a few good days

Yes my classes and office are still annoying, but despite them, I have had a few good days. Coincidentally they were my days off... mean anything? Probably.
On Monday, I walked to Sultanhamet to look for a birthday present. I enjoyed my long walk by myself, even though it was a bit chilly outside. Then when I came back I made some soup and warmed up. When the roommates came home they said everyone was going downstairs because it was Anya's last night, We went down there and hung out. Luckily the new girl doesnt speak german either so the conversation leaned more towards English. If it was in german for awhile me and her started talking, which was just fine for me. then they brought out a guitar and Bulent got his baglama. We started playing and singing and talking, enjoying a glass of juice and baklava. Over all it was a very peaceful night. I have a cold, which didnt seem to bother me cause i was nice and calm. Then tuesday. I relaxed had some private lessons and when I came home I heard the classical guitar out. i smiled as i took off my jacket. Bettina and Bulent yelled to me, and as soon as I spoke they were like "wow" you dont sound good. Betting jumps up and finds some medice tea stuff (i think its like airborne) and promptly instructs me to take it. Sometimes i need that mom like figure as i was probably just going to attempt tough it out. Appaerntly they were practicing together because they are going to play a concert? I'm not sure b/c Bulent who doesnt speak much english was trying to tell me. But i sat, drank my tea and listened to them play. It was absolutly gorgeous music. It made me realize why grandma loved just listening to my play anything, no matter how good or bad, the peacefulness of listening to music is fabulous. Elena came and joined us later.

Bettina passed me the guitar with instructions that I ought to play b/c she had the capo tonight.(i used that as an excuse a few nights ago) I hate playing in front of others. i feel judged, i mess up, i think everything sounds horrible. But they just keep telling everyone how good i am, and how beautiful the music is that i play. It amazing what kind of atmosphere they set up, because i do feel comfortable playing with them, even though i make a million errors. I even sing! Shocking I know. They made the comment that its in English so i could pretty much sing whatever i wanted and they would hve no idea. That also adds a comfort factor.

Today I went with two of my students to buy the missing guitar sting on the acoustic guitar Bulent gave me. I also bought a capo. I then sat at home all through break and played. It gives me such peace, expecialy after my annoying first class. It also gives me something to do on the cold days.

I think there is a different music culture here that i really enjoy. I have seen and heard a lot of classical guitars. It is beautiful. Its not a bunch of people strumming away, its light, lovely music. It seems that, like in the US everyone has a guitar or knows someone who has a guitar. But there is a different attitude about it here. Not the cocky musicians (well thats not true, there are cocky musicians but, there seems to be a bit more sharing, or less judgement here) that is something I realy appreciate. I dont think i would pick up a guitar in America if I knew someone in the room was better than me. However here, I now bulent and bettina are both better than me, but theya re both so encourageing that it doesnt matter. Wow, I lucked out with housing:)

And on a completely opposite note. I was suppose to go to Egypt next week. That didnt happen. COmpletely lucked out again. Someone is watching over me:) And i dont even need the turkish"evil eye"