Comments for Chamber Singers Cultural Exchange Trip to Turkey

Comment on early morning perspectives from within and without by Rebecca Ruhlen

Rebecca Ruhlen — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:36:11 +0000

As an undergrad music major and now an anthropologist, I relate strongly to the impulse that drives a tour like this as well as to the cautionary note of this letter. The world is complex, and we can indeed do harm to those in it through half-informed blunderings.

However, staying home instead is no way to learn about the world’s complexities! So we go, experience what we find, learn fast (though never fast enough), get some things wrong, and commit to ongoing self-awareness and critical thinking. If nothing else, this sort of travel and direct experience of Turkey will help to counter the two-dimensional insularity of most mainstream U.S. discourse on that part of the world and its peoples.

–Rebecca Ruhlen (Patrick Lozada’s stepmother)
Davidson, North Carolina

Comment on earthquake in Turkey – but far away from us! by Alison Fox

Alison Fox — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:32:54 +0000

thank you Tom for letting all of us know; there has been deep concern. Alison

Comment on Be sure to check Maud McInerney’s tour blog at… by Alison Reinganum

Alison Reinganum — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:25:24 +0000

thanks, Tom, for taking the time to Blog. We are checking, and appreciating it! Alison and Marc Reinganum

Comment on The Castle in Ankara by Alison Reinganum

Alison Reinganum — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:24:23 +0000

thanks, Margaret, for the great picture!

Comment on Hello world! by Donna Bearns

Donna Bearns — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:31:32 +0000

Kevin D. and fellow Chamber Singers, Enjoy this wonderful experience, relish every moment and have a safe trip!

Kev, I understand you enjoyed th new cuisine! Perhaps you will prepare a meal for your aunt!

All the best,