My first visit to Turkey in 2005 had been near the top of my wish list for many years.  I didn’t take a laptop with me then, but I did keep a journal of that first trip, where all my senses were piqued and my mind like a sponge.

Since then, I have worked in the travel industry and made it my business to visit Turkey once, usually twice a year.  Mostly, I escort a group and love to share with them the knowledge I have gained over the year, including  requests where one can find the best/organic/cheapest/handwoven towels, turkish delight, silk scarves, jewellery etc.

This time last year, I had the privilege of escorting a wonderful group of women.  We had a wonderful time and harmony and laughter were the prevalent themes.  It was a busy time for me because at the same time, I had another 13 clients in Turkey, some couples as well as another group of women, so I needed to stay on top of several itineraries, all unique and designed to accommodate different interests.

Simit: a Turkish bagel of sorts

I loved Turkey from my very first visit and continue to regard it as one of my favourite countries.  There is so much history to learn and to ponder. People are friendly and kind, the food is delicious and personally, I am fascinated by the culture and lifestyles.  In May this year, I spent a week visiting two new hotels, including The Edition, and restaurants, checking location, rooms, food and service.  After all, how can I recommend somewhere if I don’t know it?  And now that other world-class hotels are moving into Turkey (Shangri La, Aman Resorts and Raffles) there will be more competition for Four Seasons, whose Sultanahmet location in a former prison remains my all-time favourite.

My association with Virtuoso helps me to orchestrate dreams for my clients.  Through my world-wide network of partners, I am currently working on an itinerary for a party of four that includes Turkey, Jordan and Israel, where they will see, experience and taste the best of each location; away from the crowds and according to their interests.

Friendly people

Please, let me know if I can orchestrate your dream tour of Turkey.  If you need to know more, please click here

Memory of a Lifetime

The Story

During my initial consultation with clients in California, and while reviewing details later that day, I noted that one of their daughters would be turning 16 during their private tour of Greece and Turkey.

Remembering the thrill of clients for whom I had organized a surprise birthday party at the top of a mountain in Turkey (complete with almond cake, candles and fairy lights in the garden of their lovely hotel) I organized a surprise for Katherine – not only upon landing from her hot air balloon ride but also when she arrived back at her hotel for breakfast.  That was a day of cakes and surprises and, judging by this note I received by mail, her sixteenth birthday will always hold special memories for her and her family.

This is why I love my work!  There is nothing more rewarding that orchestrating dreams and with my global network of Virtuoso partners, the options are endless.

Please, let me orchestrate your dreams.

Virtuoso welcome amenities at Four Seasons Lisbon

I haven’t had the time to write very much lately, other than a tweet here and there and a posting on my Facebook page.  I love blogging but I love my work even more, and add to a busy schedule a home move, it becomes obvious why I am writing this at 12.52 am PST!

I have just returned from a one month business trip that included Madeira, Lisbon, Barcelona, Istanbul, Dubai and Perth, Western Australia.  I visited and reviewed new hotels and restaurants and re-established contact with suppliers to the luxury travel industry.  The world is changing so fast that I have to stay up to date with my recommendations!

Whenever I travel, I continue to work just as I would at home, but in awe of the ability of my partner, technology, to keep my client communications seamless.

Upon my return to Vancouver, I finalized the seemingly endless documentation for my clients who are travelling at the moment, and every day starting new files for those who wish to travel later in the year.  At this time, I have clients in South Africa, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Holland and each client expects and receives the personal attention that comes with my role as a Virtuoso Travel Advisor.  You see, in this role, I get to create and execute Dreams – your Dreams.  I love my work and actually feel as though I travel the world every day – from my computer – as I stay in touch with, and work with, colleagues all over the world through Skype, telephone, Email, Twitter and Facebook.   All this takes time.

Building Dreams takes time – lots of time – as well as a healthy cocktail of patience  and perfection to pull all the pieces together.  Only then, when the final itinerary is approved will I rest a little.  Virtuoso coined the phrase:  ‘Return on Life.’  My job is to make it happen!

One last point … having built a successful specialization in Turkey as a destination, I am now doing the same for Portugal.  So far, I have spent a total of four months touring this beautiful and diverse country that offers beautiful historic sites, divine cuisine and excellent value for money.  And, while I am still learning about this lesser-known destination, during frequent visits, I can honestly say that the people I work with in that country, including those on the spectacular island of Madeira are top-notch professionals who are proud of their country and all it has to offer.  So, if you like history, excellent wine, locally produced  foods, and accommodation that ranges from farmhouse to luxury on the mainland and charming Quintas to luxury on Madeira Island, you will love this destination.  And Madeira is the perfect destination for escaping a chilly winter because the temperature rarely dips below 18 degrees or rises above 24 degrees.  All year around!  With sub-tropical flora and fauna and beautiful blue skies and warm ocean, it is a perfect option for a long-stay.   Ask me about long-term rentals if you prefer to stay in a Villa, apartment or family-sized home rather than an hotel.

