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SACRED JOURNEY TO TURKEY!

02.27.11

By Sheryll Alexander

Have you ever wanted to visit the ancient sites of Turkey with a Turkish scholar and an American tour leader? Los Angeles-based author and professional traveler Karen Tate, along with an acclaimed native Turkish scholar, is taking a small group on a sacred journey to Turkey from Nov. 2-14.

Between Karen Tate and Dr. Rashid, you will feel like you are on the trail of the Great Goddess to such ancient sacred sites as Catalhoyuk, Lagina, Ephesus, Troy and Sardis, among others.

Why Turkey?

Anatolia, the Nourishing Mother, as Turkey was called in the ancient past, is a gem in the rough. Not yet fully discovered by mainstream tourists, sacred destinations on the itinerary often provide opportunities for discovering ancient Goddess spirituality as well as for personal contemplation. A melting pot of cultures, Turkey offers a way to immerse yourself in various times and cultures throughout history as you encounter the energies of the Goddess of Catal Hoyuk, Artemis, Cybele, Isis, Mary, Aphrodite and Hecate, all in one sacred destination.

Shopping is still very affordable as Turkey has not switched over to the Euro, the food is delicious, the people are friendly and the sacred sites are a feast for the senses. Few places offer so many exciting activities and varied sacred sites awaiting discovery in one journey. Each day is filled with wonders to nourish and renew minds, hearts and spiritual souls.

For a detailed day-to-day itinerary, visit mythic-travel.com.

Karen Tate’s Sacred Journeys

Karen Tate has been organizing sacred travel and traveling to sacred places of Goddess across the globe for more than 20 years. As an independent scholar, Karen brings to the tour her wealth of knowledge across continents and cultures, which she shares so passionately in her book, “Sacred Places of Goddess: 108 Destinations.”

“Sacred or purposeful travel, the contemporary version of ancient pilgrimage, is undertaken for many of the same reasons as in times past. Humans still yearn to connect with ancestral roots or participate in meaningful activities that uplift their spirit or nourish their soul. Travelers may be called to seek healing for their body and mind or broaden their horizons about cultures and peoples in other places, ultimately feeling more a part of the global family,” says Tate.

For more information about Karen, visit karentate.com.

About Dr. Rashid (Resit) Ergener

Dr. Rashid Ergener is a native of Istanbul. He received his junior high school education at the English High School in Istanbul and his high school education at the American Robert Academy. During his university years, Dr. Rashid earned degrees from Oxford and Istanbul universities. Dr. Rashid is the author of several books on Turkey and a book of poetry. As a tour guide, Dr. Rashid brings his English, cultural, political and economic backgrounds to provide guests with insightful insights on everything from folklore to shopping to culinary traditions to lifestyles to ethnic issues.

Turkey Tour Pricing

This almost two-week tour costs just $2,350 ($650 single supplement) and includes arrival and departure transfers, all accommodations, all breakfasts, all dinners, museum entry fees, parking fees, local taxes, hotel staff gratuities, a Turkish bath experience and whirling Dervish performance. The price does not include air fare, airport taxes, visa fees, excess baggage, travel insurance and other personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and driver gratuities. To book this tour, call Mythic Travel at 866-888-1624.

PROJECTS ABROAD FOR SPRING BREAK!

02.15.11

By Sheryll Alexander

Want to get away from it all this spring break and make a difference in the world? Projects Abroad is one of the world’s leading international volunteer placement organizations. And for the first time, Projects Abroad is offering one-week spring break projects including community building in Jamaica, care in Costa Rica, conservation in Mexico and culture in Morroco.

Here are some questions and answers to get you moving towards a volunteer vacation.

What can volunteers do?
Volunteers can get involved in a variety of programs: Teaching, IT Projects, Care & Community, Medicine & Healthcare, Conservation, Business, Inca Projects, Journalism, Veterinary Medicine, Physical Therapy, Animal Care, Sports, Law, Nomad Projects, Archaeology, Khmer Projects, Spanish, French and Russian. Volunteers may also choose to use the experience for dissertation research.

How long does the volunteer service last?
In March 2011, Projects Abroad is introducing special one-week spring break projects in select destinations. The minimum length for a project is normally two weeks, but most volunteers go for between one and three months.

What makes Projects Abroad unique?
Volunteers enjoy the flexibility of selecting a start date, end date, destination and project that best aligns with their schedule, interests and qualifications. Projects Abroad has offices in all of its destinations with full-time staff who offer unparalleled support. Volunteers have the unique opportunity to live with host families and have a truly authentic experience and appreciation of the local region’s culture and people.

Why pay to volunteer?
As a private organization independent from government, partner or other funding, Projects Abroad volunteer positions are self-funded to ensure that organizations or individuals in the developing world don’t have to incur any expenses. Projects Abroad is able to secure excellent work experience placements for volunteers because it does not ask partner-organizations to cover any costs for volunteers. Prices vary depending on the program.

What’s included with the cost?
The cost includes accommodation, food, airport transfers, comprehensive travel and medical insurance, in-country induction with a staff member upon arrival, support and 24-hour back-up from both local and US/Canada staff, a personalized MyProjectsAbroad page, pre-departure support from a desk officer by email and phone, and visa support (if applicable).

How can volunteerism be turned into a family experience?
Children at least 16 years of age may participate in Projects Abroad’s programs. Because the organization is flexible when selecting projects, destinations and travel dates, families looking for an enriching experience can select the opportunity and destination that best suits their interests. Volunteers live with host families, providing a unique and reflective insight into their own family dynamic.

Furthermore, parents who wish for their children to spend their summer, winter or spring break making a difference in the world and building life skills can also take advantage of the special high school programs or any number of the programs that match their child’s educational interests.

How can volunteering with Projects Abroad help in the career search?
By participating in any of Projects Abroad’s programs, students and professionals alike experience the fulfillment of making a difference, while also gaining real-life skills that will impress future employers. Those who are still in school, or those who are currently unemployed, can utilize Projects Abroad’s variety of programs to fill their resume with experience directly related to their career, such as business, medicine and healthcare, law and human rights, veterinary medicine, journalism and more.

Are there special programs for students?
College undergraduates researching their final-year dissertation or thesis have a unique opportunity to conduct their study through the Dissertation Program, which draws upon the supervisory expertise of Projects Abroad staff. Staff members help students prepare a detailed research plan in conjunction with their thesis advisor, and assist with all necessary arrangements. Previous volunteers have carried out research in geography, biology, zoology, tourism, sociology, music and development studies.

College students can also participate in Projects Abroad’s internship program to study and learn in areas specifically related to their area of study.

Additionally, Projects Abroad has created special two-week programs just for high school students looking to get their feet wet in a particular area. Projects are available in the areas of Care, Conservation & Environment, Community, Journalism, Law & Human Rights, Medicine & Healthcare, Sports, Teaching and Veterinary Medicine.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California.

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