The soup was a very unusual mint-type of invention. White in appearance, mint in taste, watery and with some rice, it did not fail to attract everyone's attention. I tried a spoonful or two before throwing in the towel, deciding to leave my more serious efforts to the main course. The main course was a type of meat, which most agreed must have come from an animal with four legs and a tail: and probably long bushy whiskers!

Desert was a pleasant surprise: it was edible.

Canada's result yesterday was 2-2 against Georgia. An excellent result considering that they are ranked 10th. We even could have won had Jack not faltered in a dead drawn rook and pawn ending. Igor managed to win very nicely in the ending, after all.

Today we play the Czech Republic. Also a very strong team: two 2600 plus GMs on the first two boards. Alex, Kevin, Igor, and David will play.

Today the weather is quite cold, though sunny. Our hotel is located right in the centre of the city. Near by is the main shopping area. Also hard to avoid are numerous disco-type bars with (according to the doormen) luscious and appealing women inside! Street peddlers are difficult to avoid also. Anything can be bought: drugs, post cards, promises of all sorts of adventures, and what not.

Curiously most of the banks within the local area are under receivership: some sort of banking hazard these days in Turkey.

The organizers are doing an excellent job. Everyone I have spoken with is very impressed.

The team Captain of the Canadian team, Dale, is also doing everything necessary to help the team. We have nightly meetings in his room. Discussed is team strategy as well as game analysis.