Cultural immersion

Bir, iki, uç, change.

One would think that belly dancing would work the belly...but not so much. The secret is in the legs.

Also, I'm getting a coin belt to accentuate my movements and make my hips look like they are actually doing something. And apparently, Aladdin pants are a must. I'm not entirely sure if this constitutes as true cultural immersion, but it definitely constitutes as a workout in my book, and I get a pretty legit Halloween costume out of it, at least.

the Saz and the Bass

I love music.

And I love live music even more.

It's been a while since I have had the pleasure to see others showcase their talent. Last night, I went to a çello bar (AKA Turkey bar) with Andrea and had bir bira (one beer) for the sake of it being a Saturday night, as I had gone out to nargile and clubbing until the wee hours last weekend. The dim lights, wooded floors and walls, the portraits of the Che, the husky voices and raw soulful music...made the entire experience feel...subversive, as Andrea put it. It felt as though we were observers of revolutionaries who were exuding their detachment from society through their music. It felt good.

Earlier tonight, I was able to meet up with my host mother (who is less than 10 years older than me and is a newlywed) and attend a concert at the jazz festival here in Alanya. It is so amazing how they hold this festival every year...a great idea and a beautiful area (right on the Mediterranean shore). The featured musician was a jazz pianist (Turkish, but famous all over Europe), but he was part of a trio with a double bass and percussionist. They were amazing, and I am really quite impressed with Turkish musicians after this weekend.