expatturk

If so, did you use it and was it worthwhile?

This question is for Turkish people and ex-pats alike. What name would make you want to walk into a small, cozy restaurant to have good Italian pizza in Sultanahmet? A change from kebaps and pida...

How many of you have lost a loved one directly because of a terrorist act? How many of you lived and worked with Saudis in Saudi Arabia? How many of you have lived in or visited any Muslim country? I am often startled by the answers many people give to questions about terrorism and Muslims. I see answers filled with hate and anger and fear. I read answers that reflect a basic ignorance of history and politics and culture and religion.

My answer to my questions is “Yes, I have.” My husband was shot nine times in the head and chest by four fanantic followers of Osman bin Laden -- right in front of our villa in a Saudi neighborhood. I have stood in the street where he died and been comforted by my Saudi friends and neighbors. I live in another Muslim country although I am a Christian and a believer in the most excellent Constitution of the United States of America.

Hate and anger and fear are what lie at the heart of terrorism. Religious beliefs are merely an excuse.

Yakin dostuma Virnnicya'ya sevgi ve saygilarim,la.

This is for any of the Christians and Muslims and anyone else who are so full of anger without reason and who say hateful things about people you don’t even know. Hatred and anger are not part of the path to the Supreme Being, Allah, God, Jehovah, whatever your native language is for that which none of us can even begin to comprehend. We are all on different paths to the same goal. If you would empty your hearts of hatred and fill them with love for humanity, you might stop some of the senseless killings that are committed in the name of the most Holy. Instead of making nasty comments and displaying an ignorance of basic history, other cultures and the premises of other religions, open your minds to information; stop making rash judgments without researching facts. Try going to a library and read about that which you object to. If you insult someone, that person will take offense, just as you will take offense if someone insults you.

Can you sit quietly and look into your heart?

I want to buy a new laptop but know nothing. I am a professional writer and I travel a lot. Money is not an issue. I know nothing about rams or any of that. Just say -- this one is good and tell me where I can order one so it will arrive in two weeks! THanks.

A few days ago, the cursor stopped tracking properly. Now I am getting messages that the computer is not recognizing "the device." Is it a glitch or do I need a new mouse? I am techno-ignorant and would appreciate real help.

I am a widow. I am going on a date with a man whom I have known casually for several years. This is my first date since my husband died two years ago. I have no real interest in having a sexual relationship; if I did, it would be with my best friend who happens to be in love with someone else, so that's a no-go. Should I tell this gent up-front that I just want companionship? After all, he is going to be paying for the taxi and the dinner. His company is nice, his interest is flattering, and I'm tired of being alone every evening (if I am not with a woman friend).

This is a serious question. My husband was murdered two years ago in Riyadh but at the time, I was too much in shock to deal with the question of blood money even though many people advised me to do so. I have sent two letters to Prince Naif through two different avenues, but have had no response. I very much need to be able to help my two stepsons, but I can't do it on my own. If anyone can give me real advice, I would appreciate it. By the way, I no longer live in Saudi.

If so, how much did your flight cost? From where did you leave? What time of year?

If so, do you enjoy the gatherings and trips?

You seem to be an interesting person, and some of us living in Turkey might enjoy knowing you better. Maybe it could help us if you gave some information about yourself -- as I did in my Q&A. New friends can be found in the oddest places.

All he took was a set of outdoor chairs. He could have borrowed them if he had asked. Yet instead of asking, which might have required using the internet because I am overseas, he reportedly jimmied a window and broke in -- as far as I know, that's breaking and entering. His father was murdered two years ago, so I have been helping my stepson financially at the same time I have been attempting to rebuild my own life. It makes me sick that I can't trust this young man to whom I have given so much.