You've already met my wife, Nassim. My name is Miguel and I hail originally from northern Spain, although I've spent the last 15 years in Seattle, Washington, USA. I've worked in high-tech since graduating from college but recently decided to take a break and relocate to Turkey to learn the language, culture, and cuisine.

Any amateur chefs, distance runners, and down-hill skiers out there? Suggestions and pointers welcome.

Thanks,
Miguel

welcome Miguel, I don't fit any of your categories unfortunately. But there are plenty people on the board that fit into one if not all.

Hi Miguel!

I love running, but it was 7 years since my last Marathon and I am not close to such distances anymore. Actually I find it difficult to run in istanbul. The parks are small and distances are short and often I end up in traffic jams and bad air. When I lived in Moda/Kadiköy I enjoyed to run along the water, but in this area (taksim/sisli), the best option I have found is the macka park. If anyone got a better idea I'd love to hear it!

//Andreas

Hi Miguel,

Welcome to the forum! I don't fit any of the categories either; maybe somewhat in your interest in cooking. I am a vegetarian and love to learn to cook new dishes etc. Also I love baking, something I cannot seem to make enough time for lately due to my busy (work) schedule.

For running, if you have a car you could come down to Yesilkoy-Yesilyurt, park your car for free (at least in Yesilyurt) and run along the sea. There are lots of small 'cay bahcesi' (tea houses) where you can stop and enjoy a nice cup of tea or fresh orange juice (or just lots of water!)

Good luck,
Vic.

Thank you for the warm welcome, well-wishing, and tips, folks.

Turkish hospitality (and patience) is remarkable. Despite my command of but 10 sentences and a few numbers, I find that Istanbullus are eager to assist the bemused yabinci neighbor. Not even a week here, and we've already made acquaintances around the neighborhood and I've already been granted credit at a hardware store (the owner didn't have change for my 50 YTL bill and told me to take my goods and pay for them later--or perhaps he told me something altogether different and I just unintentionally but brazenly shop-lifted...).

Miguel

Yeah that happens - always try and carry small notes and coins, especially in taxis. You'll find life becomes a lot easier.

Welcome and enjoy the city!

Hola Miguel!

Since leaving the military, I've made a promise to myself never never to run again. I've held true to my word so far and only run to the fridge or the mens room. I guess by default I fall into a subcategory of chef. I am a self proclaimed professional taster. If you love food half as much as the Spainards that I know, you will love Turkey. Turkish cuisine is outstanding. Good Luck and make the most out of your time in Turkey.

Don't worry about the tab at the hardware store. He'll make up for it with interest on your second visit.

Que tal Miguel,

Is good to see a new guy from Spain is here, great more Latin's; I belive you will like Istambul, I been her more than 3 years and still need to know more about it. In your categories!! I fit in the cooking as one of my specialties, sky "not to good", runing one but I do it in the gym at Hill Side Club in Etiler, is a better enviroment than to run in the streets of Istanbul and only 5 minutes from home, plus winters here are long so the gym is a must.. Also i'm in high tech biotechnology science; Where are you living?

Welcome Miguel. The Arnavutköy area, along the coast, is nice for running, also there's a nice route from Yeniköy to Sariyer, also along the cost (both have fantastic views but lots of concrete ground, unfortunately). The best place for running is the Belgrade forest, with a six km course around a lake. There's a group of us running there every weekend, tomorrow morning for example, so let me know if you want to join!