A little bit? I told her she was crazy and she watches too much television! I know that Americans arent well liked too..  I think alot of that has to do with the idiots we seem compelled to keep electing as president though.

 Wow. Never knew that Bob Dole referred to himself as Bob Dole or that he had a hater group, although most politicians do! Interesting read.

Thanks. I was hoping that I wouldnt have to deal with any of that.  My mom told me to check that.. but she also thinks everyone in the ME walks around with guns too.. So this was just a precaution on my part.

 I dont usually participate in the forums much.. but this was funny. I would not say what this is, but just google Bob Dole advertisements. That should give you a good idea.

Your welcome, If they know this about you, then it might be ok.  I think it will depend on how modern the family is that you have been staying with though.  Even here in the US that would still be viewed as a romantic gesture. You might want to ask her parents first also and maybe explain to them yourself before you decide. If they dont mind, then I would say go for it.  Just make your intentions clear to them.

I dont think this is a Turkish specific question.  I think in many cultures this would be recieved as unacceptable unless it is a child or something like that.  Your intentions would be questioned no matter what country you were in.  Not a good idea unless you have romantic intentions.  Just my thoughts.

Thank you!!! Although I have had a tetnous and one of the Hep vaccines.. not sure on the other ones! I will have to check with my doc I suppose.  I am not looking forward to the needles though.. they really should give those out in handy pill form!

I am going to Turkey in 19 days (so excited!) and while looking for things that I need to be getting ready, I seen that there are some extra vaccinations that are recommened.  Malaria being one of them.. is this true?  There were a whole list of cities named..

Malaria in Turkey: prophylaxis is recommended for the provinces of Adana, Adryaman, Batman, Bingol, Bitlis, Diyarbakar, Elazig, Gaziantep, Hakkari, Hatay, Icel, Kahraman Maras, Kilis, Mardin, Mus, Osmaniyeh, Sanliurfa, Siirt, Sirnak, and Van, chiefly in the south and southeastern parts of the country. Peak transmission occurs from May to October. The drug of choice is chloroquine, taken once weekly in a dosage of 500 mg, starting one-to-two weeks before arrival and continuing through the trip and for four weeks after departure. Chloroquine may cause mild adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal disturbance, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and itching, but severe reactions are uncommon. Insect protection measures are advised for areas of malaria risk.

Is Malaria that big of a risk?  I am going to Adana but will also be in Mersin and Cappadokia as well as Istanbul of course.  If this is something that I should truely get, then I will of course. But if the risk is low,  then I would like to skip this, as I kind of have a hatred for needles.  Does anyone on here know if that is a serious risk? Or has anyone heard about people actually getting this?  Thanks in advance.

Thanks Pansi.. I will ask him about hobbies.  I was planning on taking something for everyone there.. Her gift was the only problem as I know him and his sister very well.  I have only talked to her a few times and even then it was translated for us and not face to face of course.  I am just worried that I would take something too small or something too big you know?  He says she is expecting to meet her daughter in law not just a visitor, so I am kind of nervous!

Hi everyone, I am reltively new to this site, but am wondering some things.  My boyfriend is living in Adana, and I will be going there at the end of September.  We are talking about marriage and rather serious things, and his family knows this.  They are looking forward to meeting me, but I am nervous.  Add to this that tonight he tells me that when I come there, I should bring his mom a gift.  I am not sure what kind to bring. He is not very helpful on the topic, but just says that I should bring something.. a little help here would be appreciated.  I dont know the customs there and we will be staying there for 2 weeks.  So is this like a hostess gift since we are staying in her house?  Or is this something more since we are talking of getting engaged?  Any help would be appreciated.

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