Jo Traveler: April 2013

Why not Visit Turkey in 2013. See the culture and taste their cuisine. Turkish women's roles in home and society are changing considerably. Women of Turkey welcome new educational and career opportunities, while preserving traditions and family values.

Why not join this Woman’s Tour of Turkey to meet Turkey's local women, see how they live, share meals with them, and go beyond misconception. We'll meet artisans and learn their crafts, ramble through remarkable landscapes, and explore the deep history, art, culture and society of Turkey from a woman's point of view.

We have pulled together a tour of Turkey that includes dream locations, Bazaar shopping and favorite things to do. Go behind the scenes of a very historical and culturally rich destination. There are a few spots still open for this private tour of 10 women, discovering Turkey from arts, culture and shopping perspective. I hope you are available to join us, Jonelle Tannahill

I have a few spots open on this private 15 day tour of cultural Turkey. If your interested email me right away jonelle3 (at) gmail (dot) com

Flight -- San Francisco – 06.17.2013 – Monday

S.F. to Turkey – Turkish Airlines Meet at Airport 1:00PM - Depart San Francisco 2:55PM

Day 1 Istanbul - Arrival Day—06.18.2013—Tuesday
(Dinner included)

Arrive Istanbul 3:45 PM Welcome to Turkey Istanbul Airport. Meet with TravelShop Turkey staff. Transfer from airport & check in to your hotel. Welcome Dinner at a nice restaurant near your hotel Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 - Istanbul City Tour —06.19.2013—Wednesday
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Pick up at 08:30am from your hotel for a day tour of old Istanbul city. Visit to ST. SOPHIA This ancient basilica, built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time. TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Afternoon - shopping Galata neighborhood the soho of Istanbul where young “up & coming” designers and artisans showcase their work. Gonul Paksay studio visit. Late afternoon tea in the tea garden. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 - Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Tour —06.20.2013—Thursday
(Breakfast and Turkish family home dinner included)
After breakfast your Bosphorus tour will start from your hotel. BOSPHORUS BY BOAT a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will see the magnificent sights of the following attractions from your boat. See Dolmabahce Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Ciragan Palace, 300 meters of its marble facade faces the shore. At Ortakoy a great variety of artists gather every Sunday to display their work along the street. Ortakoy is a symbol of tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries. RUMELI FORTRESS Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul was completed in only four months to control and protect the infamous Bosphorus passage. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world. BEYLERBEYI PALAS (PALACE) The summer residence of Ottoman sultans exists in its original renovated glory featuring original antique furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian side of Istanbul. BOSPHORUS BRIDGE enjoy a unique chance to step from one continent (Asia) to another (Europe). Afternoon we will visit Dolmabahce Palace, Miniaturk and Pierre Loti. Dınner at a Turkish family house. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4 - Istanbul to Safranbolu —06.21.2013—Friday

(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Today after breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Safranbolu. Our tour guide will give information about destinations, that you will see on the way. We will stop by Abant Lake for a tea break. After we arrive in Safranbolu we visit historical houses, old village laundry and a tea stop atthe Cinci Han Hotel. Next it is time for visiting/shopping at a local bazaar. Overnight in Safranbolu.

Day 5 - Safranbolu to Ankara & Cappadocia —06.22.2013—Saturday
(Breakfast, Turkish family home Lunch included)
Today after check out we will drive to Ankara and visit Anatolia Civilization Museum. Enjoy lunch with a Turkish family then drive to Cappadocia where we will stop by the Salt Lake. After we arrive in Cappadocia we transfer to hotel. Overnight in Cave Hotel, Cappadocia.

Day 6 Cappadocia Tour –—06.23.2013—Sunday
(Breakfast, lunch and Dinner included)
We start our tour to explore Cappadocia by visiting different valleys. The first stop is Goreme Valley, you can find information about the process of the rock formations in Cappadocia. Later we drive to Uchisar to visit the cave dwellings which are surrounded by conical rock formations. We have a tea & coffee break before we go and visit Goreme Open-Air Museum. In the museum, you can find the most preserved frescoed of rock cut churches and monasteries. Then TravelShop Turkey will provide a buffet lunch for you and we visit the fairy chimneys of Urgup afterwards. We have a chance to taste wine from local winery which is of good quality. Moreover, we visit wishing hill which is riddled with caves, and is a sightseeing spot worth seeing. Next, we have a short walk in Devrent Valley where you can see so many different figures of rock formations. Then we drive to Monks Valley (Rahipler Vadisi), where we will see special housing and living area which only can be found in this area. Avanos is a pottery town of Cappadocia, we have a short walk in Rose Valley Cavetown, and we see the sunset in the afternoon at Selime Village, where we visit local craftsmen in their home studio. Today on this tour we will also visit some ceramic, pot and carpet shops that you can watch their special shows. After tour we will attend whirling dervishes show after dinner and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Cave Hotel, Cappadocia.

