Highlights of Izmir: Half-Day Walking Tour

Before I was school age, our neighbor, a retired colonel, would take me on what we would now call "walking tours" in the Old City of Istanbul. That is how my interest in history and sightseeing was kindled. Later, I entertained on sightseeing excursions friends and guests from the US and UK, where I did my higher education. After school, I was an academic, a poet and an author, writing on religion and economics and on the goddess. I decided to get a professional guide license in 1985, because this job would enable me to earn a living, while giving me the time to pursue my interests in other areas. As a guide I enjoy presenting things in context. It is Seven Churches, within the context of Christian history; Jewish neighborhood of Izmir within the context of Judaism in ancient Turkey; Gastronomy experiences with Jewish, Turkish, Greek and Mediterranean delicacies within the context of the history of Eastern Mediterranean. The prosperity of the region where Izmir is located, within the context of geological formations. And the best bakery shops, wine tasting and wineries - within the context of good life in Izmir. And all this, in good fun: "Coffee is the excuse " we say in Turkey, "What matters is good conversation. " We moved to Izmir several years ago, because of our daughter's choices regarding her education. Over the years my attachment to and my passion for the city has grown so much, that I now consider myself an "Izmirli" (from Izmir) It is not only the natural beauty of the town, located on a beautiful bay, and the richness of its history, which stretches back to the neolithic and goes through the Greek and the Roman, but more so than all this, its people, who have bonded me to her. There is a genre of stories that are known as Izmir Stories, which reflects the unique kindness of the people of this exceptional city. Here is one: A cab driver has parked his car and having his lunch, a sandwich. A potential rider comes and asks the driver if he is available. "I am" says the cab driver "If you (the customer ) would not mind driving, as I finish my lunch. " These stories are probably made up, but daily life experiences in Izmir make one believe that there is no reason they should not all be true. It will be my joy to share with you the warmth of the people of Izmır, my hometown, and the rich history and the beauty of "The Crown of Asia" of the New Testament. Licensed tour guide since 1985 Guide for large companies, private parties and VIP groups Director of Istanbul Tour Guide's Association training programme on Gallipoli President of Turkish friends of Catalhoyuk, important neolithic site in central Turkey Author of About Turkey, Anatolia Land of Mother Goddess, used as a resource by other guides Organizer and director of first ever Goddess tours None, except that I work with a driver and car so that I can concentrate on the sightseeing and information and do not have to deal with parking issues, unless of course it is walking tour.