COMMENTS ON FALL TOUR’07
I want to thank Turkish Cultural Foundation for the gift of this 15-day journey through Turkey. I have learned so
much, laughed so often, and enjoyed the camaraderie of my fellow travelers, Americans and Turks alike. I
appreciate the time and thought put into planning this remarkable trip. It has been inspiring to watch Turkey
unfold, landscape after landscape, city after city in all its cultural richness and beauty. The scenery changes but
the warmth of the people remains the same. I feel so priviledged to have been a part of this experience, and
look forward to incorporating a taste of Turkey in my daily life from now on.
Sen. Pat Engels, South Sioux City, Nebraska ,USA
It is said that a mind expanded by a new idea, can never return to its original shape. We will always be grateful
for the chance we have had to expand our horizons to include the beautiful people and culture of Turkey.
Mary Gutknecht, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
The Turkish Cultural Foundation has, with extraordinary generosity, provided an incredible opportunity to learn
about the rich history and culture of Turkey. All aspects of the trip have been marvelous. Exceptional care was
taken to plan each day with deep exposure to all aspects of the history, arts, cuisine and modern culture of the
country. Our guide was very knowledgeable and provided us with an important historical context for each of our
days and trips. Our representative from the Turkish Cultural Foundation responded to each of our needs and
ensured our maximum comfort. It would be hard to express how appreciative I am for all that was done on our
behalf. We will leave Turkey with a deep respect and appreciation for a wonderful country and its people. We
plan to share this experience and knowledge with others in our country.
Chris Hall, Hebron, Connecticut, USA
What a tremendous country. It has made me realize what an ancient civilization humankind belongs to. Turkey
has an important and significant role to play historically, politically, spiritually and economically in the future. A
gateway through which all the world can view our past and contemplate our future. The best of luck to all of you
who live here and have given so generously to me on this extraordinary journey.
Felicity Harley, Hebron, Connecticut, USA
I have read the mission statements of the Turkish Cultural Foundation and the Turkish Coalition of America and
as a Former Member of the United States House of Representatives, you have fullfilled your mission goals with
regard to me and my wife. We had not previously visited Turkey and were extremely impressed by the rich
cultural heritage presented to us in this limited visitation.
George Hochbrueckner, Laurel, New York, USA
I have wanted to visit Turkey for over 15 years. This trip was a dream come true. Many thanks to the Turkish
Cultural Foundation and everyone who contributed to this remarkable tour.
Carol Ann Hochbrueckner, Laurel, New York, USA
This was a wonderful experience that gave me an appreciation for a vibrant and growing nation with an
interesting and misunderstood history. Turkey is a vital part of its section of the world and those of us in the USA
must understand more about it. If we don’t, we risk not continuing a relationship with a friend of long standing.
Tony Rand, Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA
The imprint of the sultan is everywhere and forever! A fabulous experience.
Jack Revens, Warwick, Rhode Island, USA
Thank you so much for the outstanding tour of Turkey. We had a fascinating week packed with interesting tours
and wonderful food. Istanbul is a truly amazing city –so full of history and rich in culture. Thank you to the
Turkish Cultural Foundation for allowing me this opportunity. I will cherish the memories of these experiences
and friendships which were formed in the process.
Terry Stapleton, Billings, Montana, USA
From the first moment, sailing along the Bosphorus while being served excellent Turkish food to visiting
numerous sites and artists not on the usual tourist tour this certainly has been the very best cultural
introduction to a country I have ever experienced.
I leave fully enriched by learning about the breadth and great depth of Turkish culture from its spectacular
architecture, its living artistic tradition. to its superb food.
An exceptional experience I highly recommend to anyone.
Woodman Taylor, Oak Park, Illinois, USA
What an experience! We had never considered Turkey as a place to visit and tour. What a loss that would have
been. The people, history, culture, and land have been spectacular. This could not have been accomplished
without the planning and organizing of the Turkish Cultural Foundation. The personnel were superb, the
selection of the tour route, accommodations, restaurants, menus, and meals were first class. This trip has given
us a greater appreciation of Turkey’s history, culture, and impact on the world’s stage. We shall never forget this
trip and the generosity of the Turkish Cultural Foundation. We thank you wholeheartly for providingthis
wonderful opportunity and wish you continued success in your future endeavours.
Jerri and Larry Wetsel, Virginia, USA
Travel is life changing. Dean and I have grown in knowledge and in respect for Turkey in a myriad of ways we
could not have envisioned or hoped. The Turkish Cultural Foundation and its amazing leaders have earned our
allegiance and greatest respect for the creativity and leadershıp. The program was carefully desİgned wıth
dİverse experİences to gİve us a broad view of this incredible country with a very long history that we from the
middle of the United States can barely comprehend. It was done to show life in many places and periods of
history in a sensitive way. We especially appreciate that we were treated as learners – not just as tourists – and
were taken to significant sights the ordinary traveller does not see. The dance performance and meeting with
students, the meeting with the former Ambassador and his wife were personal encounters with great impact. I
had an amazing experience at the hospital in Sivas when I was stung by a bee and needed to have a ring cut off
to relieve the swelling. Hulya talked with hotel desk personnel who directed us to the hospital emergency room
just down the street. Four men at the reception desk ushered us right to an exam room where 6 more gathered
around to watch the clipping process. We all smiled and laughed when they succeeded – and we were back at
the hotel for breakfast. An absolutely amazing experience.
Turkey has a new place in our hearts – and we will be sharing our experiences far and wide. Thank you so much.
Harriet and Dean Swedlund, South Dakota, USA
I want to thank Turkish Cultural Foundation for the gift of this 15-day journey through Turkey. I have learned so
much, laughed so often, and enjoyed the camaraderie of my fellow travelers, Americans and Turks alike. I
appreciate the time and thought put into planning this remarkable trip. It has been inspiring to watch Turkey
unfold, landscape after landscape, city after city in all its cultural richness and beauty. The scenery changes but
the warmth of the people remains the same. I feel so privileged to have been a part of this experience, and look
forward to incorporating a taste of Turkey in my daily life from now on.
All best,
Todd Culpepper, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA