English Speakers and Cok Guzel Dinner

In a country where speaking English is VERY uncommon, you can just imagine how terribly happy I am everytime I get to speak the language without too much body language and facial  expressions.

Last October  26, Esin, the director of our school, arranged an after-office meeting for me with her English-speaking friends.

Off we headed to Izmit City Center. 

Beliz, Esin and me

I firt met Beliz. She graduated from Istanbul University. We hit if off instantly because I was very interested in her major which is Social Anthropology. While having coffee, she told me a brief history of their country, their people, and their current challenges. It was very nice.

Afterwards, their other English-speaking friends dropped by to say hello and grab a quick cup of coffee. They told me not to try learning Turkish for it is a dying language and is spoken only in their country. I am not really sure if it is a sensible advice. In a country where majority of people cannot understand me, the adage "if you can't beat them then join them" makes perfect sense.

After coffee, Beliz invited me and Esin to have dinner in her house. She said she cooked a lot of food and would gladly have us come for dinner.

Beliz, Black (her cat), and Esin

Corba (pronounced as chorba)

Makarna with yoghurt

The dinner was composed of corba, a vegetable dish, and makarna. Meat is way too expensive to have everyday. The food was simple but very filling.

Before leaving, we had the customary picture-taking. The night was very lovely. I would love hang out with them again.

me, Esin, Beliz, Berker (Beliz's husband)