İnan Kalaycı, by Jeff Quiggle
inan@TurkishDelightTours.com
| Türkiye is an extraordinary amalgamation of more than a dozen great cultures, most notably, perhaps, the ubiquitous imprints of the Greek and Roman civilizations upon the archeological landscape. But, Türkiye is so much more than ruins and past splendors. It is a country of incredible natural beauty and friendly people that make the visitor feel welcome. Turkish Delight Tours is pleased and proud to introduce the reader to the inauguration of its brand new Turkish travel itineraries designed for the visitor who wants to discover the unspoiled and natural wonders of this “delightful” destination. Mr. Inan Kalayci, educated in Cyprus, Türkiye, and the United States, is the operator for all of the Turkish Delight Tours activities. Mr. Kalayci served in the Turkish army as a search and rescue soldier, and aided civilians in trouble throughout the country during his years of service. Inan got his Professional Geography degree with CIS minor in University of North Alabama and founded NNS Outdoor Research and Activities Club for which he was awarded leadership honors. Currently, he resides in Colorado with his wife and daughter. Mr. Kalayci has tirelessly promoted Turkish tourism in a myriad of ways over the past fifteen years. His passion for his country and overall Turkish Culture is making him who he is. I have experienced the famous Turkish Hospitality during my trips to Türkiye and Inan refreshes my memory whenever I see him. Prepare yourself for a memorable treat of Turkish Hospitality with Inan. You have my word for it! |
Inan is an accomplished spelunker, licensed mountain climber, ski instructor, advanced scuba diver, photographer, and outdoor sports enthusiast who has acquired an intimate knowledge of the rural and back roads attractions of his native country since he was a teenager. He traveled all over Türkiye during his busy activity schedule with The Mountaineering Federation of Türkiye, Spelunking Club, the outdoor activities Clubs he has founded in Cyprus, and Türkiye. Inan trained many for alpine skiing, rock climbing, camping, trekking, and mountaineering. "He is a caring friend, not just an ordinary instructor" says his skiing trainee Türker Toker (2009). Mr. Kalayci ran his local Tour and Travel Agency in Bolu before he moved to US. As he prepared the unique routes off the beaten path, and trained local guides his biggest concern was to carefully tailor and offer the Haute Couture Tourism services. He says, "If I do not enjoy the mainstream vacation myself, why would I be offering the same cold, -run for your life- kind of rushed vacation? I am offering my Haute Couture Tourism. Specially tailored, and caring by all means. I listen. That is my primary responsibility." Since the beginning of the Ottoman Empire, imperial chefs of the Sultans, and the Ottoman Palace were traditionally from Bolu, Inan's hometown. Ottoman Cuisine, being a major importance within the culinary world, is a blend of Middle East and European tastes, having a unique touch of every locale within borders of the Empire. The Ottoman Empire officially ended in 1923 when Democratic and Secular Republic of modern Türkiye was founded by Atatürk, yet centuries worth of culinary know-how remained in Bolu. Cooking is second nature to natives of Bolu and Inan himself is no exception. He is the man to go with when it comes to the refined-for-centuries Ottoman/Turkish culinary experiences Türkiye has to offer today. You will be taken to authentic restaurants where the best of the region's traditional cuisine is served. Fresh Ingredients+Experienced Chefs+Good Service is what makes a good restaurant, NOT the gilded decoration, Inan believes.
Being a "Natureer", as he calls himself; Inan loves nature by all means. He says, "...camping is not the goal, it is an opportunity to snuggle in mother-nature's arms enroute." Since Inan moved to Colorado 4 years ago, he has made 14 of the Colorado's +14.000 ft. summits, and counting. In 2009, he is launching two separate and unique travel itineraries designed for the first-time visitor as well as for the fortunate traveler who may have taken the more traditional “Grand Circuit” of Türkiye’s abundance of glorious treasures. Mr. Kalayci has carefully crafted two unique itineraries that have never been promoted in the travel industry to reflect his heart-felt desire to introduce his guests to the truly sublime, delightful and intimate locales and backloads that epitomize the remarkable richness and diversity of his native land. Every effort has been made to ensure that these custom trips incorporate the visitor’s exposure toTürkiye’s cultural, natural, and culinary delights. Careful attention has been placed on pacing, variety, and comfort of each itinerary, as well as incorporating a spontaneous response to take advantage of local circumstances such as festivals, special local events, etc. per Inan's Haute Couture Touristic Services. Please bear in mind the kind of tours Inan is offering will be truly expeditionary in nature. To ensure the maximum enjoyment from your Turkish Delight Tour as an adventure, and as a prerequisite, it requires adaptability, a sense of humor, enthusiasm about the peoples and environment around you, as well as openness to the unexpected. Now take time to peruse the following that “call” you to action and make a deposit for the tour of your choice! e-mail Inan or call 1-347-TDT-INAN
Authored by Jeff Quiggle, Author of "Digital Desserts". Traveler and Professional Photographer
A few words about Alpan Rişvanoğlu
- Alpan and his wife -
Alpan Rişvanoğlu is a PhD candidate on Cultural Geography at the University of South Carolina where he also teaches Introduction to Geography and Cultural Geography classes. His research interests include the studies of ethnic/religious minorities of Istanbul, popular urban culture and the sacred places of Asia Minor. Alpan is an Istanbul native and visits Türkiye at least once a year for his research. He is married to Melissa Rişvanoğlu and they live in Columbia, SC where they are active members of the North Trenholm Baptist Church.
e-mail Alpan or call 1-256-483-2284
