16/09/2010 Durusu (rest day)

My plan is to make the city in good time and so I wake early. I join Maria and Sinan for breakfast. Maria keeps bee's and so on the table there are two jars of fresh produce – I make the most of this fact by devouring piece after joyous piece of honey drenched toast. Their garden produces a wide wide array of fruits and vegetables. I sample, for the first time, yoghurt made from Buffalo's milk – it's super rich and very tasty. I feel my arteries clogging with every moreish mouthful. With bulging gut I pack my belongings and prepare to say my goodbyes. That is, until I find that Maria has an offer for me. She is going to the city today to work on a monument she is creating in one of the parks in Istanbul. She suggests I join her to help out for the day as it could be fun and interesting. Keen though I am to get to the city this seems like an offer not to be refused. The opportunity to assist in the creation of such a public monument with a talented artist is not something I saw coming out of this venture.







Before we leave for the city I watch her work on a fountain sculpture for an exibition. While watching I explore my own thoughts on Art. Music aside it's an area I've given remarkably little thought to over the years – at least conscious thought. I realise that sculpting appeals vastly to my practical nature. I make a promise to myself to attempt some form of creation on my return home. Though I desire to leave the construction industry behind me – I'm still greatly interested in creative, sustainable and low impact building solutions.






Maria drives along the same route into the city which I will ride tomorrow – this helps to remove the pressure of navigation. Upon arriving at the park we get to work. We are also assisted by Serkoun - Maria's gardener. A friendly fellow of around my age. He lives not far from Durusu in a gypsy community. He suggests I come and stay at his house for a night – from where we can taking a fishing trip to the lake. It sounds like a great idea but sadly he has to cancel due to other commitments. It's a hot day but the work is pleasant. The monument takes inspiration from a recently discovered ancient shipping port dating back several thousand years. I use the opportunity to learn about Maria's approach to her art. Though she currently teaches in the city she's aspires to give more time to her own works. It's a pleasure to be working with my hands once again. I find it more satisfying to help create something like this, than to line pockets back home – be they my own or others.






After a productive day we pack up and head back to her house. On the way I notice serveal packs of stray dogs and note that it could be an “interesting” ride. Swimming, beer, food and good conversation make up most of the evening. Sinan and I watch the new Robin Hood on a larger-than-life projector screen.