WYCLIFFE COLLEGE
TURKEY 2005
“From Antioch to Byzantium”
A Study in the Development and Growth of the Early Church
April 25-May 7, 2005
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION APPLIES TO ALL GROUPS AND INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS.
IF YOU BELONG TO A GROUP, YOUR GROUP LEADER MAY HAVE MORE SPECIFIC
INFORMATION FOR YOUR PROGRAM. THE INFORMATION
BELOW IS GENERIC FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS.
NOTES
WELCOME
Contained in this communication is information basic to your program to Turkey. Emmaus and any associated groups thank you for your participation. All of us are pleased you have selected this study program to enhance your understanding of the Apostles Paul and John and the growth of the Early Church in the region of Asia Minor. Please note that while pre-arranged groups serve as the basic structure for Emmaus programs to Israel, Greece or Turkey, all programs (with only a rare exception) are open to the general public. One and all are welcome. Emmaus and Wycliff College (Toronto, Canada) welcome any individuals who wish to participate in this program.
PROGRAM EMPHASIS
The program is designed as a study-program centered upon Paul's ministry and the Gospel message expanding beyond the landscape and culture of New Testament Judea into the Greco-Roman Hellenistic world. In addition to formal lecture times, numerous discussions will take place during travel times while on the bus and at various sites. The focus and design of the program is fourfold. (1) To visit key sites associated with the Apostle Paul's ministry in the region of ancient Asia Minor/Turkey. (2) To expose you to relevant historical, cultural, religious, literary, and rabbinic elements in an effort to synthesize first century AD thought and practice that will allow you to better understand and appreciate Paul's ministry in these lands. (3) To offer insight into the Apostle John's chastisement of several churches mentioned in the book of Revelation. (4) To build a bridge of understanding between the gospel's movement from the Judeo-Christian World into the Greco-Roman World.
NOTEBOOK
A notebook has been prepared for you as a study and learning aid. The notebook contains maps, charts, diagrams, and notes that will assist you in your study of the various disciplines we will discuss. The notebook will be distributed in the USA and Canada about two weeks prior to our scheduled departure date. International participants will receive their notebook in Turkey during our initial orientation.
PROGRAM DYNAMICS
Physical Demands: This is not your typical “tourist” tour of Turkey. The pace is at time demanding and daily activities often go for a full 8-10 hours. There is limited free time. It is strongly recommended that you be prepared for the physical demands of the program. Turkey is not flat, nor is it smooth under foot. It is recommended that you walk or run an uphill gradient and/or climb stadium steps in preparation for the physicality that the land itself requires. We have done our very best to maximize this trip into a most unique and rewarding program for you. Its uniqueness, and the land itself, does require physical exertion at times.
Devotional Times: Personal and group devotions are welcome throughout the program. Please note that Emmaus staff will not assume a formal role as the Chaplin for the program. There will be times when Emmaus staff will provide and conduct a devotional session, but such devotional times are not formally scheduled. Should formal evening times or formal devotional activities at a particular site be desired, it is up to the individuals within the group and the group leader(s) to organize, conduct, and schedule any formal devotional activities or times of reflection. Please consult with Emmaus staff when planning such activities.
Sheep verses Goats: It goes without saying that for this type of program to be successful and to maximize our limited time in the land, we all must move as a group. A ten minute delay here, a ten minute delay there, and another delay of one kind or another may actually require us to eliminate a site planned for visitation. Our schedule is full and requires all of us to be punctual at departure times, and to follow your “shepherd” with diligence and closeness. Do not be a goat and wander off. The clock is always ticking against us and the last thing we desire is to spend valuable instruction time looking for individuals that may have strayed too far from the flock when the rest of the flock is ready to go.
Itinerary and Daily Scheduling: The daily schedule is pre-established but remains flexible. See the Calendar or the Itinerary for details. When circumstances permit additional sites will be added to the schedule. When necessary the daily itinerary will be adjusted to take advantage of changing circumstances. Sites may be visited in an order other than that previously published. Be prepared for flexibility regarding our daily activities.
PROGRAM COST AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Cost: Program cost is variable upon a number of circumstances. Please consult Emmaus for group or individual rates. If you belong to a group, your group leader will have a published price for your program.
