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In May of 2005 the inaugural Tangential Turkey Mystical Tour took place. The Tangential 18 were a fun and hearty group.

Here are some of their reflections:

Steve Basile, Austin, TX:
I've traveled quite bit in Europe, Asia, Australia and North America--I consider myself an experienced world traveler. The Tangents Turkey Trip was unlike anything I have ever experienced. It changed the way I look at the world. Deciding to tour urban and rural Turkey was truly a step outside my "comfort zone" and that step opened new doors to Islam, to music, to world politics, to incredible food, delightful Turks and to a wonderfully diverse group of fellow travelers. The memories, and images will last a lifetime.

For more from Steve Basile visit his blog

Susana England, Berkeley:

I decided to go on Dore's trip with excitement, and apprehension of what was unknown. As the trip progressed I realized that not only was there little to fear, but that Turkey was a welcoming country with wonderful friendly people. I walked in Istanbul with tremendous curiosity experiencing sights, sound and smells around every corner. Dore was an excellent enthusiastic guide who led us to many romantic and exciting sites and experiences, Cappadoccia and the candlelit evening concert in the Byzantine cave was extraordinary! Looking across the Aegean to the Island of Lesbos was another unforgettable experience. The group was friendly, the sites magnificent. I still think about my trip while listening to Turkish music and thinking about the Temple of Aphrodite and our picnic at the site of an ancient Byzantine monastery in the mountains.

Elaine Schwimmer, Berkeley:

It is late when we arrive, but the city is still purring. Settling into the hotel room, I look out the window. Gulls circle the minarets of the Blue Mosque like lightening bugs. This enormous arched building rises up, back lit against a black sky. Dozens of gulls having dinner on the wing are illuminated, swirling around and around the minarets like dizzy stars in the blackness. This was an apt visual preview of the rustic, strange and sublime that would unfold in the next two weeks on our visit to the magical land of Turkey. more...

Margaret Beck:

We went on the 2005 Tangential Turkey Tour -- and what an amazing experience it was! Although we're not big on tours, this adventure enabled us to see more of Turkey than we ever would have been able to on our own. There were many unique highlights that have formed lasting memories for us. more...

Don Lipari, Castro Valley:

The trip was better than I had hoped. It included a number of regions of Turkey, some urban, some remote, but all exquisite in beauty. The people we met were warm and happy to share their customs and culture with us. This was a time for connecting with people, face to face,
instead of through the windows of some big tour bus. more...

Sukui Chew, Milpitas:

It is a real pleasure to travel with people who share the love of music. The candle light concert in the cappodocia is unforgetable. The swim to the castle brought so much fond memory..and the Turkish bath is really neat. Turkey is so rich in culture and the places we visted are incredibly beautiful. People are gentle and relax, the sunny smiles on the kids' faces are so delightful.

Our group is very warm, funny and friendly. I feel so at home with them and hope Dore would organise another musical trip... more..

Lisa Lackey, Berkeley:

Turkey is a magical, mystical place (and the tour had nothing to do with the Beetles J) full of surprises, beauty and history. It was comforting to know that we would be shown the places that were sure to be interesting. I felt a connection with others on the Turkey trip, even though I was only person on the trip whose interests were in earth sciences. The connectedness, I assume, came because we all enjoy the same kind of music i.e. the kind of music we hear on Tangents. This year's trip coming up sounds like it is going to be a real treat with the music Dore is lining up.

Chris Te Selle, San Francisco

You know, every once in a while the trip comes up in my mind or in conversation, and another aspect that I didn't think about or didn't strike me at the time pops up, and I get to enjoy the trip again. The whole experience was so densely rich. I am sure enjoyable details will continue to surface for me for years to come.

Mike 064 Freeman, videographer and musician, Berkeley:

Turkey is a must-see country for anyone who appreciates art, culture and history. It is unique and exotic, yet it isn't difficult to connect with the friendly residents. Besides the many fascinating facets of Turkey, the best part of the Tangent's trip was getting to know our fellow travellers, a diverse group of intelligent, open-minded people with an interest in all kinds of music.

Silvia Matheus:

The trip to Turkey with “Tangents” was so relaxed and informative. Dore made us feel at home with his Turkish friends, giving us the opportunity to mingle with outstanding creative people.

I brought with me my recording equipment and Dore and my fellow travelers patiently helped me to get the best possible recordings.

Of all the great historical sites, my favorite place was Capadoccia, one of the wonders of Turkey. We had a wonderful time with great music performance in a cave surrounded by candles, beautiful rugs and in the company of great musicians, local people and sharing good wine. As a
composer and sound recorder, I had the opportunity to document this concert, and it is the star item of my audio archive collection. Cappadoccia was certainly a memorable experience for all of us on this trip!

Thanks to Dore and Mehmet for making the Cappadoccia evening so special.

Tangential Mystical Turkey Tour, 2005 Testimonials