photos by Christopher Richard, and Nelia White
site design: soulless
copyright: Tangents 2011
copyright: Tangents 2011
Alexandra Ivanoff, Manhattan, NY (now living in Istanbul)
This tour changed my life, and it was completely unexpected. Because I was in the process of making a cross-country move, the tour's timing was actually not optimal for me. But what happened was: it re-ignited an old love affair I had with Turkey. I had gone in 2002 and it lingered long in my memory. So this time, it reaffirmed something deep within me that I needed to not only go back to visit again (which I did exactly a month later), but prepare to create a part-time life in Istanbul in the immediate future.
The Tangents Tour was a great group of witty, smart, and cultured people whom I still miss seeing every day. Together we heard fantastic music, enjoyed some of the best food on the planet, and saw a country whose history is a multi-layered tapestry of civilizations. And as a result of the tour, I made many friends and professional connections in Turkey that will allow me to pursue my future life there—and my original plan was to live in Paris! That's how good it was.
Aug, 2008 Update: Alex is still loving life in Istanbul. She is an Ottoman styled fashion designer, music columnist for Time Out Istanbul, and writes the Ex-Pat Chronicles for the Turkish Daily News. Posted below is one article about Alex and another written by her.
Article featuring Alex's clothing design work (Turkish Daily News, Feb. 23, 2008)
Alex captures the aroma of real life in her Istanbul neighborhood.
(Turkish Daily News, Aug 16, 2008)
Laurie Loeb, Carbondale, Colorado
A day doesn't go by that I don't think about some incredible aspect of the Turkey trip. I'm so glad I went and consider it a really wonderful experience, unlike any other place I'd ever been to even though I've traveled so extensively. The country is so steeped in depth of history and culture, with layer upon layer of civilizations expressed in the music, art, architecture, fabulous food, spirituality, pride of the warm and fun people, et al, was incomparable. And the group was equally terrific!
Christopher Richard, Berkeley, CA
Too much fun!
The trip was well run to allow for both organized activities and individual exploration. The only bad part is there were so many great group adventures that when we did take time out we regretted what we missed.
Istanbul is so vibrant, cosmopolitan, and sophisticated it makes San Francisco seem quite provincial. From Istanbul to the barren steppes of the central highlands, we discovered a land of great beauty, warm people, and incredible history... then there's the music!
Stephen Hill, San Rafael, CA
If you have any interest whatsoever in World Music, you will find Dore Stein's tours of Turkey to be absolutely unique. Not only do you hit all the major tourist high points, but the tour is humanized throughout by private concerts, meals and meetings with Dore's network of fascinating Turkish people.
Whether you are in cosmopolitan Istanbul, the lunar landscape of Cappadocia, or any of the other fascinating spots the tour touches in two weeks packed with good food, history and culture, you will find something to love every day thanks to Dore's personal touch. There's nothing else like it.
Tanya Phillips, Albany, CA (Tangents "class of 2006")
Music, music and more music! Our trip was spectacular and to do it even partial justice, I'd need to produce a movie and a book! Dore even arranged for a partial lunar eclipse to occur during our first evening on the roof of our hotel, which looked out over the gorgeous Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofya in Istanbul. From the beautiful Bosphorus that runs through the middle of Istanbul, the other-worldly towers of Cappadocia, the amazing ruins in Ephesus, etc. etc., it was one of the best trips of my life! The group enriched the experience for all of us, as did the wonderful and friendly Turkish people from all walks of life. I'd love to go there again, and I just might!
Carol Baum, Mill Valley, CA
The trip was very inspiring for me and subsequently led me to the decision to seriously prepare myself to work and live abroad.
The rich history, diversity and aliveness of Turkish culture, particularly the blending of east and west intrigues me. I love the food, the club scene in Istanbul, the market places, the fabulous architecture, and the pride of the people in their artisanship, spirituality and rich heritage.
Dore's trip gave me the opportunity to experience all of this without hassle. I spent time on my own, missing some of the tours which created no conflict as there is flexibility incorporated within the structure of the tour. For music lovers, and historical buffs this is a fabulous opportunity.
