The Manager greeted us with a huge smile and said, “welcome Shilla, so nice to see you again, but where is Ron?”
Shilla introduced me then explained about Ron’s accident and that I had come on holiday in his place.
“ Oh so sorry to hear that, hope he is better soon,” then he turned to me and said,” most welcome to you, enjoy your meal.” The restaurant had the tables arranged around the dance floor and Shilla and I were ushered to a front row table, right on the edge of the dance floor. A couple of waiters came over, one that Shilla knew and the other had just joined the restaurant. Their smiles were wide and open and again Shilla and I were greeted like royalty. Shilla ordered drinks and then ordered a meal which contained a mixture of Kebabs. I opted for the same. “ What’s in those drinks I asked Shilla? They are so strong.” “ Oh they don’t use measures here and it’s their own local brew.” After I had drunk half of my drink I was beginning to feel a bit tipsy but in a most pleasant way. The music began and six waiters arrived on the dance floor. They formed a circle ,then putting their arms around each other’s shoulders, slowly began to dance to the music. Round and round they went bobbing up and down and getting faster and faster as the music increased in tempo. Everyone started clapping to the beat of the music and cheering the waiters as they performed this Turkish dance. The music slowed, almost to a standstill, and that was the cue for the waiters to get a partner to join them on the dance floor. Our two waiters came over and asked Shilla and I to join them. I hesitated at first, but with the drink and Shilla shouting, “come on!” I overcame my fear and joined them. Shilla told me to link my arms over the shoulders of the waiters and they did likewise with me.