Viewing page 61 of 79

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

451 

Istanbul 
Fri April 8

Blonde - in various shades, the Lana Turner's of Turkey, of the five women entertaining, three were blonde. With one exception, all buxom. Heavy, big metallic voices crooning Turkish style, rather unpleasant to the ear. One woman had a good voice, ruined by their way of singing & straining the throat.

The piece de résistance was a modernized version of the Turkish belly dances (one dance on ballet slippers) the others, influenced by the burlesque strip tease. She was, however, luscious, handsome, lusty & sexy.- worked herself & her audience into a sweat. All I could comment afterwards was - 'Now we've seen everything."

Also, a beautiful evening - the conversation I had with Chetty - the human sympathy we had for each other - overcoming barriers of race & background. He said,


452

Istanbul 
Fri April 8-     

"Knowing you now, I feel less bitter against life and the world." "I will never forget you, all my life"

Barbara had said, too, on saying goodbye, "Anna, I am not good at expressing myself, but knowing you has brought something new into my life. A warmth and understanding of friendship and sympathy between people. It has been a wonderful experience for me"

Dirkian, "My Anna, you are strong. You will go on your way" Each had a message for me on my journey, to strengthen me and prepare me for my way. I believe it. 

As Dr. Woodard said, "No meeting is chance. It is not by accident that we have met and talked as we have together. It was meant to be."

Talked with Chetty until late in the night & could not fall asleep afterwards, because of the noisy music until 4 P.M. Only to wake at 6 AM to make the bus to the airport

Transcription Notes:
Dirkian -- referred to earlier in the diary as Dirkyan