Mehmet was very gracious to invite the remaining 5 of us to a Sunday meal at his home to meet his family. He picked us up at the hotel and drove us out to the suburbs. He lives in a very nice gated community. He said that a large 1999 earthquake scared a lot of the people into buying updated homes and even single family homes if possible. With the help of mortgage products it made it possible for many people to buy more updated homes.
We were welcomed and introduced to Mehmet's wife Ozlem and 3 children. They have a 17 year old boy and twin 9 year old girls who were very shy. Ozlem spoke very good English but had not practiced her English as much when she once worked at the US accounting firm Arthur Andersen. She is now going back to finish her university work in food nutrition and diet.
They have a beautiful home and family. We had a nice Sunday BBQ in the back yard. Mehmet tried out his new charcoal chimney starter for the coals and it worked like a charm. Carl chipped in to help Mehmet manage the grill of chicken and lamb. Just when we thought the meat was cooked, out came the meatballs, sausages, peppers, and tomatoes.
Ozlem had prepared many mezes including green beans, yogurt, eggplant/tomato dish, and salad. Mehmet even warmed up some flat bread on the grill. It was a delicious meal around a beautiful table outside. We had a very nice time with our gracious hosts.
The traffic going back to the hotel was very heavy. Mehmet said that this would be his normal commuting traffic which would take an hour each way. Mehmet dropped us off at the hotel at midnight and we said goodbye. We will see him one last time on Tuesday to see us off to the airport.
A beautiful home.
Before dinner chat.
Very comfy.
The cooking begins.
A beautiful table and wonderful mezes.
As soon as you thought he was finished cooking, there was more!
He must be a good cook, the children are anxious.
Good food.
The travel organizer. Good job Carl.
Beautiful family. What a blessing this meal was.
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