Francine B. - San Francisco
October 30, 2004

Hi Rina and Suleyman,

I was getting ready to write you when I opened your e-mail. 

My thanks to you both for making my second trip to Turkey a trip to remember. I can't stop talking about it and telling people that I recommend your agency most highly and would never use anyone else when I plan my next trip. You care about each individual client and it shows. Please do keep me informed as you plan trips to other areas of Turkey. A trip to the Mediterranean area sounds perfect. I climbed steps I never would have climbed, I walked paths I never would have walked and saw things I never would have seen. Suleyman, you proved that my short legs can get me anywhere people with long legs can go - as long as someone gives me some leverage and a helping hand. Thanks again for going the extra mile.

All my black and blue marks are fading (they were proof of all I did). I'm now back on California time but wish I was still in Turkey. There is so much more to see and the people are so nice (at least the ones I met).

Linda was an excellent guide on my tour of Jewish Istanbul. The museum was the highlight. It is beautifully laid out and tells a wonderful story. We also got to the Spice Market - a small version of the Grand Bazaar with not as much pressure to buy. I bought bookmarks for the people in my office and two pashminas (one to use under my new leather jacket and one for a gift). 

Thanks again for dinner on Sunday. What a perfect farewell. The food was wonderful as was the company.

I'm glad you found my comments helpful. Of course I look at hotels in cities from the standpoint of a single person traveling alone and wanting to explore the area and be able to get back to the hotel easily. I know that there isn't much of a choice when exploring small villages and meeting the people (that was the most fun of all). As long as I have a clean bed and bathroom (one I can get into!) I'm happy. 

Have a wonderful trip as you look for more places to take your clients. Please do keep in touch, I feel as if I've made two new friends. Let me know if you will be in San Francisco when you come back to the US in January. I'd love to see you both.

Sincerely,

Francine B.