6 responses to “Teacher Study Tours 2010 – Group 2 Ankara – Istanbul”
11082010
Bobby Hill (18:02:16) :
How can I ever thank you for allowing me to come on this trip. It was wonderful. I have been abroad nine times and I do think this has been the best of all nine trips. The people were wonderful to us. The places we saw were spectacular! The food was good, the hotels excellent, and our guide, Bonnie, the bus driver and his helper were all anyone could ever ask for. Bonnie Joy was like a mother to all of us—no matter what age we were. Don’t ever let her go—she is too great! I could write all day and you might not ever know how much this trip meant to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
11082010
Julia McCombs (18:02:33) :
This was my first trip abroad and was unforgettable. The people here are warm and friendly. Even though language is a barrier, communication was still achieved. The country is beautiful in its diversity, from the hustle and bustle of the big city life in Istanbul, to the calm and slow life of the rural villages. Even though our history may be very different, we all share the same goals for our future: a better life for our coming generations. Even though we are thousands of miles apart, we can be close with the push of a few buttons. The insights this trip has given me will be passed on to my classes and I am honored to be given the opportunity to do so. Thank you TCF!
11082010
Georgia Miller (18:02:54) :
This has truly been one of the most educational and enriching educational experiences in 31 years of teaching. The unique geographical features and events will enhance many geography and science lessons- such as the erosion resulting in unique Cappadocian rock structures. The wonderful fine arts, history, and literature knowledge acquired are too extensive to name. These journeys will help many teachers reintroduce essential historical concepts- such as the impact of the Ottoman Empire- to all areas of the curriculum. Turkey’s role is crucial worldwide so we teachers are fortunate to have this enlightening opportunity. We can begin to clarify so many misconceptions about Turkey. Every detail was planned and handled impeccably. The guides, drivers, and assistants were always professional and cheerful. The pace was well planned including handling unexpected emergencies in a calm manner. I cannot imagine how the experience could have been more reinvigorating as well as comprehensive. The personal encounters (meeting people in schools and at TCF) and hands-on experiences (paper marbling, hiking in sites, archaeological digs, pottery, and rug making-particularly silk thread) truly brought the culture to life. The opportunity to see a true Whirling Dervish ceremony, then be entertained by a shopkeeper (Orhan brought to the bus), playing and singing could not be replicated via video or internet. Bonnie Joy made this an amazing experience that will enrich the curriculum for many years to come.
11082010
Nicki Linton (18:03:10) :
So many things are running through my mind as I think of my experiences while on this trip—where do I begin? This trip has been a revelation of knowledge of the diversity of a country and a people who have imprinted the history of our planet. Turks are a courageous, loving people who have embraced their history and have survived turmoil, and used their individual resources to move into the future. As I leave this beautiful country and people, I will savor their kindness, generosity, joy of life in my heart and mind as a special gift from Bonnie Joy as our fearless leader and from the TCF as the benevolent benefactor. What a treasure and what a fabulous opportunity as an educator. I remain in awe and in love with Turkey.
11082010
Shari Bernstein (18:03:27) :
This study tour has truly been a once in a lifetime opportunity to begin to understand the complexity, richness, and diversity that can be found in Turkey. This tour was so many tours in one—a history tour in which the significance of the country in world religions and politics from pre-Biblical times on was explained and experienced. An art tour in which we got a chance to see beautiful works from more than a millennium ago and see current artisans working to keep those arts alive and creating beautiful work today. An eating tour with the most amazing food—delicious, abundant, fresh, and authentic to each region. I feel grateful that I was chosen for this trip. I cannot wait to share all that I have learned with other teachers in my district, and with friends and relatives. Everyone needs to come to Turkey at least once—and if they can, over and over again!
11082010
Fay Montelione (18:03:44) :
Turkey sings to my soul (thank you Bonnie) on so many different levels. Historically, who knew it had more Roman sites than Italy and more Greek sites than Greece? I didn’t, now I do and I saw for myself the wonder of Ephesus and the magic of Aphrodisias. Culture! What an exciting mix of diversity! Here all roads meet it seems. Ancient civilizations still live among the towns and cities, it’s a part of life, not regulated to history books or museums. It’s in the eyes of the people, it’s in the fashion on the streets. Food! What great food! The infinite variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from far and near, the combinations of spices and flavors leave me looking forward to the next meal. Geographically there is nothing that comes close. What a geographical wonder Turkey is. Pamukkale was such a remarkable sight! The sense of joy that place evoked was evident in the smiles on people’s faces. The lunar type landscape of Cappadocia leaves you breathless. The Aegean Sea is a marvel as well, a balm to your soul and body to watch the sun set; it takes away all cares and worries. Education! The school visits made me think of how much the American Educational System could benefit from the Turkish example. Imagine taking some of the most vulnerable youth who don’t have the privilege of money or connection and giving them a first rate education? A potential drain on the government turned into a valuable commodity – but not only that, it speaks volumes about what Turkey values. So what does Turkey mean to me now? After such an amazing 13 days? How do I share these incredible experiences with my students, dismiss the misconceptions? That has yet to gel, but I know I will because I can’t keep this to myself. Turkey is way too wonderful for that!
