After a long stint of wasted space, I can usually find something going on at Yonge and Dundas Square. Saturday was no exception. I happened upon the first-ever Toronto Turkish Festival despite the fact that we're in the middle of Carnival. Of course there were the standard vendors set up selling jewelry and the like, but I was kind of impressed by some of the not-so-humdrum vendors.

Various Turkish cuisine and house wares were keeping the crowds occupied, but they were also selling Turkish coffee. Normally I wouldn't take a second look after seeing the sign, but it fascinated me when I saw that they let their customers sip on their coffee in tiny porcelain teacups--including a saucer! It's nice to think that Toronto still has that trusting way about them that they need not worry about teacup thieving.

I also smiled when I passed the vendor with all of the beautiful Turkish rugs for sale. It was almost like a cozy outdoor living room, complete with Shisha centerpiece. I was tempted to sit down in the pseudo-living room with my coffee for a little break but instead turned my focus to the main stage where a little girl was dancing her heart out in a traditional Turkish dress. Her mom should have been proud. I imagine she was the one with the camera at stage left.

Turkish newspapers, Turkish fabric, Turkish delight, it was all there. The one thing that confused me though, Mr. Peru. That's right. He's Raul. The Commander/Genius/Actor/Super Dancer/Master Chess Guy. I'm not sure what he was doing at The Turkish Festival, but that suits me just fine. Welldone Mr. Peru, I hope you tried the coffee.