Mutlu Yillar - Happy Years

I have just finished washing out everything we wore to last night's party - I sometimes think we are the only people in Istanbul who do not smoke.

Despite all that, we had a delightful time at the New Year's party at Jordanian Ali's place.

The balcony acted as a bar fridge - after all it was colder than the fridge which was full of food such as delicious mixed salads as only the Turks know how to make. At the end of the party the balcony was still full of drinks because everyone was relaxed and having such a good time they hardly needed much to drink. During the party however the air in the room became so thick with smoke that the window had to be kept open for long periods to allow the fresh - but freezing - air to fill the room again.

So how do the Turks go about seeing in the New Year?

Well, these particular Turks (and one Jordanian) shared a deicious meal of chicken cooked in foil, and rice, and sumptuous salads. And then they talked and sang along to some Turkish music, occasionally indulging in a little dancing (belly-dance style, but not dressed that way). There was a balloon floating around to occasionally bat away, and there were funny hats and tinsel wigs to try on, and lots of photos to take with mobile phones.

All in all I am not sure that it was greatly different from how friends anywhere in the world might celebrate New Year together.

After the countdown there were Turkish-style kisses (both cheeks) all round and lots of hugging. And then Burcu and Ömer - the delightful young couple who were at Ali and Dilek's place at Altinova when we went down there last Bayram - gave everyone gifts.

Ali was talking about going onto another party - a friend who has a discotheque right in his apartment - but I had already turned into a pumpkin, so we headed home. The narrow streets were dimly lit, and crowded with families heading home after their parties - mums and dads and kids and young adults all chattering and laughing as they strode along.