Financial Note: Emmaus programs are designed to eliminate the numerous incidental financial responsibilities one often encounters on packaged tours. Tour agencies and their clients often publish a low base price giving the appearance that you have discovered a bargain. On such programs you are held financially responsible for any number of fees not accounted for in the published program cost. These “hidden” or “unannounced” fees can add up to as much as $150-$300 by the end of your trip. In an effort to minimize your individual responsibilities for undeclared fees, Emmaus has calculated such fees and included them into your overall program cost. Except for the daily lunch meal and items related to optional personal choices, your Emmaus program cost covers all such incidental fees and tips. We do this in order for you to have a realistic cost of the Emmaus program and to eliminate the hassle so often associated with “hidden” fees. For clarification please review the Covered and Not Covered features listed below.
Money: In addition to your regular tourist-type purchases and your daily lunch expenses ($5-$8), it is recommended you bring a “slush fund” of about $15-$25 per day for incidental spending (snacks, water, soda, maps, taxis, tourist guide books, etc.). US Dollars, Credit Cards, and Travelers Check are fine. You may convert these funds into local currency at the airport (time permitting), at our hotels or at nearby banks. ATM machines exist but are rare, at times they are difficult to locate, are not readily available during the program and distribute only local currency. Do not depend on ATM machines for your financial needs.
Items Covered in Your Program Cost: (a) Roundtrip airfare from a gateway city and all scheduled program related activities, group transfers and scheduled admissions. (b) Accommodations. (c) Private touring bus. (d) Any local guide as needed. (e) Emmaus instructor. (f) All tips. (g) Two meals a day. (h) Program Notebook.
Not Covered in Your Program Cost: (a) Daily lunch meals and specialty beverages or bottle water at meals. (b) Personal health or accident insurance – Required. (c) Personal travel insurance – Recommended. (d) Any incidental personal expenses for snacks, shopping, etc. (e) Any overnight lodging, ground transportation, flights and meals not included in the program itinerary as outlined by Emmaus.
Airfare Note: This program does include roundtrip airfare from a gateway city (Toronto, Canada). You are welcome to join the program in Toronto for departure or you may make your own private airline arrangements and join us at our hotel in Istanbul. See Flights and Hotels for additional information.
Airline Baggage Restrictions: (a) One primary suitcase per person, not exceeding 62 dimensional inches (length + width + height) and not exceeding 70 pounds. (b) One piece of carry-on hand luggage not exceeding 22” x 16” x 8” and not weighing more than 13 pounds.
ISTANBUL AIRPORT TO HOTEL VIA GROUND TRANSPORTATION
• If you do utilize the Emmaus prearranged group flights, a group bus transfer from the Istanbul airport to the hotel has already been prearranged. You do not need to make any private arrangements.
• Should you not take part in the Emmaus prearranged group flights, you must make your own private ground transportation arrangements from the airport to our initial overnight locale. Please arrive at the hotel prior to the evening meal of arrival day. For hotel information see Hotels.
CLIMATE AND CLOTHING: The weather in Turkey during late April and early May is mild. Cold or hot is not expected. There is a chance of seasonal rain showers. Daytime temperatures usually range from a high of 70 F (21 C) to a low of 54 F (12 C). It is best to “layer” your clothing rather than bring an excessive number of individual specialty items. No “dress-up” cloths are needed. Casual ware is customary and more practical. Shorts are OK. No short-shorts please. Because we will be visiting “holy sites” there will be times when you (men and women) must dress more modestly (shoulders and knees covered). “Slip-over” or “wrap-around” clothing is best for such occasions. We will notify you in advance when your “modesty kit” of clothing is needed.
• Bath towels and small bar soap are provided at all hotels.
• Shampoo and hair dryer at some.
• Electrical supply is 220 volts. Bring a converter and European style plug adaptor if needed. Some small appliances convert from 110 volts to 220 volts automatically. Check you equipment in advance of departure.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes with “deep treads” as your primary footwear. Trekking tennis shoes or light-weight hiking shoes do well. Avoid heels (!), dress shoes(!), or street shoes(!). If there are no “deep treads” on your shoes, it is best to leave them at home.
• Turkey web weather can be found at www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Istanbul.
