Today was no ordinary market visit.  I went off expecting to buy the morning’s milk direct from the farmer who grows my favorite avocados, lemons and persimmons. I wore five layers of clothing, plus a scarf, because the market is a cold place in the winter.  I had my trusty “pazar arabasi” or trolly cart to pull along and some money chinking in my purse.  Apart from these, I had a paper envelope full of photos.  Well!  Pulling out this envelope turned my 2 kilos of onions – one kilo of potatoes – one kilo of Garlic  – 3 litres of cow’s milk weekly experience into something else!

I realised that by showing photos of villagers to other villagers, I could locate any one of them in an instant!!  I learnt that by showing just one photo to a “pictured villager” would mean I would then have to pass the whole bunch over to them so that they could check out the rest!  I learnt that I could make many a sweet old lady smile and perhaps reveal a gleaming gold tooth during that moment of recognition — the pictured person was “them”!  Any who were not photographed asked when it would be their turn.  Others asked if they could souvenir pictures of me, because they happened to be among the bunch and they really wanted a picture of me smiling (??) !  They were so thrilled with the photos – there were smiles all over and pats on the shoulder — some even asked if they had to pay??

The response was more positive than I could ever have imagined — how such a simple thing as a photograph could create such joy, encourage such playfulness, left me wondering how much it would take to make a whole nation — or indeed, a whole planet — of people feel good about themselves.  

These people don’t have many worldly possessions, they get up with the rising sun and work the earth until sundown each day.  And although many walk may with a slight stoop, have gaps in their teeth or must place a warming head scarf or woolen flat cap around their weather-worn faces, their smiles have a youthfulness and energy that is contagious.  They’re happy — I’m happy!!

Contributed by guest blogger, Victoria Boz

Photos by Beverly Parsons

This brought to mind how much the charter industry has changed in the past 40 years, when a broker’s main concern was to find a safe and comfortable yacht with professional crew and good food.

Before Satellite, cell phones, email, skype, the web, twitter and facebook, communications were restricted to the single side band and VHF radios.  Clients left our office number with their family for emergencies and set off for a week of uninterrupted  pleasure and relaxation.  Any important or urgent messages were transmitted to the yacht through a marine operator.

Nowadays, most clients feel a strong need to be connected on their yacht vacation.  They may have an important conference call, want to watch a special sporting event, or stay in touch with their office or an ailing family member.  They may want to preplan their itinerary to secure dockage in advance or be sure their children can update friends on facebook.  Are their iPod connections in the staterooms?  How many movies are on board?  Play Stations for children?  Are there enough outlets to charge multiple net books, cell phones and digital cameras?

Now and again, some charter clients still ask that the crew hide TV screens and bring out old fashioned games like Scrabble and Monopoly.

Chartering in the 21st Century is still great fun — Just different!

Sometimes I wish for the days when charter guests boarded their yacht and took each day as it came: enjoying long laughter-filled meals, taking a turn at the helm, helping set the sails, and – to quote Mark Twain – “Explore, Dream, Discover”.

Other days, it is such a relief to know we are all connected.  I recall an incident more than 30 years ago when a California family arrived on Tortola on a very late flight and forgot their charter contract and boarding letter.   All hotels were closed and there was no access to a telephone.  Their taxi drove from marina to marina looking for the yacht while the crew waited anxiously at the appointed spot.  I was horrified to learn after the charter that the family slept on a sandy beach that night.

Thanks to modern technology, an adventure like this need never be repeated!

“Ibo’s” cuisine is bound to delight charter guests mouth watering appetizers “mezes”, healthy Mediterranean specialties and seductive desserts.

His culinary career started with graduation as a cooking master from a specialized culinary school in 1993 followed by a very impressive list of restaurant positions in Istanbul:
5 years as kitchen chef in COLOR and  GREEN PARK hotels, 2 years as sous chef of French restaurant DULCINEA,  and one year as sous chef in a Mexican restaurant followed by one year as executive chef in NISANTASI CAFE.  Ibrahim polished his international talents in an Italian restaurant, followed by a position of an executive chef in SEDIR CAFE RESTAURANT  in Ortakoy .

Before joining the PAPA JOE team, Ibrahim was a kitchen chef in Istanbul’s TOPAZ RESTAURANT,  winner of the Best Mediterranean Cuisine award in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Ibrahim’s international culinary skills are will delight charter guests, whether they prefer Mediterranean fusion or the oldest Ottoman pilaf recipe – OR BOTH!

Contact us today for sample menus on board PAPA JOE.

Sunken Cities … Clear Turquoise Seas … Historic Theatres and Temple Walls … Lively Tavernas … Fresh Baked Village Bread … Deep Bays … Exotic Covered Bazaars … Farm Fresh Produce … Cultural Capital of Europe! 

The weather is perfect…
In September the temperature generally stays in the comfortable 70′s.

The water is warm…
Although the air is starting to cool in September, the sea temperature lags behind and is still  ideal for swimming, snorkeling and water sports.

The crowds are gone …
Tourism slows dramatically after September 1 and the popular anchorages are less crowded and more idyllic.  In towns and villages dockage is easier to find.

Sailing Conditions are more moderate and predictable …  The challenging Meltemi winds in the Aegean subside in September, allowing more relaxing cruising and sailing. 

