Blog - foXnoMad

“Folk” Frogs

by Anil Polat | Jan 13, 2007 | Pictures and Video | 0

…singing [in Turkish] and [belly] dancing, with English translation. Why is this so addictive?

Free International Phone Calls from the US [Thanks Iowa!]

by Anil Polat | Jan 12, 2007 | Tech | 0

I read this and then learned this:

Click here to look at the (growing) list of available countries.

How does this work – and where does Iowa come in?

“The founder created his own telephone company in Iowa. Iowa is apparently the only state taking advantage of an FCC kickback scheme that gives telco’s a portion of the fees generated from every inbound call to an Iowa number. So when you call the AllFreeCalls phone number, a portion of any long distance fees you are paying go to the company. The kickback is apparently authorized via the Universal Service Fund. These kickbacks are enough on average to more than cover the international outbound calling fees.”

Don’t Jaywalk in the US

by Anil Polat | Jan 12, 2007 | Advice, Culture | 0

Or you could get your ass beat.

Army Stories Part 1: Serving in the Turkish Military

by Anil Polat | Jan 12, 2007 | Travel Journal | 47

This is the first post in a series of posts about my stint in the Turkish army. I decided to write some background for those who may not know what this is all about. Let me start off by saying that I am not writing these to toot my own horn, but to educate people about the lessons I took back from my 21 days.

Not only about military life, but about the culture surrounding it – and the impact that such a short chronological amount of time can have on a person’s life. Here it begins…

So how did 6,000 with normal jobs living all over the world end up serving in the Turkish army? They were all male and Turkish citizens. Baring any kind of mental or physical disability every man is required to serve in the Turkish military. We got off lucky, the average stay is 15 months, but if you can prove you’ve been working overseas for 2 years at least…

then pay at least $6,000 (more expensive for people living in Europe than in the States – 2 grand at least)…

After months or years of waiting you might get approved.

Approved for what?

To spend 21 days in Burdur, Turkey, serving your time and fulfilling your mandatory military obligation.

Burdur

There will be more to come with pictures and stories about showers, ~~shitting~~ bathrooms, and gay people. Thought I did need to lay the foundation – questions? Just ask in the comments…and stay turned every Friday for stories and information from day 1 on.

Number of Civilians Killed in Iraq

by Anil Polat | Jan 12, 2007 | Travel | 0

You can look at the database for more details and read a roundup of the new Iraq strategy set forth by President Bush two days ago.

What to Travel With as a Worldy Student

by peaceluvbug00 | Jan 11, 2007 | Advice, Air, Train, Travel | 4

Many of those crazy college kids will be going back to the far, far nether regions of the country and the world. Here are some tips from Peaceluvbug for all of you who decided you needed to get on a plane to escape mommy and daddy 😉

-aop

1. for the long plane ride home, be sure to bring your iPod (or any other electronic device) and a good book. you never know what movies will be playing on the flight, and if the movies are anything like what i got this time around, you’ll be happy to turn to your alternative modes of entertainment.
2. bring gifts! but be sure they are light gifts… everyone likes gifts (no matter how many times they tell you “oh you shouldn’t have!”)
3. be a stylish traveler. of course comfort comes first, but you can be comfortable and look good at the same time. you never know who you’ll be making an impression on. 🙂 a bit superficial, yes, i know… but deal with it.
4. be sure to wear shoes that won’t be a hassle to take off at security check points. no one likes to be the person who holds up the line at the airport!
5. the more hassle avoided = the happier the traveler. meaning, make sure your carry on has what it is allowed to have (check airline regulations at www.tsa.gov). and don’t pack it too much because i saw far too many people being asked to unload carry ons so officials could see what was inside. don’t be the dumdum in the security line! 🙂

Pretty interesting list, thanks “worldly student”! Anyone else leaving for school – or have any travel tips from when you were walking 15 miles across campus in the snow? Add them in the comments – holla!