The Magic of Cay...

How much more Turkish can I get?...
I just finished signing 35 pages (yes, signing--initialling was not allowed) of papers to start a Turkish bank account. Yesterday, I went to get a Turkish tax I.D. # so that I can begin my residence permit application. I have a Turkish cell phone account and my name is on the lease of the Turkish apartment that I am fixing to move into very soon. I am just embracing the Turkish business world aren't I?
And what do you think all of these places had in common? Yes, I had Turkish tea called cay (pronounced 'ch-eye') at each one of them. Here is a list of the places that I have had tea at thus far: a D.V.D. store, another D.V.D./perfumery store, the bank, the tax office, the rug store, a random clothing shop that I visited one day, every Turkish home I've ever visited, most of the restaurants I've eaten at, and well...you get the idea. There's something about having a cup of tea that brings people together here! It's amazing. Tea actually has the potential to be a catalyst for hours of conversation. Time slows down where you're talking over tea and people are relaxed and willing to slow down. And that, is where most heart to hearts happen here, I've found. Over a good long cup of cay. I love it. I've adopted a Dr. Seuss attitude towards tea...Yes, I will drink it in a box, and I will drink it with a fox. I will drink it on a train, and I will drink it in a plane. I will drink it in a house, and yes, I will drink it with a mouse.
I pray that the tea keeps coming and keeps opening doors to share who I am...now if only, I could find out what Turkish delight actually is!