I love hearing from OAT travelers about how much they’ve enjoyed their experiences with us—so please, keep sending me your letters and stories! In this edition of Travel Talk, I want to share some emails from Marlene D., who is busy planning another adventure with the new friends she made while exploring India … Alice C., who enjoyed an in-depth look at the cultural and natural wonders of Jordan and Israel … and Valerie C., who celebrated her 45th wedding anniversary by hiking to the summit of Egypt’s Mt. Sinai.
Marlene and many of her fellow travelers came together recently in California to reminisce about their experiences in India.
I thought you might enjoy this photo from a recent reunion of travelers who met on your Heart of India adventure. Recently, 12 of the 16 people who traveled with Trip Leader Munish Bakshi throughout northern India got together to share photos and fellowship. After a wine-tasting and picnic, we retired home to eat fabulous Indian food and watch a DVD of our trip together.
Our group is attempting to coordinate future travel plans because we enjoyed each other so much. We developed what I know will be lifelong friends through this OAT trip!
—Marlene D.
Dear Harriet,
In the last 20 years I have traveled to 50 countries outside the U.S. I consider this my college education, as I was never privileged to go to college. Personally, I think I got the better deal!
When asked which trip was the best, I always say “the last one”! It would be so difficult to pin any one trip down as they all have been wonderful. My last trip was with OAT to Israel and Jordan.
We had a small group of six for the Jordan extension and the ancient ruins brought tears to our eyes. When we got to Israel, our group increased to 15 people, and each day was more enchanting than the previous one. Our Trip Leader was spectacular and so knowledgeable. Being able to interact with local people was an incredible experience: We learned about Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Bah’ai, Druid, and Bedouin people and cultures! Seeing all the ruins and different religious places and churches was mind-blowing.
—Alice C.
Harriet,
March 21, 2009 was not the easiest day of our marriage, but it is definitely the most memorable. My husband, John and I celebrated our 45th anniversary on top of Mt. Sinai. He was the last one of our group to reach the top, and I think he kept going only because it was our anniversary. What a wonderful gift.
Cruising the Red Sea was our 10th OAT adventure, and we’re looking forward to our 11th trip—in Kenya and Tanzania—in October.
—Valerie C.
A little while ago, I told you about a special event for women travelers that Alan and I hosted at our family property in Kensington, New Hampshire. During the gathering, we asked for—and received—lots of wonderful ideas about how we can improve our programs and services. As you’ll discover in this follow-up letter sent to participants by Chief Executive Officer Vince Cook, these suggestions have led to some important changes for OAT and our sister company, Grand Circle Travel. Thanks to all who attended for offering their opinions!