WHAT TO BRING
Medical and First Aid Items: Medical problems usually revolve around three common illnesses: (1) Dehydration: The Mediterranean region has a high solar intensity and as a result you will need to drink more water than usual. On average, you should drink a minimum of ½ a gallon (2 liters) of water per day. It is to your advantage to bring several packages of a re-hydration mix as a precaution to supplement (not substitute) your daily water intake. (2) Diarrhea: This is most often caused as a result of your body adapting to new foods and new water. Hotel and restaurant foods in Turkey are safe and sanitary. We do not recommend that you eat street-vendor foods. Water quality varies in Turkey so we recomment that you drink bottled water throughout the program. Most participants on the program will undergo mild, moderate or more severe episodes of diarrhea. Be prepared for a 5-7 day supply of anti-diarrhea tablets. (3) Constipation: This is most often caused as a result of time zone adaptation and your body adapting to new foods and water. Most on the program will undergo mild, moderate or more severe episodes of constipation. Be prepared for a 5-7 day supply of stool softeners and/or laxative tablets. NOTE: All of the participants on the program will experience one or more of the above conditions. It is unavoidable. It is a fact of international travel that we all must face. If you are prepared in advance and have the proper medical aids, you can manage these discomforts successfully. If you neglect any one of the above, you can expect to spend a few days of uncomfortable travel. Should circumstances warrant, you will receive professional medical attention to bring you to a more speedy recovery. (4) Also bring with you traditional first aid supplies such as band-aids, antibiotics, sun-block, aspirin, and a full supply of your prescription medicine. Experience has shown that it is not recommended you stop any medication just prior to the trip, but wait until the trip is concluded before you stop any medication. Treat all of the above symptoms early and immediately – do not hesitate. Please inform Emmaus during the program if you are experiencing any of the above illnesses. We want you to remain healthy for travel.
Packing and Laundry: Historically, most people over-pack for international travel. A good rule of thumb is to pack your bags and then eliminate at least 25%-33% of your items. This will reduce the amount of your contents and provide needed space for purchases made during your travel. There is limited space available on the bus for luggage. Please keep your luggage size and contents to a minimum. Luggage is limited to one primary travel bag and one small soft day-bag as a bus-bag. At some hotel locales you may send out your clothes for cleaning and have them returned to you the next day. Expect an average of $3-$4 per major item and $1-$2 for minor items. Please be aware that you are at times required to manage and transport your own luggage. It is recommended you pack for 6-8 days of travel and take advantage of laundry opportunities. A typical laundry expense would be $25-$50.
Suggested Clothing List: There is no single list of clothing articles that can meet the needs of everyone. However, the list below can offer you some assistance on what would be appropriate to bring. This list assumes you will send out your laundry at least once during the program or you will hand wash items as may be needed.
2 pairs of long casual pants or jeans
2 pair of shorts (no short-shorts)
1 lightweight rainproof jacket
1 sweater or sweatshirt
7-8 days of shirts/blouses
2-4 T-shirts
7-8 days of socks
7-8 days of undergarments
1 pair comfortable trekking shoes
1 pair comfortable alternative shoes
1 pair water-shoes, sandals or flip-flops
Swim suit
Facial washcloths as needed
1 travel clock with alarm
Passport
Travel documents and airline tickets
Medical and traveler insurance papers
Cash / Travelers Checks / Credit Card
Camera / Film / Extra Batteries / etc.
Personal toiletry and medical items
Sun hat providing ample shade
Electrical plug adaptor(s) as needed
Small flashlight
MEDITERRANEAN HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING CUSTOMS: Unlike most USA or Canadian hotels, hotels in the Mediterranean region (including Greece, Turkey and Israel) are less accommodating when it comes to individual room temperature controls for heating and air conditioning. Heating comfort is less of a problem than is personal room comfort for air conditioning. The air conditioning “season” varies from country to country and hotel to hotel. August is traditionally the month for full service air conditioning. Prior to August air conditioning service is not dependable – especially during the sleeping hours. Be prepared to open your hotel windows or balcony door to take advantage of the cool Mediterranean sea-breezes during the evening hours. While it is our duty to seek greater temperature comfort in our rooms during the evening hours, such a decision rests with hotel management and it is not customary to alter the “seasonal” standards for any tourist group. This is a notice to inform you that “customer service” in this regard in the Mediterranean region is not as you are accustom to in the USA or Canada. In the Mediterranean region it is “The management is always right” – not the customer. There are exceptions, but it is best to be prepared for Mediterranean standards which are different than USA or Canadian standards when addressing air conditioning room comfort. The above is true for all 3-star and 4-star hotels, and some 5-star hotels and resorts. Again, exceptions apply but do be prepared for alternative cooling methods such as open windows or request a room fan at the hotel reception desk. We do not anticipate a problem in this area but it is best to alert you at this time to different international standards and customs.
