First Belly Dancing Lesson. Check.

Story One: Nurdan, my host mother, sent me to her sister-in-laws house to retrieve a platter we brought to her house yesterday with Turkish Baklava. So I made my way through the passage in the bushes, representing the closeness of both the homes and the family, to their house. I was greeted by their housekeeper (common in this neighborhood) and was asked to wait in the sitting room. AnNe, their 5 year old son, came running into the room with something behind his back. I assumed it was the platter. No. Instead he had his toy gun, which upon aiming it at me cried "Die America". Though he was rather fond of me, I am now treated like the bad guy in his video games, because video games come from America.

Story Two: My host family and I were invited to a dinner party the other night. This was perhaps the most lavish dinner party I have ever been too--Chinese themed food and decorations, French themed music, and international guests galore. Oh and about 100 guests. That being said, I was still the only American, and apparently the only one who doesn’t know how to belly dance. Therefore I was given a group instruction lesson--about 20 instructors with me being their puppet. Though it took me a few songs to get the hang of it, I can get by with a few simple moves. However, they noticed I was embarrassed, so they gave me the wonderful opportunity to redeem myself--by singing. Oh yes, you read correctly: singing. The host, on the microphone, informed all the guests that they were in for a surprise, as he flew someone all the way in from America to sing the next song: I Will Survive. For those of you who are aren’t aware of my singing ability, that’s probably because you’ve never heard me sing. I am awful. Yet with a smile and the band microphone turned way up, I granted the host his wish, and belted out all of the words of Aretha Franklin that I could remember. Fortunately no one left immediately afterwards (or god forbid during my fiasco) and most found it rather endearing. However, I am hoping never to have to have a repeat performance.

There is quite bit more that I will be posting on, more political and a bit less personal. But two stories hopeful is enough to suffice for the day. I will be going to Bodrum (better known as Yaktür to my Uncle Scott) for the week, so do not expect any new postings from Tuesday until Saturday. Miss you all, and hope all is well on the home front.