How can I ever thank you for allowing me to come on this trip. It was wonderful. I have been abroad nine times and I do think this has been the best of all nine trips. The people were wonderful to us. The places we saw were spectacular! The food was good, the hotels excellent, and our guide, Bonnie, the bus driver and his helper were all anyone could ever ask for. Bonnie Joy was like a mother to all of us—no matter what age we were. Don’t ever let her go—she is too great! I could write all day and you might not ever know how much this trip meant to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This was my first trip abroad and was unforgettable. The people here are warm and friendly. Even though language is a barrier, communication was still achieved. The country is beautiful in its diversity, from the hustle and bustle of the big city life in Istanbul, to the calm and slow life of the rural villages. Even though our history may be very different, we all share the same goals for our future: a better life for our coming generations. Even though we are thousands of miles apart, we can be close with the push of a few buttons. The insights this trip has given me will be passed on to my classes and I am honored to be given the opportunity to do so. Thank you TCF!
This has truly been one of the most educational and enriching educational experiences in 31 years of teaching. The unique geographical features and events will enhance many geography and science lessons- such as the erosion resulting in unique Cappadocian rock structures. The wonderful fine arts, history, and literature knowledge acquired are too extensive to name. These journeys will help many teachers reintroduce essential historical concepts- such as the impact of the Ottoman Empire- to all areas of the curriculum. Turkey’s role is crucial worldwide so we teachers are fortunate to have this enlightening opportunity. We can begin to clarify so many misconceptions about Turkey. Every detail was planned and handled impeccably. The guides, drivers, and assistants were always professional and cheerful. The pace was well planned including handling unexpected emergencies in a calm manner. I cannot imagine how the experience could have been more reinvigorating as well as comprehensive. The personal encounters (meeting people in schools and at TCF) and hands-on experiences (paper marbling, hiking in sites, archaeological digs, pottery, and rug making-particularly silk thread) truly brought the culture to life. The opportunity to see a true Whirling Dervish ceremony, then be entertained by a shopkeeper (Orhan brought to the bus), playing and singing could not be replicated via video or internet. Bonnie Joy made this an amazing experience that will enrich the curriculum for many years to come.
So many things are running through my mind as I think of my experiences while on this trip—where do I begin? This trip has been a revelation of knowledge of the diversity of a country and a people who have imprinted the history of our planet. Turks are a courageous, loving people who have embraced their history and have survived turmoil, and used their individual resources to move into the future. As I leave this beautiful country and people, I will savor their kindness, generosity, joy of life in my heart and mind as a special gift from Bonnie Joy as our fearless leader and from the TCF as the benevolent benefactor. What a treasure and what a fabulous opportunity as an educator. I remain in awe and in love with Turkey.
This study tour has truly been a once in a lifetime opportunity to begin to understand the complexity, richness, and diversity that can be found in Turkey. This tour was so many tours in one—a history tour in which the significance of the country in world religions and politics from pre-Biblical times on was explained and experienced. An art tour in which we got a chance to see beautiful works from more than a millennium ago and see current artisans working to keep those arts alive and creating beautiful work today. An eating tour with the most amazing food—delicious, abundant, fresh, and authentic to each region. I feel grateful that I was chosen for this trip. I cannot wait to share all that I have learned with other teachers in my district, and with friends and relatives. Everyone needs to come to Turkey at least once—and if they can, over and over again!
Turkey sings to my soul (thank you Bonnie) on so many different levels. Historically, who knew it had more Roman sites than Italy and more Greek sites than Greece? I didn’t, now I do and I saw for myself the wonder of Ephesus and the magic of Aphrodisias. Culture! What an exciting mix of diversity! Here all roads meet it seems. Ancient civilizations still live among the towns and cities, it’s a part of life, not regulated to history books or museums. It’s in the eyes of the people, it’s in the fashion on the streets. Food! What great food! The infinite variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from far and near, the combinations of spices and flavors leave me looking forward to the next meal. Geographically there is nothing that comes close. What a geographical wonder Turkey is. Pamukkale was such a remarkable sight! The sense of joy that place evoked was evident in the smiles on people’s faces. The lunar type landscape of Cappadocia leaves you breathless. The Aegean Sea is a marvel as well, a balm to your soul and body to watch the sun set; it takes away all cares and worries. Education! The school visits made me think of how much the American Educational System could benefit from the Turkish example. Imagine taking some of the most vulnerable youth who don’t have the privilege of money or connection and giving them a first rate education? A potential drain on the government turned into a valuable commodity – but not only that, it speaks volumes about what Turkey values. So what does Turkey mean to me now? After such an amazing 13 days? How do I share these incredible experiences with my students, dismiss the misconceptions? That has yet to gel, but I know I will because I can’t keep this to myself. Turkey is way too wonderful for that!