Worth Missing Biscuits

Today we visited an art museum where we saw some stunning calligraphy, sweet textiles and beautiful doors. We also had our first official Turkish lesson, which was fun, but I wish I knew more…After lessons I split off from everyone and went to the gardens. The light was too good to go home. After a stint of viewing uniformed guys and girls hand and hand, (the gardens are a prime couple real estate) and an elderly couple that made me smile. I thought, we have drive ins, or make out points, they have palace gardens... something seems off here! Anyways, I drew and wrote until I started missing the thrum of the city. I made my way out, and down toward Galata bridge. On the way I saw an artists studio, with signs that said, “free, come in!” (how could I resist) So in I went and saw the work which was STUNNING. There were several images of women (mostly faces), sufi dervishes, and a lot of more contemporary work. I can’t describe it aptly. I was thrilled at having met a contemporary artist – whom I might be able to interview or work with – and was smiling when I left. I do not know if I have warned you of the dangers of smiling on Istanbul streets. But if you want to be assaulted with invitations to tea, this is a very good way to go about gathering such offers. So I again found myself in the bottom of a carpet store, chatting away with a man about our various life stories. Twas a good time, and I saw same fabulous boots. He told me they were hand made in Bursa! They had bright colors, star patterns, flower patterns, and swirls on black and brown backgrounds- at one point in the conversation I looked at him out of the corner of my eyes, "Kac lira?" (how much?) "270 lira." he answered, and I said, "I thought as much." Then he continued, "But they are good for you, candy for your eyes at least." Which was true enough. Apparently they also have a store in New York. I like it there, it is right by the artist's gallery so I shall return and have tea again. :-P But all is well, I went on my way, again smiling, and was winked at then stopped by the sketchiest person yet who almost had me come sign some sort of guest book(?) But I managed to avoid that and finally wipe the joyous grin off my face. Though another person did stop me to get me to come to their restaurant, shocking i know. Then I made my way down to Galata Bridge. I crossed the bridge right after sunset- I watched the lights of the city flicker on, and then proceeded up the lovely hill and stairs to my room - Yay bed!