Sue and Clive B. - Australia
June 05, 2008
Itinerary: Tailored Western Turkey Tour

Hi Rina,

You did just an amazing job with your organisation of our trip, it went flawlessly, and although rushed as we were trying to pack in a lot in little time, we thoroughly enjoyed it, we both loved Turkey and will be back for a return visit.

The 5th May Hidrellez celebration was just fantastic. So many people and families having a great time, the entertainment was wonderful, the crowds.......well.......we don't get that in Australia and the "soccer crowd push". That was interesting to say the least. We loved dancing with the children, the openness and friendliness of everyone there, and the fact that with all those people there were no brawls, not that we saw anyway........that would NOT happen in Australia as there would be too many drunk teenagers!!! This should be made public (not that they need bigger crowds), and many people that we met there were amazed that we'd even heard of it...........what a wonderful night.

We agree with you that our time was too limited and appreciate what you fitted in our limited itinerary - Turkey has so much to offer that we didn't see. Regarding the guides in each of the five countries we travelled on our trip we found the best ones were ones with excellent local knowledge and the ability to impart that, speaking good (at least understandable) English and a tour that is not just history and ruins - as much association with the people that live in the country as possible gives you a true feel of what that country is about. The things that you remember and treasure about any trip are the things that you want more of. Examples of this on our tour were the talk with two young men in the bazaar in Aleppo in Syria talking about Muslims and their upbringing, talking to a young local boy on a camel ride in Egypt about his life, A Nubian village visit in Egypt where we walked the streets and saw their village and lifestyle (in 50 degree heat) and met a couple of young families. Sitting in street cafes in all the countries and watching and talking to the locals, in Turkey meeting a young man on his way to the 5th May Hidrellez celebration. He invited us to join him and his friends at the celebration. We met them all and spent a wonderful night with some young (30ish) Turkish people.

The guide in Istanbul was great (Kutay) as was the one off guide at Troy - he was so interesting and enthusiastic (can't remember his name but he lives there and has written books on it an is still researching). The Ephesus guide was OK.. Loved the Aesclepion, could have spent more time there, same guide for Permagon, he was good but not as good as some of the others.

Overall we loved Turkey and want to go back one day and spend more time seeing the rest of it and the people.

When we have saved up enough to go back to Turkey and Syria, we will be in touch again. We will certainly recommend you (and already have) to people we know and have met on our travels.

Once again Rina, thank you so much for your time and effort, we just loved your country. If you ever think of coming to Australia, please let us know, you will be more than welcome in our home and hopefully we can suggest places to go to in our country!

Regards
Sue and Clive B.