Time isn’t really too important in Turkey, per say. I am starting to realize this. We didn’t leave the house until around 1pm once again, and today we made plans with Brent’s roommate, Mahir, to get dinner at 6pm, have him show us his TV studio he works at, and then go up to Buyuk Chamlaca Hill. So, with this being said, we went to Kadikoy to start our day.
Why not start our day off by seeıng a nıce turkısh lady hangıng outsıde of her wındow... cleanlıness ıs ımportant here. Pretty impressive to boot!
It was a rather hot day today, we decided that this was the time to try some Turkish ice cream! Every scoop was a TL, we both got 3 scoops; I had chocolate-chocolate chip, a vanilla with hazelnut, and caramel. Turkey and its food, I cannot complain at all, and this was only the beginning of today’s feast-age! We wanted to go to something called the Maidens Tower today, which is a floating building. Legend has a few stories about this one. One of them talks of a nun of Aphrodite, who is prohibited to love, lived in this tower, until one day she came out and met a guy – they fell in love – he swam to her every night, guided by a lantern she put in the tower. Until one night, there was a storm and he drowned. The end. The next legend is of a King whom had a daughter who is a princess; an oracle told him that she would die on her 18th birthday from a snake. He built this tower in the water so that no snakes could reach her. Until gifts were brought on her 18th birthday, a snake snuck into one of the fruit baskets that were given to her, bit her, she died, just as the prophecy said. Anyway, we cruised over there, took in the great 360-degree view of Istanbul, had a cup of çay and then headed back to the shore.
Now it was getting around six, we headed back towards Brent’s place. When we got here we had some time to kill and relax. Watched a few episodes of National Geographic Adventure series, it was about a trip to the Amazon rain forest and Andes Mountains… I am trying to go there asap!!! Mahir then called Brent and told him that himself and a friend were waiting outside for us. We jumped in the car, the other guy was Arom, one of Mahir’s old roommates and close friends. We drove to a place about 30 minutes away, it was “Yer Sofars(uh)” style (everyone sits on couches around a big metal circle, which the food is placed on). Mahir did the talking and next thing we know a plate of bread, vegetables, spices and lamb is being brought out to us. Along with the most popular drink in Turkey, ayran, which tastes like salty yogurt. Lets just say it wasn't my favorite drink, I am sure you get use to it after time - but for me, not so much. However, the lamb was delicious! Very good indeed. I was so full after we were all done eating, but, dessert was already ordered as well. This was called “Kunufe”, a deep-fried pastry cheese dish, fried in sugar-water. It was great, but I was so full (or “Doydum” in Turkish). Arom invited Brent and I for breakfast either on Monday or Tuesday, we gladly accepted, can’t wait for a real cooked Turkish Breakfast! After we were done eating, we were able to go back to the area where the cook was cooking lambs rotisserie style in front of a giant fire. We all were stuffed by the time we left the restaurant. I can safety say that the cars shocks kicked in when we all sat back down! Mahir treated us, he is the epitome of the Turkish customs of friendliness and hospitality. I have felt like I am completely welcome in every way in his home and country!
After this we headed to Mahir’s studio, we got a behind the scenes look of all the sets, lighting, and screens. It was interesting to stand in the studios and learn how everything worked; it really is all about tricking the viewer into seeing something that isn’t really there. Impressive stuff. He said he was a magician! This was a great tour, we also met a few other people who worked there. After this we went up to Buyuk Chamlaca Hill, which overlooked most of Istanbul. There were great sights up here, we walked around and chatted. A good wrap up for a well spent evening out.
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