The two weeks leading up to Labor Day invite the Minnesota State Fair to Saint Paul. Today was my second day at the fair – the first with my parents and siblings and today with Joshua and Brenden, the boys with whom I work. After eating cheese curds, Sweet Martha’s cookies and a sno-cone on my first visit, I felt fine. However, after today, I’m definitely paying the price in indigestion for the pronto pup, buffalo fries, sno-cone, and oh so yummy frozen apple cider. Believe me when I say, it was worth it.

I posted some pictures from the fair. (I forgot my camera so I actually found these pictures online.) They highlight some of the more interesting aspects of the fair. While we were walking around today, I couldn’t help but wonder what some of my Turkish friends would think if they visited the fair. I would love to bring my sister-in-law or boyfriend to the fair, just to see their reaction. Işallah, one day that will happen! This is our Minnesota culture at its finest. I’m thinking they’d feel the same way as I felt my first time in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar – a feeling of awe and tradition. At least, I hope they would feel that way. I guess with the deep fried twinkies and ravioli-on-a-stick, I just can’t be too sure.

Its interesting…when I first arrived in Turkey two years ago, I don’t think I could have answered the question, “What are some special things about your American culture?” I guess the more I live in a different culture, the more differences I see, and the more I understand my own upbringing, cultures and traditions. What a great thing to understand that Turkey has a rich history of culture and tradition, and so do Americans! I know there are pros and cons to both Turkish and American cultures, but I’m thankful for both…especially the part with the Minnesota State Fair.