There was time for shopping and exploring on our own. Our hotel was next door to the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, and many other cultural landmarks. Our group was interesting, companionable, friendly and sharing, and the Turkish people hospitable.

George Gonzalez, Bolinas:

I've always wanted to go to turkey mostly to see and study the ancient stoneworks...the music is also a draw and having a world expert lead the tour made it very appealing. I had a wonderful time on the tangents turkey tour. I've traveled extensively and never thought I could join an organized tour. I had fears that I would be trapped with a group of people that didn't share my values or were whiners or just embarrassing ugly americans. After I crunched the $ #'s and it seemed fair...I figured my fellow travelers would be fairly hip being from the bay area and interested in turkish music. It had also been 30 years since I was in a Muslim country and given the current global political situation felt it would be good to personally try and understand what Muslims outside of the states are feeling. The experience surpassed my most positive expectations...I may go again next year.

Here is what I wrote on a postcard to my granddaughter:

stone, tile, food, music
layered centuries
bottom to top
the people
warm, kind
Muslim

istanbul 08

Mike and Barbara Collins, Palo Alto

Although we have enjoyed many other trips, the participants made this experience extraordinary. One could not hope to find a more educated, compassionate, inquisitive and level-headed group. Certainly this is the result of Dore and Clara hosting the many pre-trip potlucks and keeping in touch prior to (and now after) the trip. The leaders set the tone. They couldn't have been more conscientious, helpful, and caring. We all owe you an enormous Thank You; and, for your expanding future in Turkey travel, Good Luck!

Stephen Pacheco, San Francisco

A wonderful way to experience the cuisine, culture and music of Turkey. The tour was very well organized. We had an abundance of activities and plenty of alone time to explore. This was my first group tour and was really amazed that everything went so smoothly. I have many fond memories and would recommend this tour to anyone.

Leni Siegel, Berkeley

I had no expectations. I was cautious about joining a "tour". I'm deep into Balkan music and love Roma music. I met Dore and Clara at their home for a meal in SF a few weeks before the trip. I liked them. Once I got to Turkey, I really appreciated Dore's knowledge about everything and the things he didn't know, he was busy researching. I did not realize we would have such a busy schedule for some silly reason -- maybe I didn't have time to read the schedule closely or just decided to see what happens. I was most interested in the music. Right away, we went to a concert. I liked the way he described the place. We went to eat at a non-traditional, yummy restaurant on the Asian side. I ate plum soup. It was amazing.

I took care of myself. I had to if I wanted to keep up. Every day we were busy eating, walking, learning...I was willing to stay up late to hear more music. I seriously enjoyed the level of musicianship and camaraderie among the musicians.  Day by day, I got to know people and I liked everyone. There was very little drama and so we could focus on enjoying the time we had together.

I wanted to buy a decent baglama (saz) for my daughter who is a musician.  Dore's friend Nazim, who had his own instument shop, contacted a luthier down the street.  We went there, tried a few.  I decided on the one he had finished a week earlier.  It was beautifully made and had a sweet sound.  I wrapped it carefully with my clothes inside the soft case.  No one hassled me when I carried it on the plane.

High points: The boat ride up the Bosphorus was wonderful. I got to know Sandy and we became friends. Ephesus blew my mind.  I rubbed my hands over the menorah carved into the first step of a column in front of the library. The Dore Dance.*  Joining the football team of George Gonzalez, as our linebacker; Dore behind him, me grabbing onto Dore's backpack, and Sandy, holding my other hand, as we forged a path through a sea of friendly humanity at the Hidrellez (Roma) festival in Istanbul. The dinner in Goreme prepared by Memet's staff and the quest for a baglama.

I thought Turkey was a beautiful country and I'm really glad I made the trip.

*The Dore Dance is described in this story written by Leni.