to see the links you send for your country. It is really good that finally some members start replying to this thread as I have written it more than 3 weeks ago.
With my kind regards

Murat Korman

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Barczar
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Post by Barczar » Thu, 17 May 2007 4:01 pm

For a true taste of Canada in Singapore, this Sunday is the Celebrate Canada Carnival (sort of our Canada Day celebration) there is going to be loads of Canucks, from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the High Commission, various Canadian Clubs, The Canadian School etc. Lots of food, music, and general "familyesque fun"! It's being held at East Coast park from 11AM until midnight. I believe tickets are $10 at the door. Should be a blast, the Great Canadian Picnic is always one of the best days in Singapore for me, and this celebration is a continuation of that party, so come one come all! The official website for it is: www.celebratecanada.org

Cheers
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Post by Kats_ » Thu, 17 May 2007 4:17 pm

Murat, I had 2 turkish friends when I was at school - Nadine and Nadire! I was introduced to turkish food through them. Fantastic! Please do suggest if you know of any nice places here in Singapore that serve nice Turkish delights.

Back to the subject: Bubbles had once posted asking for 'words' describing our respective countries. I had described and I am so proud that I will again.

Here goes - 'Vibrant Colours'

These two in my opinion, would be the best words to describe my homeland.

Festivals to classical dances,
Spices from the south to the fields of the north,
Places of worship to wedding ceremonies,
Sweets to chaats\chutneys.....
Bengal tigers to the camels in the deserts of Rajasthan

I can go on and on..

Its all about brilliant colours, my homeland......a spectrum!

Yet, a humble tri-colour flag represents it and I only hope and pray that my country men and women truly understand and respect what those three colours stand for.

I am from incredible India!!!

Here's one which has a fair bit of information, representing India the way I see it - bright and colourful!

http://www.incredibleindia.org/

Except for a select few, I think most nationalities need a visa to visit India so this link might prove handy :)

http://www.india-visa.com/

Kats
Saare jahan se accha, Hindustan hamara!
tonton toto, ton thé t'a t-il ôté ta toux?

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Post by muratkorman » Thu, 17 May 2007 4:29 pm

Hi Kats,

At the moment I am so busy with tasting local cuisine that I couldn't have time for checking out Turkish restaurants. I have heard there are a few around Singapore. However, I wouldn't make any comment before I try them. I like Indian cuisine a lot and there are so many places around to taste :)

I will give you some feedback after I try some Turkish restaurants.
With my kind regards

Murat Korman

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Post by Kats_ » Thu, 17 May 2007 5:10 pm

Murat,

No worries! Anytime.

My most fav lebanese/middle eastern restaurant is Al Hamra at Holland V.

The food is superbly and the service is great!

Yes, several Indian outlets here. Enjoy them :)

Kats
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Post by Rich D » Fri, 18 May 2007 1:15 am

muratkorman wrote:Hi Kats,

At the moment I am so busy with tasting local cuisine that I couldn't have time for checking out Turkish restaurants. I have heard there are a few around Singapore. However, I wouldn't make any comment before I try them. I like Indian cuisine a lot and there are so many places around to taste :)

I will give you some feedback after I try some Turkish restaurants.
Can I be really selfish and ask if you know anywhere good in the Sisli/Osmanbey districts? You know why, Murat! :wink:

We took the plunge yesterday and used our broken Turkish to go into a cig kofte shop (sorry, still struggling with those extra characters). The food is wonderful and with the abundance of salads and fresh fruit it is really easy to eat healthily. Such a relief after all that party food!
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muratkorman
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Post by muratkorman » Fri, 18 May 2007 8:49 am

Hi Richard,

I am happy that you enjoyed cig kofte. There are many restaurants around your region. My favorite with a specialty is Kaburga Sofrasi in Sisli. They prepare local specialties of Mardin - an ancient city in South East of Turkey. There should be a fix menu which will allow you try everything. Go there with your colleagues and as hungry as you can be :) At the end you will be served Mirra - a special coffee from that region. You will never forget this experience. Enjoy your meal. Here is the address Şişli Halaskargazi Cad. No : 252/4 Tel: 0212 225 95 95
With my kind regards

Murat Korman

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Post by Rich D » Fri, 18 May 2007 10:44 am

Fantastic, our hotel is just off Halaskargazi Cad!

Yes, its early, I am still jet lagged!
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