Day 7 – Cappadocia Tour 2—06.24.2013—Monday
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
At 9:00am, we pick you up in your hotel and go to Ihlara Valley for hiking. We visit the churches which are covered by frescoed, the walking distance is around 4km. We have our lunch next to the river bank of Melendiz River of Ihlara Valley. After our lunch break, we visit Selime Cathedral and the biggest underground city of Derinkuyu. We also pass though the Nar Crater Lake during our journey. Afterwards, we drive back to Pigeons Valley to see the pigeon houses which were built for collecting guano. You will see a demonstration of Felt making then village walking tour and free time. Overnight in Cave Hotel, Cappadocia.

Day 8 – Cappadocia to Konya & Pamukkale —06.25.2013—Tuesday

(Breakfast Lunch and Dinner included)
Today after breakfast drive to Konya and stop Sultanhan Caranserai and Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic figure after that we will drive to Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 9 –Pamukkale Tour-06.26.2013-Wednesday
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
We will visit Pamukkale which means "Cotton Castle", describing the white lime cascades formed by mineral springs. Visit the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis and check into Hotel in Sirince. Folk Dance show during dinner. Overnight in Sirince.

Day 10 – Ephesus Tour & Sirince —06.27.2013—Thursday
(Breakfast Lunch included)
Today we will depart for Ephesus and Sirince Tour. The Basilica of St John. It is on the slope of The Ayasuuk Hill near the center of Selcuk, just below the fortress and about 3.5 km (2 miles) from Ephesus. It stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel) and prophet (author of Revelation). Tour Ancient city Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary. Late afternoon walk in Sirince village, The peaceful village of Sirince lies in the hills outside of Ephesus. Known for its homemade wines, olive oils and needlecrafts, Sirince offers a taste of rural life. Visit local ladies who are experts in knitting. Learn about Herbal remedies. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 11: Free Day in Kusadasi 06.28.2013—Friday

(Breakfast, Turkish family home Lunch included)
Morning walk around the harbor shopping area. Visit Caravanserai - built in 1618 by the Ottoman vizier Okuz Mehmet Pasa, the attractive Caravanserai was served for the sea trade of the region. It was used by tradesman for the works of repairing until 1965. It has been serving as an authentic hotel and restaurant. It is located opposite of harbor. Travel to Izmir to have lunch at Ozgencil Family home in Izmir Overnight in Izmir

Day 12 – Izmir to Bursa & Daily Bursa Tour — 06.29.2013—Saturday
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Today after check out we drive to Bursa. After lunch time Bursa tour will start. Walking tour of Bursa, visit covered Bazaar and adjoining caravan - Koza Han and Ipek Han, Tea Garden for tea stop and snacks. Visit ottoman houses and Mosque. Overnight in Bursa.

Day 13 – Bursa to Istanbul— 06.30.2013—Sunday

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Today after breakfast drive to Istanbul via Yalova. After arrive to Istanbul and check into hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 14 – Istanbul & Bazaars - 07.01.2013—Monday

(Breakfast included)

We will take you to the GRAND COVERED BAZAAR In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more then 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes. Visit the SPICE BAZAAR (Egyptian Bazaar) The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. After shopping tour transfer to Turkish Bath. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 15 – Istanbul Tour End—07.02.2013—Tuesday
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast check out from the hotel. Transfer to Airport at 9:30AM - Depart Turkish Airlines 11:50 AM for San Francisco, USA. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future in one of our tours again. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop Turkey. Arrive San Francisco 7:00PM

14 DAYS TURKEY TOUR INCLUDES:

Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul Ataturk Airport
5 nights hotel in Istanbul
1 night hotel in Safranbolu
3 nights hotel in Cappadocia
1 night hotel in Pamukkale
1 night hotel in Sirince
1 night hotel in Kusadasi
1 night hotel in Izmir
1 night hotel in Bursa
14 open buffet breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 11 Dinners
Guided Istanbul City Tour
Guided Istanbul Bosphorus cruise Tour and Dolmabahce, Miniaturk, Pierre Loti
Guided Safranbolu Tour
Guided Cappadocia Tour
Guided Konya Tour
Guided Pamukkale Tour
Guided Ephesus & Sirince Tour
Guided Bursa Tour
Guided Shopping Tour(Turkish bath)
Whirling Dervishes show in Cappadocia
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guides
Return transfer to Istanbul Ataturk airport

PRIVATE 14 DAYS TURKEY TOUR PRICES IN USD: (for 10 max)

