Clara and I have never gone on a "tour" in our lives. We have traveled together to Turkey, Morocco, Syria, and throughout Europe the last few years and prefer traveling with a loose plan that can change any second. Spontaneity is the rhythm of our travels.
Of course that attitude doesn't work with a group. But we do respect your desire to have time to explore on your own. This is not the kind of trip where we herd you like sheep. But we will be opportunistic and as such, need to roll with the punches. Many tours are so controlled the element of surprise is extinguished. We keep that flame alive.
Unlike most tours that take the evening off and adhere to a fixed 8:30a-5:30p clock, we have activities during the daytime and concerts in the evening with the cream of the Turkish and Armenian music scene. It takes months of advance work with artists, promoters, record label folks, etc. to shape the music itinerary. This is achieved through years of building relationships.
We soak up the aroma of Turkey and Armenia through full cultural immersion. Traveling like locals we experience crammed trams, the joy of eating in neighborhood restaurants, and exhilarating nightlife. My partner and I have developed friendships with local shop owners where the warmth and hospitality is genuine. There is planned free time so Tangential travelers can reap the rewards of individual exploration.
Leading a group of Tangents listeners to an exotic destination is a natural extension of both my radio show and Tangents parties where diverse cultures are brought into peoples' lives through music. The vibe at these parties is remarkable. This kindred spirit has carried over to group trips abroad. Each Turkey tour class (2005-2007) has had outstanding group chemistry. The spring 2008 tour will be the first to combine Armenia and Turkey. These countries have closed land borders so music is an excellent way to bridge the cultures. The first 3-4 nights of the spring tour will be in Yerevan, Armenia and the remaining time in Turkey. 2009 may bring a Tangents tour to Finland. Stay tuned.
I often play music where East meets West. Turkey is the epicenter of East and West. Istanbul is literally sliced between Asia and Europe by the Bosphorus. Few places on earth display tradition and modernity like Turkey. You can walk down Istiklal, the pedestrian walkway which serves as the pulse of Istanbul, and observe fashionably conscious women walking along side someone covered in traditional Islamic black garb.
And then there is the utter beauty and diversity of this large country. But the topper for me is the warmth and hospitality of the people. The first time Clara and I got off a tram in Istanbul we had no idea where our hotel was. I took the address into a restaurant and showed it to a waiter. A quarter of a mile later he had escorted us into our hotel lobby. Not for tips, not for karma, not for anything but genuine kindness that is embedded in their culture.
copyright: Tangents 2007