The Hugger Heart

GAIN VICTORY

The tour continues, we were taken to the Blue Mosque to pray dzuhur congregation there.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque is also in a complex with Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, often this beautiful building is called the Blue Mosque. Blue-colored decoration dominates the roof of the mosque's giant dome with 6 towering minarets..

The Blue Mosque looks striking from the edge of the pier that separates Turkey in the Asian Continent and the European Continent. Each side of the courtyard of the mosque leaves an endless history story, various religious and imperial events are held here.

Tourists who enter the mosque will not interfere with this Islamic house of worship. There are restrictions that are devoted to immigrants who want to pray. Mutual respect is well preserved in this mosque.

We stayed at the Blue Mosque for almost an hour. Getting around and expanding the collection of photos while in Turkey. I met with Mr. Nur Pasha was there, and he invited her to stop by the cafe. But because we had to hurry back to the main exhibition hall then we could only promise that at night we would stop by the cafe.

Actually I still want to re-enter Hagia Sofia. Not happy to take a closer look at this building. But what power, a series of event activities are waiting.

God willing, someday I will come back here with my wife and children. For now I will record all the memories in Turkey into my memory and the collection of photos in my phone.

'Bang...Our peak event is about to start, Brother is ready?' I knocked on the door of Bang Ismail's room reminded. He usually knocks on my door first.

'Mas Doni's...Let's go' Pak Bowo came over complete with typical Yogyakarta clothes.

'Yes, Sir. This still calls Bang Ismail, just asked to leave together'

'Wahhh....Bang Ismail was already in the lobby.' pointed Mr. Bowo towards the lobby who saw Bang Ismail was talking to some other artisan colleagues.

'I think I'm still in my room' I walked with Mr. Bowo to the hotel lobby.

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'Thank you to all the participants from various countries who have attended and played a role in this fifth folk craft exhibition.'

'We have been listening to this exhibition for ten days has been going well. This is because of the cooperation of all of us.Once again we convey our deepest thanks.'

'And we will move on to the announcement of the winners of various types of crafts which are divided into twenty categories.'

All artisans (craftsmen) attended the peak event of this exhibition. Tonight is the last event in a series of exhibition activities in Turkey. Tomorrow we are given half a day to clear the stand, check out from the hotel and go straight to the airport back to Indonesia.

'And the second winner for the webbing category is......Mr. Doni Aditya from Indonesia!'

I was shocked to hear my name being called. Bang Ismail immediately hugged me along with Mr. Bowo and several other artisan colleagues.

'Congratulations Mr. Doni...I really like the product you are taking part in in this race. And all the judges have the same opinion as me. I'm proud of you.' Mr. Najmudin also welcomed me on stage with the rest of the committee.

'Thank you so much for the opportunity you gave me, this is my first time participating in this activity. And I thank you again for your appreciation for the craft that I participated in this race.'

Before long I also heard the name Mr. Bowo was called as the first champion in a different category. Thank God all representatives from Indonesia won this race.

But I did not hear the name of Bang Ismail being called. It seemed that he was in a fairly heavy category of his competitors from other countries. Bang Ismail is in the accessories category. And indeed accessories from other countries are amazingly good. Carvings on silver and gold on necklaces, bracelets and rings are made manually with a very unique design.

Finishing the summit event, the three of us fulfilled an invitation from Mr. Nur Pasha to visit the cafe.

The cafe is very comfortable. Although not too big, but very slick and full of typical Turkish decoration. There is a special corner that displays all the gifts from artisans who are familiar with Mr. Nur.

I gave a woven hat made of fine rattan leather with a motif typical of the indigenous Dayak tribe of Borneo. Mr. I was so happy with the gift I gave you.

Hearing that two of us won the race, Mr. Nur immediately forbade us to pay. He wanted to celebrate our victory.

After dinner, taking pictures and chatting here and there we finally say goodbye to prepare for the return tomorrow.

Bang Ismail, who had returned cheerful and no longer sad, walked excitedly to the hotel where we were staying.

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'Mrs. Edu sometime if a vacation to Indonesia do not forget to visit also South Kalimantan and stop by the city of Banjarbaru yes, I will take Mr. to the floating market, we eat soto banjar under the bridge.'

'Ha.ha.ha.of course Mr. Doni. I've saved your contact number and if it's vacation time, I'll call you' replied Mr. Edward was enthusiastic.

Mr. Edu is an artisan from Africa whose stand is right behind my stand. He is a leather animal. Products ranging from bags, jackets, hats and others. Everything is done manually. The skin and iron are his hallmarks.

Mr. Edu gave one small leather bag to the child. As a memento I also gave one wicker basket with a size large enough to him.

Before long some of my customers came and took the products they had ordered. Because during the exhibition, buyers can only buy goods and give signs without carrying the goods they buy. All products sold, should only be taken when the exhibition has been completed. And each buyer leaves a number that can be contacted to the committee. It is the committee that will remind the buyer to come again to the exhibition and take the goods he has bought.

Not infrequently they also add to their shopping because I give a big discount for items that are still left unsold.

Especially for those who buy in large quantities, I give one product for free, as a thank you and a memento for them. Some buyers who brought their children I also gave a woven hat from purun which has been added flower decorations and ribbons by my wife to become a unique and very beautiful woven product.

When I clean up the remaining items, there are only two boxes left that I will take home. The first cardboard contains supporting equipment for weaving, and the other half is a gift from other artisans as a memento. We exchanged mementos that would be brought home to their respective countries.

Seriate.....