Kept Light » Ayvalik

Ayvalik, Flowers, and Windows

A. Cemal Ekin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 19:50:38 +0000

A stroll through the narrow streets in Ayvalik will make one aware of the close relation the people have with two things: flowers and cats. Now, I don’t mean to give the impression that you will find lush gardens, meticulously manicured in ever respect. I know of one such garden in Ayvalik, it is the garden of the Melin house on Zafer Street. Instead, you will see hollyhocks reaching 8-feet or more in height on a sliver of soil on the side of the street, perhaps a mere 8 inches; you will go by many houses where windows became mini gardens with some flowers in pots; you will even see flowers painted on old, crumbling walls, as if to make them last longer. In every alley, next to most poles, at the corner of many houses will be some plant trailing to find the best path to reach the sun. Of course, some are large and thriving roses hanging from the walls, or oleanders moving to the wind.

This gallery is a small selection of photographs which show the close relation between the people and the plants, mostly flowering. Cats, well, that’s for another post.

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Ayvalik-Lesvos Days

A. Cemal Ekin — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 09:05:39 +0000

June 21, we learned about a wonderful cultural exchange between Ayvalik and Lesvos (Λέσβος) only one day before we left Ayvalik. Apparently it first started last year at Lesvos, alternating the festivities between there and Ayvalik. The part we saw was a folk dance performance and both the Ayvalik and the Lesvos dancers looked wonderful, young, and eager to share their cultural riches. I waited for a while and as the weather got too hot and the program was delayed due to the late arrival of the dignitaries, I left without actually watching the performance. My sister and brother-in-law spoke very highly of both groups. I thank all the dance team members, the Ayvalik group and the “Dancing Group from Loutra of Lesvos” for allowing me to photograph them.

The event was reasonably crowded, I think it could have beeneven more had the event been promoted better. Young, old, men, women were there to watch the cultures close the distance between Ayvalik and Lesvos. Below are some photographs from the event.

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Deniz Kestanesi, again

A. Cemal Ekin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:38:01 +0000

Yes, we went there again; it is a very enjoyable place. Tonight was the broadcast of the visit of Mr. Vedat Milor whom we saw about a month ago recording there. All in all, it was a good review but I could not understand why he praised everything served and yet gave the food 3 out of 5. For some items he indicated that he could not eat anything like it in other places in Istanbul (calamari, in case you are wondering). At the end I was expecting at least a 4 out of 5 on the quality of food. That said, I agree with the limited selection of wines. In defense of Deniz Kestanesi, I would like to bring out the patronage issue again. The clientele needs to demand certain things, be willing to pay for it, before expecting them to happen from the get go.

The evening was a very fine one with our friend Reha joining us, Jan, Ergun, Binnaz, and I. The food was more varied today. I highly recommend the eggplant “Pabucaki” and the stuffed zuchini flowers. The octopus salad was very tasty and tender. We enjoyed pretty much everything served. They even went to the trouble of making eggplant pilaf because we mentioned it a few days ago. Now, that’s attention to detail and the client’s needs. See their Web site for more information.

Dinner at Deniz Kestanesi

A. Cemal Ekin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:07:04 +0000

Yesterday afternoon we stayed home, tended to some computer installation issues, rested. Later in the afternoon we strolled to “Deniz Kestanesi” (Sea Urchin) in town. The hollyhocks on the street where we live are probably 12′ tall; I kid you not! I took a few photographs along the way, including a young boy who was cherishing the thought that he had a puppy.

The restaurant was totally empty except for us. I am amazed at how people of Ayvalik ignore this fine restaurant. Our table was just above the sea, I could almost dangle my legs between the railings to touch the water. Across the way were some islands, including Lesbos. The sunset was great, so was the food. The owners are very careful with attention to detail and the quality of their food without being pretentious. The ambiance is truly enjoyable and you will not be disappointed with the food. I fail to understand why the people of Ayvalik neglect this fine dining experience. If you are in Ayvalik, you should dine at Deniz Kestanesi.

I would like to bring this neglect to the attention of the residents of Ayvalik. Without their patronage, Deniz Kestanesi will likely not survive and the town will lose a very fine restaurant. Take a look at the sunset below, and imagine that you are enjoying fine food and a glass of wine or raki; why would you not want to be there beats me. See their Web site for more information.

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Ayvalik

A. Cemal Ekin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:50:29 +0000

We are in Ayvalik again, the weather is very nice; a bit on the warm side but perfectly tolerable. The Melin house and its garden continues to please everyone who visits it. Yesterday we had an interesting group of guests. Two ladies who were born in the house where the conservatory now stands, and their friends came to visit. They wondered around the house with great deal of pleasure; for the two who were born and raised here it was even more meaningful I’m sure. I took some group photographs which I am sharing with the ladies; and to show their joy of being together at their birth place, with you all.

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