'Hips don't lie'

...Or do they?

Last Saturday night, Katrina had arranged for us to have dinner at Istanbul (the restaurant, not the city) to farewell our dearest 'Sweety Tess'. Despite knowing what the end of the night would bring, we were all having a great time, with great food, wine and of course great company.

We had an early booking, and had made our way through the set menu by 8.30pm. I had been to this restaurant many time, prior to this party, and knew that there would be a belly dancer, performing at roughly 9pm.

We stayed at our pagoda table (a very low table, on an elevated platform, seated by large cushions) and had some apple tea and Turkish delight whilst we waited.


After what felt like an eternity of waiting, the belly dancer appeared, in all her glory to a wave of whistling, cheering and clapping.




I questioned our 20 strong group, "Does anyone else think she looks like Katrina?"

Double takes, shocked faces and shift eyes ensued.

Everyone at my table got very excited by this striking resemblance, especially Katrina's boyfriend, Mark.


Through all the noise of the music, aforementioned cheering and "she looks so much like Katrina" comments this is what i heard.


"It is Katrina!"


"Is it reeeally?" i asked.


I did a frantic double-take and scanned the room for Katrina.


She wasn't there, and Mark seemed to be enjoying this way more than anyone else.


The next five minutes was what can only be described as a frantic search for the truth.


In a state of shock and panic, we continued scanning the dimly lit restaurant for Katrina, to no avail. We discussed how Katrina had been absent from the table for at least ten minutes before the performance started.

Had she left to change in to her costume? Was this an extra leaving present for Tess?

"What is going on?" we asked ourselves. We needed answers from Mark, but he was too caught up in the moment to talk.




And then she appeared, through the beaded curtain. Katrina. Not the belly dancer.





A little disappointed we explained our funny frenzy to Katrina.


Oh well it was fun to believe it for a few minutes, even if it wasn't the truth...eh Mark?





What do you guys think? Separated at birth, or too many drinks vs. low lighting?


Bon Voyage Tessy, when, or if i can ever find the words, i will blog about your departure. Until then "I love you" is all that i have.