Rates are reduced dramatically after September 1 …
High Season for most charter yachts ends on August 31, offering our clients considerable savings.

Many yachts are offering even further discounts …
This year a great number of yachts are advertising even better rates by offering additional time on board, further discounts, or including extras such as some meals or taxes. 

Discover the beauty, hospitality, and culture of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean this season for yourself.  Exotic, warm, and filed with the mystery of ancient civilizations … No other charter destination offers such diversity!

CAPTAIN 'CHARLIE' & CREW OF LA VICOMTESSE WELCOME YOU!

LA VICOMTESSE, for example, is offering 9 nights for the price of 7 in early September!  That is only 10,000 Euros per week for up to 10 guests for 10 days including a crew of four, taxes and on-board sports equipment!  Only meals are extra.

KEKOVA RUINS - TURQUOISE COAST OF TURKEY

September is my favorite month on the Turkish Coastline … The crowds are gone, the water is warm and the temperature perfect …

CHEF TEZCAN PREPARES LUNCH ABOARD LA VICOMTESSE

 

Call now form more details on LA VICOMTESSE and other highly recommended and favorite yachts with special rates this summer!

Find out why Turkey is our #1summer charter Destination!  Click here for 16 REASONS TO CHARTER IN TURKEY.  

LYCIAN TOMBS - DALYAN RIVER

For sample itineraries visit the following websites: 

Marmaris to Kas

 Marmaris to Gocek

Gocek to Gocek

Bodrum to Bodrum

These are just a few examples of the many itineraries available to you!

MARMARIS, TURKEY

TURKISH HOSPITALITY WELCOMES YOU

LYCIAN ROCK TOMBS - KEKOVA

The coastline is stunning with beaches, coves and sheltered anchorages under a backdrop of rugged pine-studded mountains. The water is clear, historical sites are available by yacht, and Turkish cuisine a delight.  

The quality of the yachts available for charter in Turkey continues to become more impressive each year. Many now feature state-of-the art electronics with satellite reception, flat-screen TVs, and Internet options.

Sailing qualities on the newer gulets are much improved. Most feature beautiful mahogany interiors and modern bathrooms with stylish fixtures, spa showers, and luxurious Turkish towels.

And, best of all, Turkish cuisine never disappoints!

CRYSTAL CLEAR ANCHORAGE ON TURKISH MEDITERRANEAN COASTLINE

Bev is off next week to visit more than 150 yachts in Italy and Turkey — Two of the most alluring charter destinations in Europe!

DISCOVER "LA DOLCE VITA" IN ITALY'S UNIQUE PORTS AND HARBORS

Special values abound this season … Call now to secure the perfect yacht for your summer yachting vacation!

ATThe vibrant, creative city of Istanbul is celebrated this year as a EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE with special events, exhibitions, new museums and performances by artists from around the world. 

SPRINGTIME IN ISTANBUL

The events are organized according to the theme of “A CITY OF FOUR ELEMENTS” which feature Istanbul’s diversity as it addresses each of the planet’s vital components:

EARTH (January 1 – March 20) featuring archeological excavations, traditional arts and historical heritage.

INTRICATE & HISTORICAL ART OF ISTANBUL

AIR (March 21 – June 21) celebrating spring and highlighting multi-cultural, inter-religious events inspired by Istanbul’s minarets that stretch into the air.

MINARETS - ISTANBUL - TURKEY

WATER (June 22 – September 22) showcasing marine celebrations, international music, art, events and activities on and off the city’s shoreline and waterfront districts.

TURKISH MUSICIAN & KABAK KEMANE

FIRE (September 23 – December 31) symbolizing the future of Istanbul featuring 10 prominent international artists working with 10 noted Turkish artists and 100 young artists to create art inspired by the city of Istanbul and work on urban projects. 

OLD & NEW - ORTAKOY MOSQUE & DOWNTOWN ISTANBUL

We are encouraging all of our charter guests to take extra time this year to join the world in celebrating Istanbul’s 7000 years of civilization! For more information, visit www.istanbul2010.org

International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. 

70% OF OUR PLANET IS COVERED BY WATER

 WATER AND LIFE ARE INSEPARABLE!

RELAX ...

DIVE IN ...

EXPLORE ...

CELEBRATE!

THE BEST THINGS HAPPEN AT SEA!

She sleeps 7 to 8 guests in four staterooms and is well known for her immaculate presentation and high level of service.

July and August rates for 7 to 8 guests have just been decreased from 27,500 Euros/week to 23,500 Euros/week and are even lower for smaller groups and other months!

Captain Nurkan and Crew of CLARISSA

Captain Nurkan and his crew are responsive, flexible, friendly and efficient.  Meals on board CLARISSA can be described as decidedly creative and varied … international with a Turkish flair! 

Seafood entree on board CLARISSA

All staterooms are beautifully appointed with mahogany panels offset by Burmese teak accents. Each is served by individually controlled air conditioning and has an intercom telephone. The heads on CLARISSA are fitted with granite counter tops and have separate shower stalls, one of them incorporating a bath.

CLARISSA Salon

CLARISSA has two deluxe dinghies, water skis, kneeboard, kayak, Ringo, snorkel  equipment, fishing gear and much more!

Call or email any time for more information on CLARISSA , availability, and itinerary ideas.