On Wednesday morning, we walk down to Tunali Hilmi and take shelter from a light rain-shower in a modern coffee shop that serves sweet cakes and pastries. The crowd includes a young couple in modern dress cuddling up next to each other in a lovers' lounge and older women some with head scarves but mostly bareheaded. Quality and numbers of shops in this part of Ankara are like Manuka on steroids.
We come across Tunali Hilmi and turn left towards Kizilay. Once we reach Attaturk Boulevarde, we turn right and within a few blocks reach the Grand Ankara Hotel now part of the Rixos Group. As it was after 12.00 by the time we reached it, we decide to lunch here for old times sake in spite of the high prices - we share one serving of shish tavuk at 33 liras.
It is quiet and unrushed. The waitress removes a reserved sign from a table with comfortable club chairs when we show interest in it. We enjoy olives and tapanard on bread and cool water whilst we wait
The chefs, all men, in their tall hats have not changed, says Sharon. I take a photograph with my i-phone.
I ask permission first but the chefs readily agree to the photograph. We shared a chicken shish and a salad.
We walked back after lunch, uphill all the way to the apartment.
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