Tonight's activies consisted of drinking çay with my new friend Elvin while playing tavla and talking about politics and life. I learned a good deal about Georgia, Elvin's native country, and at one point a bunch of dolphins began swimming next to where we were seated along the Bosphorus. Overall a most charming way to pass the time.

Note: Tavla is more commonly known as backgammon in the U.S. and çay (pronounced "chai") is tea, which Turks drink at espresso-like strongness.