Ankara is the capital city of Turkey because in 1920 Ataturk, their past president whom they still love, moved it from Istanbul to the middle of the country. It is a crowded city with 4.3 million people (it reminded us of Tijuana) and full of shanty towns, pollution, poor Muslims on one side and the other has rich politicians, high-end shops, and expensive restaurants. Of course we stayed in Ulus- the poor part of town- where its so hectic that you cant cross the street. Too many cars, buses, taxis, and people drive like idiots. The one positive thing about Ankara is that I took my first Turkish bath and it was invigorating! I relaxed in the sauna and then the woman scrubbed me, gave me the roughest massage ever, and lastly washed my hair with a bar of soap. Interesting experience, but I dont need another one for a while. Here is a picture below of Ataturk and Paul- side by side.
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