Day 34, July 10, 2011 (Musical day)

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Came in early to collect the bees as we did no experiments today. The bees were set up for Dr. Abramson to work on tomorrow. I went to Bursa with Maria and Amanda. I wanted to find the Gerush Synagogue one of 2 in Bursa. I could not find it as there are very few street signs on the roads here. I will try to get better directions. We took some back alleys in narrow streets and walked around taking in all the different sights, smells and sounds. We found a small tea house that had musical instruments on the walls, various percussioni instruments and strings (sas). All of a sudden a few of the men begin playing and singing and then some of them got up to left. Still music is going than some new people come into the tea house and it starts up again; new people new songs.
This went on for about 2 hours. The walls were covered with photos of musicians. We met Mesut Oztouron an older gentleman who was so joyous about singing and just being friendly. Cragip was the person who was next to singing and talking he was the interpreter for all of us. We had Cay and left for the bus back to campus. Crossing the road which is quite an experience remember cars have the right of way here. We crossed back to the other side when we saw some dancers with a huge crowd. These were dancers from Sirbistan. What an amazing day. At night we attended Simi's brother's wedding. It is not like any wedding we are used to, the energy in the dancing and the joy is really felt by all.


One of my lunches that I made

Ataturk in Bursa

Its everywhere

The Musical Tea Shop

My new Turkish friends Cragip and Mesut

Bursa from the wall of the old city

Music store

Sirbistan dancers in the park

Before the wedding

Dancing at the wedding