The aunt of all cities

If Prague can claim she is the mother of all cities, then Istanbul is the very dotty, very ancient great aunt. She’s seen it all, the sulks, the fights, the squabbling siblings, and is way too old to let any of it really bother her. You could put a bomb under her and all she would do is tut in disapproval and send you to bed without any supper. But wear the wrong attire to the dinner table and she'd probably cast you out of the family. She’s gone deaf to the sirens and horns and hullaballoo of city life and sits majestically in the centre of the room, courting whoever comes to visit and slipping quietly into old old age whilst pouring herself more gin and tonics than is strictly necessary.

She also gives great presents.

I have been working like a dog on getting my work permit, which I am actually sure is not really my job to be chasing. Anyway due to the fantastical lack of knowledge on the part of the British agency I am dealing with, I have been working my ass off 8 hours a day following their false leads and then going to youth segment focus groups in the evening. Yes maie finally has to work. Yes it is a shock to the system. Last night I was too tired to even eat or smoke a fag.

Anyway yesterday two things made it worth while, firstly a fantasic lunch with some colleagues during which I met the wife of the manager of the new hotel I am staying at. I arrived ‘home’ this evening to find a basket of fruit and a very nice bottle of turkish vino sitting on my desk. The second thing was I got a phone thing. I am only entitled to the cheap free one but my boss’ lovely assistant slipped me one of those fancy square computer GPS wifi thingymigigs. I know not what it does or even how to switch it on. I think it doubles up as a futon. I figure I’ll just charge it and try and tackle it this weekend when I have time and hope that I don't attract the attention of NASA when I finally work out wherethe on button is.

I joined the gym at work, one day I may even have time to use it. And me and a few girls from my department are going to start doing pilates next week. Good job really as all I have done is walk from car to elevator for the last week. Thank God the room service portions are small.

No tales of dare and do I’m afraid. I’m meeting klara’s turkish drummer friend, Murat, on Saturday and I’m house hunting today. Last night I collapsed at around 9pm. Where is Maie and what have they done with her?