Backgammon and Hookah

Had a great second day in Istanbul.  Teri arrived safely this afternoon so the three of us quickly set out for some dining and people watching.  After having dinner in a repurposed museum we stopped for dessert and a night cap in Taksim.  The alley was lined with locals playing backgammon and smoking hookah.  Since Orthodox Muslims don't drink alcohol, hookah bars serve a similar purpose as Western pubs and bars in that they provide a place to congregate, socialize, and relax with friends.  The flavored tobacco has a more pleasant scent than cigarette smoke and was reminiscent of my grandfather's pipe.  I couldn't help wondering if he would have enjoyed sharing his apple tobacco and passing the pipe around to all his neighbors...