-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------November 28, 2007

Dear Sirma,

We are writing to thank you for every detail, every consideration and every insight that you brought to bear on planning our trip to Turkey from Oct 24-Nov 7.  We so loved our trip that it is all we can do to keep from jumping back on a plane tomorrow and returning!  Our respective jobs would suffer if we did that, however, so we will compensate by savoring our memories and reviewing our photographs of the trip, and knowing that when we are able to plan our return visit, we will contact you for all of the planning.

Every detail that you planned for us was just perfect. Susan keeps pinching her arm to remind herself that it was real! She says that she never dreamed that everything could be so perfect – from hotels, to transport, to restaurants, to private lectures, to the unexpected banking help which you provided when we couldn’t get small bills – wow!   Jill has planned and implemented 6 textile tours so far since 2004, and this was by far the most brilliantly executed one, from initial communication to clarity of expectations to lining up just the right people to lead our tour and to meet us every step of the way.  We just can’t thank you enough.

Seyit was an expert driver, ensuring that we got everywhere on time and without incident.  His wife even prepared for us the most delicious dolmas that we had in all of Turkey, for our picnic.  A hard part of leaving Turkey was having to leave our most accomplished guide, Yavuz, behind.  While we didn’t even think to request the two week crash course in everything Turkish which we got – history, archaeology, culture, textiles, ceramics, food, religion—we were lucky enough to get it with Yavuz’s special brand of intellect and personal interpretation.  We know that we were incredibly fortunate to have had Yavuz (we are grateful that you assigned to us who is obviously your very best guide!) guide us through those two weeks. We’ve not met anyone as curious, bright, knowledgeable, kind, well versed, and just plain caring as he is. Yavuz is a treasure, and so are you.

An unexpected and delightful part of the trip was the time that you yourself took to meet with us personally, joining us for several dinners, meeting with some of the dealers and artisans when we did so, and even continuing to book us into visits with artisans who you found after our tour was already happening—the women’s cooperative in Konya was a special opportunity for us to interact in person with cultural assets who no American tourist would have found without your continued attention to our needs. 

As we think about  the next trip – possibly with a new group, or maybe just a few repeats – the only thing we’d ask to change is an upgrade of our hotels. We loved staying in the Sultanhamet, but would like a bit more space and privacy. We’d chosen the Hotel Nomade which is a fine medium-priced and well-located hotel, and one that we chose ourselves, so this is definitely not a complaint. The roof terrace there was fantastic, and the breakfast was great, but next time, we’ll ask you to help us explore more options.  We are hoping that by the time we return, and plan a visit to Konya again (terrific textiles at Karavan and at Young Partners, and the amazing  Mevlani Museum, and other museums there!), there will be better quality hotels to chose from.  While Capadoccia wasn’t part of our original plan, you encouraged us to go, and what a highlight it was.  And, as you’ve recommended, next time – the Blue Voyage! We can’t wait!

If only our daily lives were as seamless as the two weeks we spent in your beautiful country, with your expert planning, and with Yavuz’ caring guidance and added elements of a book on tape and insightful commentary which was just the right touch of teaching and guiding.  And Seyet’s fluid driving!  You are indeed an amazing team. We will spread the word to everyone we come into contact with who is interested in traveling to Turkey. You provided an experience that enriched all of our lives, educated us in culture and religion, sparked our interest in learning more, and helped us truly understand the important role which Turkey plays in world history and on the world political playing field, today.

You were so attentive to every detail, and we appreciate the degree to which you applied your talent to our small tour; it is indeed the mark of a super professional to give the same quality of your time and efforts to a group of 10 people as to a high-profile museum group of 50 or more.  Thank you for making our first trip to Turkey for our 10 inquisitive collectors of life experience a memorable one—we look forward to working with you again and again.

Susan Summa and Jill Heppenheimer
Santa Fe, New Mexico