Hospitality: A Turk’s Last Name

 The Turkish are known as a über hospitable people, however let it be known that if you turn down tea, you may be dead to the world. Maybe it’s the kind face, the weird confused expression, or the fatigued “lütfen” (which means ‘please’), but I have only been met with kindness here. And thank goodness for that!

Just a couple of days ago, we were free to roam the streets of Eskişehir all day, and I branched out on my own. Mind you that my Turkish is still basically nonexistent, however I am attempting my butt off. I was discouraged when I couldn’t understand simple words such as 5 (beş) and even couldn’t comprehend enough to only buy ½ kilo of strawberries. As I walked around the crowded markets and streets lugging this 1 kilo bag-o-berries, I was a bit discouraged. But, in an attempt to rectify this, I pushed forward, and into an office supply store, I went. In search of some poster board.

After finding the needed board, an English speaking employee bee-lined over, hoping to make a sale. Now, I think he remembered us from earlier in the week when other office supplies were bought, so he knew English was the ticket. (And with my short hair, I stand out like an elephant on a golf course, great…) “Ne kadar?” I ask, meaning “how much?” and he answers “dokuz,” 9. 9tl!! Wow, no dice! But then as I say no…he offers me….some BAKLAVA, and what can I do but accept, scarf it down with many “çok güzel”s (very good) and buy the poster board. Wow, did he understand the American way. Offer free food, and we’re in.

So a lesson, if you are ever offered Baklava, don’t think twice about accepting the crispy, gewey, morsel of goodness. And, maybe, if you are on the fence about a purchase, something great may find its way to you per the shopkeeper.

Another tale of hospitality came this morning. As we waited at a bus stop to make our way to the English campus, a small white van pulled up. A nice, old Turkish man told us to jump in…After some uncertainty, he told us he was the coffee vending machine man and the guards told him to take us because we had missed the bus. (Actually the guards told us the wrong place to wait.) So, we jumped in and made our way to the other campus. After arrival, he was so proud and had to show us his coffee machine. And what a machine! It dispensed tea, coffee, espresso, hot chocolate, and all with sugar and milk options!  He then offered us free coffee! Wow! What a welcoming morning!

And I have to say a “teşekkürler” (thank you) to the baklava man and coffee vendor. The baklava brightened my day when I was feeling blue, and probably didn’t even realize it! And the coffee man made such a bright start to our day!! So spread the wealth, people. Do something kind, even if it is unconventional for a total stranger. Pay it forward!