For me, I better start learning Turkish.
This tour changed my life, and it was completely unexpected. Because I was in the process of making a cross-country move, the tour's timing was actually not optimal for me. But what happened was: it re-ignited an old love affair I had with Turkey. I had gone in 2002 and it lingered long in my memory. So this time, it reaffirmed something deep within me that I needed to not only go back to visit again (which I did exactly a month later), but prepare to create a part-time life in Istanbul in the immediate future.
The Tangents Tour was a great group of witty, smart, and cultured people whom I still miss seeing every day. Together we heard fantastic music, enjoyed some of the best food on the planet, and saw a country whose history is a multi-layered tapestry of civilizations. And as a result of the tour, I made many friends and professional connections in Turkey that will allow me to pursue my future life there—and my original plan was to live in Paris! That's how good it was.
Aug, 2008 Update: Alex is still loving life in Istanbul. She is an Ottoman styled fashion designer, music columnist for Time Out Istanbul, and writes the Ex-Pat Chronicles for the Turkish Daily News. Posted below is one article about Alex and another written by her.
Article featuring Alex's clothing design work (Turkish Daily News, Feb. 23, 2008)
Alex captures the aroma of real life in her Istanbul neighborhood.
(Turkish Daily News, Aug 16, 2008)
Laurie Loeb, Carbondale, Colorado
A day doesn't go by that I don't think about some incredible aspect of the Turkey trip. I'm so glad I went and consider it a really wonderful experience, unlike any other place I'd ever been to even though I've traveled so extensively. The country is so steeped in depth of history and culture, with layer upon layer of civilizations expressed in the music, art, architecture, fabulous food, spirituality, pride of the warm and fun people, et al, was incomparable. And the group was equally terrific!
Christopher Richard, Berkeley, CA
Too much fun!
The trip was well run to allow for both organized activities and individual exploration. The only bad part is there were so many great group adventures that when we did take time out we regretted what we missed.
Istanbul is so vibrant, cosmopolitan, and sophisticated it makes San Francisco seem quite provincial. From Istanbul to the barren steppes of the central highlands, we discovered a land of great beauty, warm people, and incredible history... then there's the music!
Stephen Hill, San Rafael, CA
If you have any interest whatsoever in World Music, you will find Dore Stein's tours of Turkey to be absolutely unique. Not only do you hit all the major tourist high points, but the tour is humanized throughout by private concerts, meals and meetings with Dore's network of fascinating Turkish people.
Whether you are in cosmopolitan Istanbul, the lunar landscape of Cappadocia, or any of the other fascinating spots the tour touches in two weeks packed with good food, history and culture, you will find something to love every day thanks to Dore's personal touch. There's nothing else like it.
Tanya Phillips, Albany, CA (Tangents "class of 2006")
Music, music and more music! Our trip was spectacular and to do it even partial justice, I'd need to produce a movie and a book! Dore even arranged for a partial lunar eclipse to occur during our first evening on the roof of our hotel, which looked out over the gorgeous Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofya in Istanbul. From the beautiful Bosphorus that runs through the middle of Istanbul, the other-worldly towers of Cappadocia, the amazing ruins in Ephesus, etc. etc., it was one of the best trips of my life! The group enriched the experience for all of us, as did the wonderful and friendly Turkish people from all walks of life. I'd love to go there again, and I just might!
Carol Baum, Mill Valley, CA
The trip was very inspiring for me and subsequently led me to the decision to seriously prepare myself to work and live abroad.
The rich history, diversity and aliveness of Turkish culture, particularly the blending of east and west intrigues me. I love the food, the club scene in Istanbul, the market places, the fabulous architecture, and the pride of the people in their artisanship, spirituality and rich heritage.
Dore's trip gave me the opportunity to experience all of this without hassle. I spent time on my own, missing some of the tours which created no conflict as there is flexibility incorporated within the structure of the tour. For music lovers, and historical buffs this is a fabulous opportunity.
For me, I better start learning Turkish.
Tangents Turkey Music Tour, 2006 Testimonials
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Alex at home in Istanbul courtesy Turkish Daily News