In Turkey, Biden Feasts On Traditional Foods

During a visit to Istanbul's Samatya Square, the Vice President wows the locals by purchasing olives, fruit, cheese, fish...
With the minarets of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia looming in the distance on Sunday, Vice President Joe Biden took a stroll along the cobblestone streets of Istanbul's Samatya Square. Accompanied by US Ambassador Frank Ricciardone, Biden ate his way through the traditional community in the Fatih district, visiting food vendors, including butchers, fish mongers, bread makers, and small grocers.

The neighborhood "represents a mosaic of life" in Istanbul, the White House said, noting it as home "to Turks and various minority groups for centuries." (Above: Biden greets a fishmonger)

"I got some sweets, I got some fruit, I got some olives, some cheese, and the Ambassador ate all the fish," Biden told the reporters trailing him.

Wearing a blue blazer, open-neck shirt and aviator shades to keep out the bright sunshine, the Vice President said his day on the coast of the Sea of Marmar was going well: "You can tell I'm eating whatever I can eat."

The Vice President shook hands and waved at passersby, including some peering down from the windows of their homes. He stopped to greet a young boy. (Above: Inside one of the small shops in the Square)

"Come visit me in the White House," Biden said.

The boy's father replied, "But how are we going to get there?"

A few steps later, the Vice President stopped at a fruit stand, took out a small wad of lira, and bought oranges, tangerines, and other fruit. He tossed a tangerine to the boy he had just greeted; the boy made a perfect catch and smiled with delight. After that, Biden stopped by a pastrami and honey market.

Asked if he was going to bring any treats home for his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, the Vice President was doubtful. His body man, Fran Person, would probably finish all the Turkish food on the plane ride home, he said.

Still, "I'm happy," Biden said. "I'm gonna share."

A fishmonger called out to the Vice President, offering a good price for his salty delights.

"I already got a good price," Biden joked.

The snack fest took place right before the Vice President headed into the Develi restaurant, where he lunched privately with Greek religious leaders, including Father Alex Karloutsos from New York and Andy Manatos, a prominent Greek-American.

After, the Vice President departed for Athens to continue his journey. His stop in Istanbul was the second on a four-day trip to Greece and Turkey that began Saturday. In Istanbul, the Vice President participated in the second Global Entrepreneurship Summit, convened by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He also met with the Prime Minister and His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. In Athens on Monday, the Vice President will meet with President Karolos Papoulias, Prime Minister Lucas Papademos, and party leaders "to continue the US dialogue and cooperation with the Government of Greece," the White House said.

*Photos by David Lienemann/White House