Party Down at the “UpnDown”

Yes, that’s correct Jerry and I were at a party at a bar called the UpnDown.  We were in the basement or Down section for a karaoke party.  One of our teachers Merve was invited and she told us she was going to sing.  Of course we couldn’t miss the opportunity to hear her sing so we showed up along with Evrim and Ayse and her husband Serhat.  What an evening!!  There were about 150 very young people and us!!  The kids really got into the singing (mostly Turkish songs but they had the lyrics for American songs as well) and were having a great time dancing.  Everyone just sort of dances to the music, doesn’t really matter if you have a partner or not.  Well, I haven’t danced that much in years.  Jerry was even thinking of going up on stage and having us do I’ve Got You Babe.  Couldn’t quite bring myself to do that. Maybe after another beer.  The girls were great dancers.  Unfortunately, Merve never was called to sing.  Not sure what happened to the list but we’ll probably “have” to go back some other night so we can hear her!!  Can’t begin to tell you again how much we enjoy our young teachers.

When we showed up at the bar last night we were surprised to find one of the guys who helped us with our internet when we first moved in is the manager of Down.  We didn’t realize it was the bar where he worked until we saw him.  He remembered us and gave us a warm Turkish greeting.  Then we remembered that the “bouncer” at the bar was from New York.  He is Turkish but lived in New York until he was 32 and decided to move back to Turkey.  He had had enough of New York. He’s been back 6 years and had to learn to speak Turkish but he is now married with a baby. 

We’re leaving in a few minutes to have tea with a relative of the neighbor of our apartment owner.  Can you believe she lives in Green Valley!! She is visiting back in Turkey and having dental work done.  The bottom line for all this is that it really is a small world!

We found out today that while we were partying last night the building owner was waiting for us so he could look at the heating.  We didn’t know he needed us at home so we missed him.   We have a new plan for Monday evening so we are hopeful of a resolution.  The weather is still great here for a few more days.

Jerry took pictures today on our walk so he’ll get them posted sometime this weekend.  This is Jerry, I just wanted to let everyone know that Carol decided to make up for all the years of dancing she missed because of me in just one night.  She was going with the best of them all night long.  Her version of the Turkish belly dance still needs a little work, but she is on a roll so to speak.  Rock and Roll that is.