LaLa Land

I've enjoyed more mellow days here in Istanbul. I've been getting lots of work done so now I can feel free to explore and have more fun! I've been lazy about posting new things but Mary Alice Beer will keep me on track!

On Friday, I went with Bob to meet Erol Parlak, a well-known saz player that was Bob's teacher. Bob had helped him with a talk he was giving in English and Erol Parlak wanted to give him a gift for his help. We met him at his studio and had tea and then we were invited to listen to a little of the lesson he was giving to some students. I videotaped a couple of magical pieces and really enjoyed hearing him play. He'd just had two concerts in Istanbul a few days before and I was sorry I had not known about them.





Yesterday Bob and I went to the Asian side of Istanbul. He had some business in Kadıköy so we took the boat over. It was so nice to be on the water. Kadıköy is a lovely little area with lots of Armenian and Greek churches. We went to the Church of Eufemia and the water there is supposed to heal eye problems.




I loved the cobblestone street patterns in different colors. We were disappointed to find that these old streets are being ripped up and replaced with granite pavers, just like what is being done on Istiklal Caddesi in Taksim. I guess these old streets are hard to manage in spiked-heel, pointy-toed shoes...

We also had a nice dinner of pide and some amazing chocolate desserts!!!! We came home and stoked up the soba with coal, which resulted in an early night. Today Bob is working at the saz shop and I'm feeling the effects of the pide and chocolate. Today began with a mellow breakfast of potatoes and antibiotics! It's a beautiful sunny day and I'm looking forward to a nice walk in this lovely city.