PASSPORTS:
• Your passport must me valid for a full six months from your program’s departure date. If your passport expires before this projected date you willl need to apply for a new passport. No exceptions. The reasons for this six month requirement are complicated, but experience has shown that a number of international restrictions can be avoided with a longer expiration length on your passport. Should a medical emergency or another emergency circumstance require you as an individual or us as a group to change a scheduled entry into a foreign country or exit from another country of transit, the six month length avoids complications.
• If you do not have a USA, CANADA, UK or EU passport you must notify Emmaus (Dr. Wink Thompson) since special circumstances may apply to your entry into Turkey.
• Your entry tourist visa into Turkey is prepaid in your program fees. Emmaus staff will secure your entry tourist visa upon arrival at airport customs in Istanbul.
ACADEMIC CREDIT: If you are a registered student at an academic institution you may be eligible for academic credit. You must make your own arrangements for academic credit with the Academic Dean of your institution. If you desire academic credit please contact your group leader or Emmaus for procedures. See also Academic Credit.
APPLICATION:
• Application: You may registrar in any Emmaus program via the Emmaus website. See Application Procedures for additional information. You also may contact Emmaus (or contact your group leader) to receive an Application by email, fax or paper version.
• Deposit Fee: A $300 deposit fee (per person) is required. This fee is applied to your overall program cost. Please use one of two payment methods available: (1) website payment by credit card or (2) send your check by mail. If you are participating with a group, please consult with your group leader for payment methods.
• Important Dates, Payments, Cancellations:
90 days before departure: Application, deposit fee and 50% of program fess are due on or before this date. You are subject to cancellation fees after this date. See the Terms and Conditions for additional information.
60 days before departure: 100% of all payments due.
HOTEL LIST: A separate document lists all hotels and important phone numbers. See Hotels.
USEFUL BOOK FOR TURKEY:
Everrett C. Blake and Anna G. Edmonds
Biblical Sites in Turkey
Sekizinci Basim, 1997
ISBN: 975-8176-26-9
(available in Turkey)
USEFUL WEB SITES FOR TURKEY:
www.turkey.org/start.html
www.turkeytravler.org
www.travelnotes.org/Asia/turkey.htm
www.turizm.gov.tr/turizm.tb?lng=eng
www.turkishodyssey.com/gallery/gallery.htm
www.greatbuildings.com/places/turkey.html
www.bibleplaces.com/
www.ntgateway.com/images.htm
www.rubens.anu.edu.au/htdocs/bycountry/turkey/turkeybook/toc.html
www.about-turkey.com/tourism/
www.worldjump.com/links/turkey.htm
www.turkeytourism.com/
www.lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/trtoc.html
www.balsoy.com/Turkiye/inpictures/index.html
www.turktravel.net/
www.kultur.gov.tr/portal/default_en.asp
www.exploreturkey.com/
DISCLAIMER: The program itinerary is subject to change. In the event of an unforeseen change in the schedule, we promise you every effort will be taken to provide you with the same goals and objectives as outline in the published material. The program price is subject to change should circumstances warrant. This would include (but not be limited to) changes in airfares, airport taxes, visa fees, airline fuel surcharges, rate changes by agents and their suppliers and changes in international exchange rates. For additional information see Terms and Conditions.
PROGRAM CORRESPONDENCE: Please note that the primary correspondence between Emmaus and those interested in attending a program will be conducted by the use of the web site and email. If you do not have email, or experience email compatibility problems, alternative arrangements can be made via mail, phone, or fax. If you have a GROUP LEADER for your program, contact your group leader, he or she may be able to answer your question or questions directly. All other correspondence is to be directed to Dr. Wink Thompson.
EMMAUS CONTACT
Dr. Wink Thompson, Administrator
Emmaus Educational Services, LLC
401 Blue Goose Lane
Newport, NC 28570 USA
(252) 393-3556 Phone
(252) 393-3551 Fax
wink@ec.rr.com
www.EmmausOnline.net
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