Guesting with a host family is an incredibly wonderful and fulfilling experience. This trip to Diyarbakir was 5 days, 4 nights and each morning we woke up to the most glorious breakfast spread.
Like I have mentioned in previous posts, Turk kahvalti (Turkish breakfast) is DONE, not eaten. I love the leisurely attitude toward the most important meal of the day.
Every kahvalti includes tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and bread. Any additional items are just a treat! The number of cheeses at a breakfast table also varies; one morning we had FOUR different types of cheeses to enjoy, from dry and salty to seasoned with baharat spice and herbs.
Like I have mentioned in previous posts, Turk kahvalti (Turkish breakfast) is DONE, not eaten. I love the leisurely attitude toward the most important meal of the day.
Every kahvalti includes tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and bread. Any additional items are just a treat! The number of cheeses at a breakfast table also varies; one morning we had FOUR different types of cheeses to enjoy, from dry and salty to seasoned with baharat spice and herbs.
One of my favorite additions to the 'normal' breakfast fare was a Turkish take on French toast. The büyükanne (grandmother, or literally 'big mother') made her French toast from old ekmek (bread). It was dense and gooey but not heavy. It was neither sweet not savory, and she indicated that was intentional when I asked her. She explained that this way one could enjoy it with either one of the many cheeses or with honey and kaymak (clotted cream).
The Diyarbakir family we stayed with was more than generous. Beyond the delicious food that was lovingly prepared for everyone, we enjoyed long, deep conversations after dinner each night about American culture, Kurdish traditions, Turkish weddings, and even world peace. All our conversations were conducted in approximately 80% Turkish and 20% English, with a small smattering of Azerbaijani thrown in for good measure just when our own native tongues failed us.
Overall this guesting experience was unforgettable. I couldn't have imagined celebrating this beloved Kurdish holiday without a Kurdish/Turkish family in tow. It was a vacation that will be remembered for a lifetime. Breakfast and all.
Overall this guesting experience was unforgettable. I couldn't have imagined celebrating this beloved Kurdish holiday without a Kurdish/Turkish family in tow. It was a vacation that will be remembered for a lifetime. Breakfast and all.