Turkey, Land and Sea: Testimonials
As many Zags have already
traveled to Turkey with Aydin, I thought you might want to hear what some past
participants have to say:
“One might think that after
working and traveling in Turkey for almost 20 years, I would have become jaded
or bored with the experience, having seen or done it all. Nothing could be further from the truth: I am
delighted and surprised anew each time I return to that country, to explore its
rich and varied history, geography and culture.
Beyond my own professional interest in the archaeology and history of
the country, Turkey draws me back for so many reasons: the unique beauty of its
landscape in regions like Cappadocia; the warm, welcoming character of the
Turkish people and their culture; and the nearly inexhaustible parade of
incomparable sites, stretching from the Neolithic to Ottoman periods. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a
veteran like myself, there are experiences that you will never forget.
Strolling down the ancient streets of Ephesus.
Exploring sites once visited by St. Paul. Sailing along the rugged coasts of the
Aegean, through the region that the ancient writer Josephus once called the
Land of 500 Cities. Fascinating,
stimulating, and mesmerizing, a trip to Turkey represents an unrivaled
encounter with history and culture that I simply cannot recommend highly enough
to any and everyone.” Andrew L. Goldman Associate Professor, History Department, Chair,
Classical Civilizations Department
Ken Krall S.J. recalls his experience,
“Memories
of my trip to Turkey: Several years ago I travelled to Turkey with a small
group of Gonzaga University faculty members and friends. Though I had often seen pictures of Turkey’s
many famous historical sites, the experience of actually viewing them myself
was a memory I still count among my blessings. I have made a few tours to
Europe and Israel over the past twenty years, but my tour of Turkey was by far
the best because though we saw much I did not feel rushed at any time. The places we stayed and the ways we
travelled were all comfortable and the food we ate was delicious. There are
many places in this world of ours I have not seen, yet given the chance I would
return to Turkey in a heartbeat.”
Susie Prusch recalls her
experience,
Nine
of us took the “trip of a lifetime” to Turkey last year. Within a couple
of days, we were all scheming on how to make it happen a second time! For
most of us, this was our first experience of having a guide. Aydin was
so knowledgeable about the treasures of his country and organized in
making all of the logistics of travel, hotels, meals and sightseeing happen
seemingly effortlessly - all of this while remaining sensitive to the needs of
individuals in the group. We were guests in a safe and hospitable
country, we visited ancient sites, we were exposed to a different culture, we
sailed the seas, we tasted fabulous food and our friendships with each other
and our guide became even stronger. And YES, we are going back.
If you have any questions about this boutique Turkish travel
experience, please contact any of these GU folks who have traveled with Aydin
in his native land.
Each will be happy
to talk with you about their journey through the ages:
Ken Krall, S.J. Krall@gu.gonzaga.edu
Steve Kuder, S.J. kuder@gonzaga.edu
Susie Prusch Prusch@gu.gonzaga.edu
Robert Prusch Prusch@gu.gonzaga.edu
Andy Goldman goldman@gonzaga.edu
Dan Garrity Garrity@gonzaga.edu