July 16th

From my 14th floor the morning peace and quite is surreal after last night events. The military base next to my compound remains quiate. I was to meet a friend from Moscow this morning. Truly looked forward to catch up with hime during his layover in istanbul from Hurgada. But friends flight was cancelled. Instead of flying to Moscow via Istanbul - Oleg would now do Middle East tour by flying Kairo-Dubai-Moscow. I saw some graphic picture of last night violence. Poor young conscripts got beaten by mob. They were only following orders. One young guy was beheaded at the bridge. Spoke with Nermin and some other colleagues. Spend day reading about the ooup. Went to the compound pool. On a way to the pool some kids were shouting "Istanbul! Erdogan!" Atmosphere around pool as at the luxury resort. People chatting, reading. Some drinking cocktails or beer. Kids jumping to the pool. Supermarket at the compound well stocked and not crowded. In the eying heard pro democracy protests.