Act Casual
I planned to go to Kadir Has University’s art exhibit today. I wasn’t 100% sure where in the university it was so when I got there I just walked in the first door I saw. The front entrance has metal detectors and those horizontal revolving walk-through things, like they have a sporting events. But to go through you have to scan your university id.
Luckily I walked in at just the right time. I walked through the metal detector, it beeped, no one did anything. Cool, whatever. Oh wait, now I have to scan some sort of card? Well thats not gunna happen. Quick, the side gate is open and the guards are distracted. Alright, now Im in. Just keep walking and act casual. Why do I feel like I’m not supposed to be in here?
I head upstairs following signs to the exhibit I think Im looking for. I pass by what seems to be an official sign-in table but no one is there. There’s an auditorium and someone’s speaking. Ooh, its in english. I go in and about 5 minutes later its break time for lunch! This is when I realize this is not an art exhibit, this is some kind of conference. But its lunch time, and Im hungry. Encouraged by my swift moves pass the guards downstairs I decide to eat with the crowd. I’m eavesdropping on as many conversations as I can as we all herd out of the theater. You know, in case someone wants to know my story, I’ll just use someone elses.
Good thing I pseudo-dressed up today. Everyone looks really nice. We all line up to this buffet. As we inch forward Im just praying its something good. Whoa! Score. Dolmas, stuffed peppers, and numerous gorgeous entrees. I get my food and try to sit in the most inconspicuous seat. Another nice surprise, its right on the shore of the Golden Horn. I look around…some people are wearing name badges…but phew, not everyone. I dont feel like this is a good situation to sit back, eat slowly, enjoy the view, and strike up conversation. I really wanted to though. I wanted to see how much I could get away with. But I noticed several people eyeing me since we left the theater. With every bite I’m thinking, damn, I should do stuff like this more often. This was easy.
The food was great. My getaway clean. And the art museum I found later was amazing.