Per Person	Shared Double	Single Room
4 Star Hotel	$ 2,050	$ 2,540

HOTELS: VENERA HOTEL or VICENZA HOTEL IN ISTANBUL, GULEVI SAFRANBOLU HOTEL IN SAFRANBOLU, SPELUNCA CAVE HOTEL IN CAPPADOCIA, AYAPAM HOTEL or TRIPOLIS HOTEL IN PAMUKKALE, KIRKINCA HOUSE HOTEL IN SIRINCE, DERICI HOTEL or GRAND ONDER HOTEL IN KUSADASI, ONTUR HOTEL IN IZMIR, KERVANSARAY HOTEL IN BURSA. (or similars)

**Flights run 1.195-1,800 coach class from San Francisco

Theresa Bayaca, Batik Artist

Theresa Bayaca grew up on the family farm, surrounded by objects of nature. She spoke last week at the Haute Couture Society meeting in Stockton, California. Let me start out by saying, she is charming, I really enjoyed her positive energy. She likes to create one-of-a-kind art clothing and accessories, home décor items, and fine art using natural materials to dye her pieces.

I loved the way Theresa started out her talk “If you can read and write you can batik items” Theresa has refined her techniques over the years and assures us we can all learn from her mistakes. Batik is an ancient art form for the last two thousand years as evidenced by batik items found in Asia as well as the pyramids of Egypt.

Batik is still done very much like it was done back then. The process has stood the test of time. Batik is an rigorous process. Bees wax is the resist and the “tjanting” is the tool or wax pen used to apply the wax onto the fabric. Theresa showed us samples of her dyed fabrics. My favorite sample was the spiral designs, though it looked complicated, it is simple. She uses Procian dyes, they are fiber reactive.

Batik is an intensive process. Bees wax is the resist and the “tjanting” is the tool or wax pen used to apply wax onto fabric. A design is drawn on fabric. Then the design is waxed. Next, dye is applied. Unwaxed areas accept the dye; waxed areas resist the dye...and this is when the design emerges. This is the magic of batik.

Batik is still done very much like it was done back then. The process has stood the test of time. Batik is an rigorous process. Bees wax is the resist and the “tjanting” is the tool or wax pen used to apply the wax onto the fabric. Theresa showed us samples of her dyed fabrics. My favorite sample was the spiral designs, though it looked complicated, it is simple. She uses Procian dyes, they are fiber reactive.

Batik is an intensive process. Bees wax is the resist and the “tjanting” is the tool or wax pen used to apply wax onto fabric. A design is drawn on fabric. Then the design is waxed. Next, dye is applied. Unwaxed areas accept the dye; waxed areas resist the dye...and this is when the design emerges. This is the magic of batik.

Theresa shared that dyes are unpredictable. Dyes take to the fabric differently depending on how saturated the fabric is changes how much the dye is spread.

Tips:

On dyed fabrics avoid direct sunlight.
No bleaching agent necessary.
Tools: avoid the large ones if you are a beginner.
Dharma trading is a good resource and where I buy the tools. www.dharmatrading.com/Share
Dhrma has ready made clothing for artists to work from, they also have instructions for dyeing fabrics.
There are also tutorials that you can watch on YouTube that will help
Put cardboard in between shirt from and back to use as barrier when dying
She uses Bees wax for Batik.
Silk, rayon, and cotton fabrics tend to work best.
New dyes are always coming out, explore

“Batik is a meditative thing.” Theresa shared, using natural elements from the environment. After dyeing all fabrics are washed with a fixative Sodium hydroxide. “Batik is energy intensive” it is a lot of work to set up and time to create. It's fascinating to see the changes and designs in the fabric. In fact, Teresa shared that the more you wax and dye a piece the more it changes.

Safety is a necessary part of the art. She recommends you wear a mask when using dangerous toxins in dyes, and always wear gloves when mixing dyes. Lastly good ventilation is necessary or work outdoors.

Theresa talked about drawing the patterns on the fabric with a soft led pencil, or soft charcoal.
She recommends you practice your craft on paper towel then scrap then cotton fabric and then your expensive silkfabric.

Once your design is drawn on fabric, then the design is waxed. During the process, the wax randomly cracks and forms fine lines or “veins” of dye throughout the design. This veining is the signature of the traditional batik process. After the final waxing and dyeing, all wax is removed. The product is unique and beautiful and well worth the effort. This is how an original batik is created. Next, dye is applied. Unwaxed areas accept the dye; waxed areas resist the dye...and this is when the design emerges. First wax Is always white. Wax has no pigment to affect fabrics. Final treatment is to remove the wax. This is the magic of batik.
Theresa ended our time together with these words of encouragement: Most important thing, Have Fun!
Theresa is a member of the Stockton Art League, and the Haute Couture Society. Theresa Bayaca, Plant & Fiber Artist’s art work is displayed at the Elsie May Goodwin Gallery on the Miracle Mile.