5 responses to “Teacher Study Tours 2008 – Group 3 Istanbul”
13102008
Allyson Knanishu (04:18:04) :
I am living history! I am actively taking part in the history I’ve taken so many courses in at college. What I’ve seen in so many textbooks, I am seeing with my own eyes! Truly life changing, not just on personal level but I think of how different and dynamic my teaching will be in the coming years. For this reason I am, I am truly thankful for this experience. Thank you for all of the efforts that have been made to immerse a teacher from rural Illinois into Turkish Culture. You have changed the lived for 1,000’s of students to come over the next 30 years. My time in Turkey can be best summed up with two words said right after one another. It has become my slogan while here- this journey has been CRAZY AMAZING
13102008
Philip Buckley (04:18:35) :
Although I consider myself a fairly well traveled person, and someone who has a natural curious about history and cultures that are different from my own, I have to say that my trip to Turkey has been one that will be among the most memorable. It is a place where I can say that I truly did not want to leave! I have had several moments in Turkey where I began to fantasize about a certain street, a certain house or a certain location where I could settle and live out the rest of my life. Believe me I am not unhappy with my current situation but the seemingly limitless, intoxicating things to experience are truly overwhelming. The people of Turkey have a wonderful deserved reputation for hospitality and it is simply not a cliché. Perhaps they realize how richly endowed their homeland is and like proud parents, they want to share their previous land, life, and people with the whole world. What better way to express the beauty and depth of such an enchanting place. I have been seduced; I am in love with Turkey.
13102008
Tom Green (04:19:07) :
Turkey is so beautiful, the Turkish people too hospitable, and the history of Anatolia too important to be hidden from the world; I am forever thankful that Turkey is no longer hidden from me. Turkey is a hidden treasure buried deep in the curriculum taught to American students, where if discovered would enrich their lived. After the study tour to Turkey, I am dedicated to helping my students and community find the treasure called Turkey.
13102008
Marissa Kleinhans (04:19:38) :
As we were pulled deeper and deeper under Turkey’s spell, I after thought “how have I not heard of/seen this site/art form/food/etc before?” It seems, at least in America, that Turkey is a well kept secret. When I return home, this is the rumor I will spread: Turkey is a vibrant and complex nation, layered with past and present treasures that are cares for with pride by the most open-hearted people on any continent. Tell your friends.
13102008
Mary Reed (04:20:03) :
I have been welcomed into The Cradle of Civilization and feel an astounding connection here. I have felt, seen, smelled, heard, and tasted Turkey which have all left indelible impressions on my heart, mind, and soul. My students will now experience vicariously the pulsating rhythm of the music and the swirl of the dervishes’ garments, they will learn about the ice cream vendors pulling and stretching their sweetly flavored desserts, the locals greeting you sp sincerely welcoming conversations, kissing the cheeks. They will learn about the ancient Ottoman ruins juxtaposed to high rises… ancient methods of paper marbling and pottery making that is still alive and well today… about the riches of the caliphates as seen in the Palace… of the religious relics- all of which conjure up bygone days… spice smells wafting towards you as you approach the buffets… music played lovingly on the banks of the Bosphorus during dinner… the colors that bombard you as you approach the stalls in the market… flesh being pounded by strong fists as bathers are serenaded in the baths… muted shades as the sunsets on the Aegean Sea… the patterns on headscarves embellished with embroidery… gasping for breath at the beauty of Hagias Sofia upon entering the airy domed center, the cool air of th4e underground refuge… and on and on. The daily narrative that made me feel like an insider gave me a sense of privilege. I have been to 42 countries in my life. To Turkey I now feel a special connection. I promise to impart my impressions to all I encounter. Thank you for this life-changing experience. I could write on and one about the Turkey I have come to know. God bless you.
I am living history! I am actively taking part in the history I’ve taken so many courses in at college. What I’ve seen in so many textbooks, I am seeing with my own eyes! Truly life changing, not just on personal level but I think of how different and dynamic my teaching will be in the coming years. For this reason I am, I am truly thankful for this experience. Thank you for all of the efforts that have been made to immerse a teacher from rural Illinois into Turkish Culture. You have changed the lived for 1,000’s of students to come over the next 30 years. My time in Turkey can be best summed up with two words said right after one another. It has become my slogan while here- this journey has been CRAZY AMAZING
Although I consider myself a fairly well traveled person, and someone who has a natural curious about history and cultures that are different from my own, I have to say that my trip to Turkey has been one that will be among the most memorable. It is a place where I can say that I truly did not want to leave! I have had several moments in Turkey where I began to fantasize about a certain street, a certain house or a certain location where I could settle and live out the rest of my life. Believe me I am not unhappy with my current situation but the seemingly limitless, intoxicating things to experience are truly overwhelming. The people of Turkey have a wonderful deserved reputation for hospitality and it is simply not a cliché. Perhaps they realize how richly endowed their homeland is and like proud parents, they want to share their previous land, life, and people with the whole world. What better way to express the beauty and depth of such an enchanting place. I have been seduced; I am in love with Turkey.
Turkey is so beautiful, the Turkish people too hospitable, and the history of Anatolia too important to be hidden from the world; I am forever thankful that Turkey is no longer hidden from me. Turkey is a hidden treasure buried deep in the curriculum taught to American students, where if discovered would enrich their lived. After the study tour to Turkey, I am dedicated to helping my students and community find the treasure called Turkey.
As we were pulled deeper and deeper under Turkey’s spell, I after thought “how have I not heard of/seen this site/art form/food/etc before?” It seems, at least in America, that Turkey is a well kept secret. When I return home, this is the rumor I will spread: Turkey is a vibrant and complex nation, layered with past and present treasures that are cares for with pride by the most open-hearted people on any continent. Tell your friends.
I have been welcomed into The Cradle of Civilization and feel an astounding connection here. I have felt, seen, smelled, heard, and tasted Turkey which have all left indelible impressions on my heart, mind, and soul. My students will now experience vicariously the pulsating rhythm of the music and the swirl of the dervishes’ garments, they will learn about the ice cream vendors pulling and stretching their sweetly flavored desserts, the locals greeting you sp sincerely welcoming conversations, kissing the cheeks. They will learn about the ancient Ottoman ruins juxtaposed to high rises… ancient methods of paper marbling and pottery making that is still alive and well today… about the riches of the caliphates as seen in the Palace… of the religious relics- all of which conjure up bygone days… spice smells wafting towards you as you approach the buffets… music played lovingly on the banks of the Bosphorus during dinner… the colors that bombard you as you approach the stalls in the market… flesh being pounded by strong fists as bathers are serenaded in the baths… muted shades as the sunsets on the Aegean Sea… the patterns on headscarves embellished with embroidery… gasping for breath at the beauty of Hagias Sofia upon entering the airy domed center, the cool air of th4e underground refuge… and on and on. The daily narrative that made me feel like an insider gave me a sense of privilege. I have been to 42 countries in my life. To Turkey I now feel a special connection. I promise to impart my impressions to all I encounter. Thank you for this life-changing experience. I could write on and one about the Turkey I have come to know. God bless you.