Day in the life: KulturPark, Konya, Turkiye

 

Meeting Hasan Genç as I learn the Bağlama

 

My friend Ertuğrul was very kind to me the other evening. He gets together with many of his musician friends and plays Turkish Sanat Music and Halk Musik. His teacher, Mithat Bey, was excellent in his display of skill and passion about the oud. Also, I met Ömer Bey, Servet Ağabey, and Hasan Genç. They played some wonderful songs--many of which I am learning now. Servet Agabey was even kind enough to give me a book of halkmusik lyrics. Not only with speed and accuracy, and love for the music, but a great joy in creating an atmosphere like this for each other.

Many thanks to all the great men who assembled for this uplifting time. I needed it. NOW, I know I have to practice, because they asked me to come back! Maybe I can try out that bass bağlama I am holding in the photo.

Beyazit Mahallesi, today, in the neighborhood.

 
Looking at our mountain in the city street. Sunny and cool, I just came from a great meal with my wife. Breakfast after her class. Wonderful idea!

What I see when I am in Konya

 

I enjoy simple things. I was wanting to be creative one afternoon before class, so I went up to the top of Kulesite to think -- and I saw this view. Sharing it with you will generate some sense of the visual poetry of the place where I am now, and maybe just seeing it will take you somewhere nice, too.

Reflections on Konya, time and experience

 

I remember.

That is the beginning of a photo in the mind, tempered with time, and softened with distance. This photo in my mind includes scents of grasses on the wind, feeling of heavy legs walking uphill, tastes of recently-downed tea, moistened lips, and a sense of openness that Cappadocia brought to me with such immediacy.

Being married and living internationally is a learning experience.

We have so many friends who are so good to us (me-Michael; &-Aundreta) and teach us good things about ourselves. Sevilay, Aundreta's student, loves her so much and is so inspired by Aundreta's story. We had a meal together before her trip to Gaziantep, where she is now teaching. Such a kind heart--and very artistic. One thing she showed us was the vase she had designed. The detail was so delicate and beautiful. I mention that to bring my thoughts to this: We have an opportunity to build something like that ourselves with this relationship--the metaphysical version of a vase, to hold something beautiful, to decorate with experiences, and to cook in a kiln to make it strong and durable.

Doing that abroad is difficult, but so strengthening.

Feb 17 2010 in Zafer in front of Ince Minare

 

I had the most wonderful baglama practice. The song was so difficult, like a puzzle to me, but I mastered it somewhat. I left my instrument to be restringed, and then I walked back to get ready for my afternoon students. This was a shot in front of Ince Minare I hadn't considered before, so I am glad I stopped to take it.