Birthday girl

Yesterday (February 2) was Meltem's birthday. In the evening, we went to her parents' apartment in the neighborhood of Fatih to celebrate. Poor Meltem hadn't been able to celebrate her birthday with them in over 10 years! When we got there, we were surprised by a whole gaggle of relatives, which was of course a gift in itself. Here are a few pictures we shot while there.

First, of course, the birthday girl and her cake!



Followed by a birthday smooch from Yours Truly:



Meltem's favorite color is purple. In fact it's quite well known that she loves purple, a fact reflected in her gift haul. Here she is modelling her new purple turtleneck, purple sweater, and necklace with a piece of amethyst on a silver mount.



Finally, here's a group of us doing what comes naturally to males at a Turkish gathering: watching soccer on TV. Hasan is demonstrating the use of a pair of headphones Meltem's dad got to hear the TV better from afar.



All in all, a lovely birthday gathering! Thanks to all who sent e-cards and greetings.