The Plumber of Istanbul

    Turkey, I made it back!  After experiencing rejection for having the wrong Covid test, I did get past the gauntlet at the airport the following week.  I had to produce that Covid test at two other airports on my way back to Istanbul, so believe me when I tell you it is safer to travel than you might think.  I witnessed 3 people rejected for not having a Covid test while waiting at the Frankfurt, Germany airport for my final connection.  "No Covid test, no Turkey!" 

    I returned to my apartment on the 22nd floor of Mashattan Sitesi, Building A3.  I had one dead plant waiting for me (it was crispy = -( ), but one very much alive ficus plant. First thing, I gave it a good drink.  Then I set to work unpacking, tossing anything suspect from the frig, and ordering groceries. After a day or two, I noticed one of my toilets was draining very slow.  Hummm.  Better be proactive about this.  I contacted Blueground, the management company from which I rent.  "We will send a plumber.  He will arrive around 4:00."

  At 4:30 I opened my door to the "plumber."  He was a young man...he did not look a day past 20...in a black sweater and black jeans.  He had NO tools.  Not even a plunger.  He looked like he was ready to go out to get a drink with friends, not unclog a toilet.  I led him to the suspect toilet.  He flushed and watched.  Then he turned to me and said, "I need two towels and 2 garbage bags."  

  "What will he do with two towels and two garbage bags? " I wondered as I gathered the items.  Mystified, I handed these over.  He placed the towels inside the garbage bags and forced them into the toilet bowel. Watching, no doubt with my mouth open, he began to pump this mass of towel covered in plastic in and out of the bowl.  It created a marvelous suction!  The "plumber" did this for about 15 minutes. Pushing in and out.  Flushing.  In and out.  Flushing.  The toilet works fine now.  I learned a trick from the Istanbul plumber.  And now you know!