Friday November 8
Ahhh... morning near Galata: no people, no noise, broken glass. On my walk to Starbucks this morning, the sun was shining, the fresh produce vendor was bright eyed, and a small army of cats patrolled the streets along with a handful of cleaners (the human variety). Rivers of water trickled down the streets, evidence of the wash required to freshen up for tonight! Today is officially 'laundry day' for us. Yes - a big deal, as it would turn out. We would have to bike some distance, and search very carefully (single search avalanche rescue), to finally find locate laundry services at building #28 - NOT #82, as described online. The cost: 17.5 TL for wash and dry - surprisingly expensive considering the cost of most other things here. We handed over our exotics (lyrca mmmm), and were sent off with instructions to return in 2.5 hours. We decided to pop into the bakery next door, and got two breakfast sandwiches, and two of the biggest (and breadiest) chocolate croissants, all for 6 TL (approx 3 dollars). Next, we went in search of a park to relax in. We found a nice sunny spot next to a cannon, along the Bosphorous, beside the Military Museum and the Sultans Palace. In no time, 2 hours were up, and we were the proud owners of clean laundry.
This evening, Deniz and Selin took us out for fish and raki at Merakli Balik Salonu. There is a ritual around this sort of meal, and it begins with a wedge of feta on your plate, which you nibble at all night long until the meal is done (and the feta finished). I know what your thinking. Let me clarify, the feta gets transferred throughout the night onto a fresh plate as you move through the courses. Things kick off with cold tapas and salads and warm into vegetables, grilled sea food (calamaria yes), and of course, fresh local fish off every conceivable size. This meal is meant to be drawn out, dining as an experience, and enjoying the conversation and company of others over several hours (and the entire bottle of Raki). Turkish coffee is also a great finish to this dinner. Selin took the time to read our coffee grinds (kahve fali). An interesting future awaits us!
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| The biggest breadiest croissants ever. |
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| Selin, Deniz, Jenn, and Madalene enjoying fish and raki at Merakli Balik Salonu |
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| Jenn and Madalene. Was this before or after the bottle of raki, I'm not sure. |
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| Selin and Deniz, our lovely hosts for the night of fish and raki! It wouldn't of been the same without their translation of everything that was happening. |
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| One reads coffee grounds, the other reads the iPhone... and now I'm humming a certain Adele song. |
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| One path? |
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| Many paths? |
