I recently had the opportunity to lead a Global exchange to Eastern Turkey. Ambassadors were American, Canadian, New Zealanders and Australians. In total we were 19 members.

We met in Istanbul and from there flew to Diyarbakir in the east. We were home hosted in this ancient city for 2 nights. Most of our hosts could not speak English but we all managed to have a wonderful time.

We visited Mardin, Hasankeyf, and Sanliurfa before setting off for the 'jewel', Mt Nemrut. However the elements were against us and a sudden storm kept us at the base. That night we stayed in Adana on our way to Cappadocia where we spent 3 days exploring the wonders of that landscape. On to Ankara from there and we were again home hosted by the Cankaya FF club. Many friendships were renewed and many new friendships formed with these wonderfully warm folks.

Leaving Ankara we then concluded our trip with a final day or two in Istanbul reflecting on rivers and cities known to us from the Bible and Koran, hot air balloon flights, whirling dervish performances, belly dancers and the wonderful food of this exciting country.

After this tour I took a dozen members on a tour of the Aegean Sea coast and during this time we met with members of the Izmir FF Club for a fun day. Many friendships were renewed with members of this club also.

The Gallipoli Peninsula was a highlight for the Australians and New Zealanders and the North Americans learnt some history previously unknown to them.

We arrived back in Istanbul after that city had experienced 2 days of heavy rain causing building basements to be flooded and most hotels had to close at least some floors.