Ya know, I've been doing this blog for more than a year and I just realized I am really surprised I've barely talked about one of my favorite countries I've ever visited - Turkey.

Some designate the country as Middle Eastern and others as European. Being basically the sole occupant of Eurasia, it's technically both. For years, I've been silently advocating for Turkey to join the EU because I feel it might help how people perceive the country and thus help tourism and other aspects of culture and government there. But most European countries seem to be against this for some reason (they kinda have a similar perception to the Turks as we do to Mexicans and other immigrants).

Despite wide perception, it's actually a secular country. Women aren't exactly equal there (I definitely found that out) but they aren't stoned to death either.

On the border of bankrupt EU-member Greece and war-torn Iraq and Iran, Turkey is stuck between two worlds and it is suffering yet quasi-prospering from its past which unfortunately includes its own wars and genocides but also history like being the birthplace of Mary, being the site of two of the seven ancient wonders, the alleged location of Noah's arc is on one of its mountain tops, and it has some of the most amazing natural beauty in its western volcanic region that I've ever seen.

I was lucky enough when I was a junior in college to get a travel grant to the country to study the ancient city of Troy (yeah, it's amazing what they give you free money for). And now you have a chance at some free money of your own - only it's obviously for a better purpose.

I got this release from Diane Conroy-LaCivita this week. If I were a teacher, I would totally take advantage of this...

Teacher Study Tours to Turkey

Colonie - The International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR) in collaboration with the Turkish Cultural Center Albany (TCCA) would like to cordially invite teachers to attend an orientation and overview for a recently funded program entitled Spotlight on Turkey.

The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28th from 6 to 8 pm at the Town of Colonie William K. Standford Library located at 629 Albany Shaker Road in Loudonville and will include an overview of the program and a presentation by local Turkish American community members from TCCA who will give a welcome, description of history and culture, and provide samplings of Turkish cuisine.

The event is free of charge.

The grant through the Turkish Cultural Foundation in Washington DC was awarded to ICCR to educate teachers and the general public about Turkey and promote interaction between the Turkish and American people.

Additionally, of those who attend the workshop and subsequently fill out an application, three Capital region educators will be chosen to have the opportunity to travel to Turkey for approximately two weeks during the summer of 2012.

Please note: to be eligible to participate in the Teacher Study Tours to Turkey the applicant must attend the orientation and be currently teaching K through 12.

From 2007 to 2011, the Turkish Cultural Foundation has organized 13 study tours to Turkey for 348 educators from across the United States.

For additional information or to RSVP please call ICCR at (518) 860-5363.