WOW, did that ever not go as intended... I’m sitting here, kinda flush and in shock...
Sorry, but Google, or Babel, or whatever translation service REALLY went 180 deg. off the mark if you interpreted what I was saying as an insult. I’m genuinely sorry. To the contrary, it was 100% a COMPLEMENT to 1) this website, for attracting such a diverse group of people from across our tiny planet, 2) your country, for being such a cool and interesting place, with a history that touches so many different points in the development of world civilization, and 3) YOU, for posting here and wanting to share your views/opinions/experiences on whatever you wish.
Granted, my response had little or nothing to do with diving, but how often do I get to talk with a fellow over in Turkey... never,... so I wanted to take the opportunity to share what little experience I had with the place and express what great memories it left with me. (every time I see a scene in TV/movies that was filmed down in the cisterns of Istanbul, I make a point of annoying everyone else in the room with a bunch of “I Was There, I Was There”)
The part about the carpet was again, a very GOOD thing, NOT bad. I love that carpet, because it is so beautifully original, fanciful, expressive, and reminds me of a fantastic summer when my Wife and I were lucky enough to pass through a place that has been the crossroads of all crossroads for 2000+ years. I’d post a picture, but photobucket seems like it has upgraded beyond my home computer and is blocked from my office… maybe I can send something to VDH on facebook at some point..
Anyway, the world is getting smaller and smaller, but at the same time people seem as hesitant as ever to engage with others who are “different” in terms of race, nationality, religion, color, or whatever. I think we are all very fortunate to share such a positive common interest as vintage equipment diving, and then to have found such a good place as VDH to gather and exchange with each other! I now have friends in Brazil, the Philippines, Denmark, France, Spain, Germany, England, Canada, Cuba (by way of Maine), Alaska, Hawaii, some wankers in Australia, the far-off and
enchanted lands of Ohio, Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, Michigan and most of the 43 other US states), and I hope a new friend in Turkey...
Google tells me that there are 36 major languages spoken in Turkey, so I have no idea how best to post this with the greatest chance of it getting there as intended, so I’m going with English and crossing my fingers.
Peace, Smooth Seas, and Good Diving from Nashville USA,
Fred
ps. the Russian gear in your photos is real interesting, and if I'm ever fortunate enough to make a return trip to your neck of the woods, I'll be sure to bring my mask and look you up for a guided tour!
