Rain

Istanbul is getting rainier and rainier as we get closer to winter. Today we went to Taksim, and by the time we got back, there was hardly an inch of dryness on our clothing, even though we had an umbrella. Inflation is at work once again, as the price of chestnuts seems to have risen by a Lira. They are eager to make a sale, though, and will still give you the old price if you complain.

In Taksim, I wanted to get out of the damp, and so we stopped in at a little hole in the wall for dinner, Taksim Durum Evi. I ordered lentil soup for me, and macaroni for Maria and was surprised and suspicious when they started bringing other food items to our table. First a salad, which I decided to accept since I haven't eaten anything green in several days, then rice and beans, which I declined. I later asked about the salad, and the cook said it was a gift. I thanked him, and he immediately brought back the rice and beans. I thanked him, and mentioned that the soup was delicious, then he brought out a spinach dip for the bread. Since we were pretty hungry, I decided to just eat it and pay whatever outrageous price he was going to charge us for the food we hadn't ordered, and just not eat there again. When we finished eating, I got up, but he told us to go sit down again for tea, which he brought. Both the food and the tea were very good, and all the waiters were very nice and respectful. When I went to pay, he only charged me for the food we had ordered, and insisted the rest was on the house. I only paid 6.50 TL for the whole meal, including tea and water! Although I don't expect he normally gives free food, I plan to go there again whenever I have the chance.

This evening I got Maria to bed on time for one, and have had a bit of time to myself to relax before getting to work on my writing.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

This is me, signing off...