Party, Party, Party

Before we three left home to celebrate Thanksgiving and my 60th birthday with the family of Grant's steady girlfriend, the Gauls; I had a visit from the 11 year old Tahir from next door.  Tahir had been sent over by his mother to make sure I was to be home on Saturday after Thanksgiving, "because we have a special party for you Mark!"  I am charmed.

Tahir and his family moved from Turkey and rented the house next door in 2016.  I noticed Tahir and his younger brother Fatih, riding bikes up and down the sidewalk while I was doing yardwork and struck up a friendship with them.  Inviting the boys to visit our tortoises (Tahir exclaimed, "I Love these Ninja Turtles!").  I had given the boys a good theatrical and dramatically scary American Halloween for the past two years and I have often been surprised by baked treats being delivered to my door by one or both of the boys from their mother, Kubra (she is a fantastically wonderful cook).  In the spirit of the season, I delivered a couple of colorfully wrapped Christmas presents to each of the boys in 2016, and made a point of giving them birthday presents in October and November this year.  The young brothers are appropriately fluent in English, their father Mehmet is pretty good with his English, while Kubra speaks little English.  The boys do most of the translating, but the intentions came across unmistakably clear: Mark, you are our good neighbor and friend, please come to our house at 7 on Saturday for your special party."  I said, I am delighted to enjoy such a treat, may I bring my son Grant with me along with my wife?  It was agreed, they would host us 3 Sunesons for a Turkish feast and and birthday party.

Mehmet, Kubra, Tahir and Fatih welcomed us in to their house (after instructing us to please remove our shoes before entering).  I was directed to a seat of honor on a low table stocked with treats and exotic tastes and surrounded by walls hung with party paraphernalia.   Once again I am charmed.  I made introduction of my family and we were seated and told that in Turkey, close neighbors are also to be considered as family, we were welcomed as such.

My Birthday Cake
Baked by Kubra and served along with Turkish Pastries, Stuffed Breads, Nuts, Fruit, Tea
and the meal was finished with a small cup of Turkish Coffee

We talked of families, those back in Turkey and of ours as well, and they wanted to know about New York City from Grant.  Kubra (through translation) wished to know how Americans brew their tea and coffee [Turks apparently use a 2-chambered tea kettle with loose tea leaves. Americans, we said often opt for a cup in the microwave and a teabag].  The grand treatment continued as I was given a gift of a dress shirt, while my wife received an ultra soft throw blanket and Grant was given long-sleeve knit shirt.  Kubra has studied fashion design, Mehmet, was a pharmacist in Turkey, but took a position in America with a Turkish partner who runs an auto parts supply and rental car business.  "It's the 'American Dream'", Mehmet said with a smile.

Birthday Diner Party with our Turkish Neighbors.
(L to R) Kubra, Sue, Mark, Tahir, Mehmet and Fatih (photo by Grant)

For our part, we offered to be of any assistance we could in translating American culture if they needed such, and Sue offered to work with Kubra on her English skills on Fridays - but so far the two had not gotten together.  Kubra expressed an interest through her husband in perhaps opening a Turkish restaurant or bake shop, a move we would be supportive of, advising her not to make her food "too American", as we counseled her that her customers would want something authentic and out of the ordinary.  She was not sure Turkish food would appeal; based on the samples of her cooking that I've tasted, I am sure that it would be a hit.

We left the home of our neighbors in good cheer and returned to our own unadorned dining room to a low-key wind-down of my birthday celebration by opening a couple of gifts from my family.

Birth party continues in our Dining Room
with the opening of a couple of gifts from my family

What a great cosmic alignment.  With Thanksgiving and 3 birthday parties celebrated to the fullest - time to get ready for Christmas and New Years!

The fun may slow down, but it never ceases around here.  Celebrate good times, good family good neighbors and enjoy the journey.