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.
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.