I hope you have a wonderful Summer!

If you work long hours and don’t find cooking particularly relaxing, you may well be tempted to buy your meals ready-made rather than spend your precious time in the kitchen.  This is a lifestyle consideration. What about getting around?  If you live in the city and use your vehicle for short trips and errands, you may well choose a small car that is easy to park and easy on gas.  Or a bicycle.  On the other hand, if you really enjoy driving and have a penchant for the purr and roar of a larger vehicle, you will probably lean towards one of the luxury brands.  These are lifestyle influenced choices.

Similarly, consideration of your lifestyle is important when you are planning your vacation.

For example, if you enjoy gardening, wildlife, cycling, horseriding, photography, archaeology or any other special interest, you may wish to join a specialized tour that is hosted by a celebrity or lecturer who is familiar with the specific topic.  If the spa experience appeals to you, you will surely want to incorporate at least one spa or relaxation experience in your itinerary.  Parents with young children will want to incorporate lifestyle considerations such as mode of transportation, child-friendly hotels with babysitting services and between-meal snacks, swimming pools etc.

Lifestyle considerations are also important when I am planning a luxury travel experience for my clients.  In some cases, I will visit their homes to meet with them; in other cases I will be invited into homes through Skype (and I get to see the kids and the dog too!) and then there are those who prefer to meet in person at the office.   I am grateful for my many years of market research experience as I gently probe to understand their needs, expectations and most of all, lifestyles.  Once I have this information, I can start the research process of integrating lifestyle with luxury.

Case Study

David and Susan* wanted to go to Turkey for a two week holiday.  They live in a high-income area of a major US city, have no children at home, and are accustomed to having a luxury lifestyle at home.  They booked their international air tickets as they had enough points to travel business class all the way.  Susan and George wanted to stay in luxury hotels such as The Four Seasons and Kempinski and to visit the major historic sites, such as Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, The Underwater Archaeological Museum, Ephesus and Cappadocia.  They were also adamant about having the best Guide in Turkey!

Four Seasons at Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Through a combination of face-to-face conversation with them both via Skype, Skype messaging, telephone, text messaging and the odd email, I learned that they had a professional interest in antique textiles. So, I arranged for them to meet with a famous textile expert who lectures at university and who is well known in Istanbul society.  As well, I arranged for them to see and visit places that were particular to their interests.  And they LOVED their Best Guide in Turkey! Naturally, I work with him often now.

In closing, I find myself repeating what I understand to be typical of a Virtuoso Travel Planner:  that only by truly getting to know you, my client, can I truly deliver your dream vacation.  In other words, I have to first understand how lifestyle fits with your perception of luxury.

*names have been changed

Aubergine Salad

When I decided to post this recipe, I paused to consider a title. After all, the main ingredient is known as Aubergine in most of Europe and Eggplant in North America.  As well, many different cultures have their own versions of Aubergine salad.  I’m European, in Europe at the moment, so I’ll stick to Aubergine for now!  This is what I made yesterday …

In Turkey, I love the dish commonly known as patlican salatas.  The aubergines are grilled and then olive oil, lemon juice and garlic, tomato (skinned, seeded and chopped) and green pepper may be added.   The grilled aubergine is often is mixed with natural yogurt, olive oil and garlic.  Patlican begendi is pureed aubergine and has cheese, milk and flour added.  It is delicious and often served with a lamb stew.

In Greece and Cyprus, melitzanosalata is made simply with lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper and is delicious.

Sicilians are fond of their Caponata, a dish made with fried vegetables (mostly eggplants and peppers), seasoned with chopped celery, olives and capers.

The French  love their Aubergine caviar.  Baked, peeled eggplant is mixed with garlic, tomato, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. It is served as an appetizer with French bread, possibly along with olive tapenade (another of my favourites.)

I’m not sure of the nationality of my version as I incorporate various influences in my cooking.  However, I can say, unabashedly, that this dish is delicious with crusty, fresh bread or served as a pasta sauce.  You could even serve it with steamed rice and salad.  However you serve it, I hope you enjoy!

Brenda’s Aubergine Salad Recipe

• 2 large or 4 smaller aubergines
• Olive oil
• Chopped onion
• Garlic
• Fresh tomatoes or a small can of top quality plum tomatoes
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Optional:  Fresh Basil

Wash the aubergines.  Cut off the stems and cut into strips lengthwise.  If the aubergines are very “foamy” inside, keep some of that to make a dip, e.g. baba ghanoush.  Cut the aubergine into small squares, each with a piece of skin.  Saute chopped onion until it is just starting to turn golden and then add the aubergine.  Cook for a while until the cubes have softened and then remove from the pan.   Meanwhile, saute garlic in some olive oil and add the tomatoes.  Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked aubergine and simmer for about 10 minutes.  Add paprika and basil.  Serve hot or cold.

Tip:  It’s delicious next day on crusty European-style bread!