Tea for Ten

That's right, ten. Count it ten people...including me and Melissa. We just finished the dishes after our first big meal with the neighbors. Seven of tonight's dinner guests were neighbors and one was our friend/teacher. I honestly don't know what we would have done without her! Thankfully, the meal went great, once they decided to come. It's not only a different time zone, time takes on a whole different meaning here. But they came. Sometimes i feel like things move in slow motion here. It's a new pace for me, but I'm learning to love it and adjust. I think I'm learning how to be a Martha and a Mary here! I want to choose the thing that is best, but you gotta keep that tea going here. A hostess is on her toes at all times! But, tonight...maybe just maybe, (I think) that I experienced a triumph. Dinner.

It is one of the only things, i feel like I've successfully made since we've been in the apartment. My cookies were less than fabulous and my banana bread flopped. Tonight, I tried to redeem myself with Chicken Spaghetti. And, it turned out beautifully--if i may say so myself...and I guess I just did. A few awkward lulls in conversation, but overall the evening was a smashing success I felt like, food included. I just kept trying not to embarrass our teacher! I don't mind speaking Turkish, but in front of her...I get nervous!

We basically ran out of everything tonight except food. A good thing not to run out of. We barely had enough plates, didn't have enough tea glasses--i had to improvise, and we didn't have enough chairs!! We had to borrow chairs from our dinner guests. They didn't seem to mind. Next time I invite 8 people over for dinner, I'll make sure to have 8 plates, 8 napkins, and 8 glasses. I'm working on my hospitality over here. One day at a time. One dinner party of ten at a time...

Of course they asked if they could help do the dishes, and of course we turned them down. I explained in my best Turkish that, 'No, Melissa and I love to do the dishes!' Seems like all we do these days! But dishes for ten was worth it to get to know our neighbors a bit better. At least one apartment-ful... that's right 8 people down and we've only hosted ONE apartment! Let me know next time you're having a tea party for ten...i can advise!