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Dear Friends, We are planning to lead a Neighbors East and West trip to Iran this April, focusing on Iranian history and culture. The dates are April 14 24, and the cost will be $1100 for ten days in Iran, including hotel accommodations with breakfast, travel within Iran, and a fully guided program. Airfare to Teheran and the cost of a visa is not included. A more complete description of the trip and aapplication form is in the attachment Iran Trip 2008.doc . The purpose of the trip is to promote contact between ordinary people from the United States and Iran, and to increase our knowledge and understanding of this distant country. We shall be co-leading this trip with Steve Fryburg, the director of the Dayton Peace Museum, who has traveled to Iran twice. We also are coordinating plans with Jerry Dekker of the New College of California, who has led over twenty groups to Iran. If any of you are interested but a little timid you may contact our friend Pam Haglund, who traveled in Iran for three weeks in August. She will be happy to let you know what a wonderful trip she had. You may contact her by phone at (406) 752-6678, or by email at pam59903@yahoo.com . A synopsis of her trip is also attached. Like us, Pam is on Mountain Time. You may contact us at (406) 862-1629, or by email at samn@earlham.edu. Ruth and Sam Neff 1045 E 4th Street, Whitefish, MT 59937 From Pam Haglund: In the summer of 2007 an opportunity to travel to Iran literally dropped in my lap. Iran wasn't even on my radar of places I thought I wanted to see. Fortunately I acted on serendipity, and am so grateful to have had the opportunity. The county of Iran is vast and varied - bordered by the Persian Gulf on the south, the Caspian Sea to the north, Iraq to the west and Pakistan and Afghanistan to the east. Its geography ranges from high mountain ranges to desert to semi-tropical. Iran (or Persia as it was formerly called) is a 4000-year-old civilization whose zenith was approximately 500 BC although it has had many strong dynasties since. The archeology and architecture are among the finest in the Middle East. Soaring minarets, gold domed mosques, covered bazaars, ancient baths, and stunning tile work are a feast for the senses. But my strongest praises go to the people who were warm, gracious and curious. That they love their country is evident, but in no way does that keep them from being welcoming. We were sought out on the streets, asked where we were from, and were invariably greeted with "Welcome to my country". People wanted to have their pictures taken with us and made invitations to visit them in their homes. I urge anyone with a sense of adventure, a hope for peace, and the flexibility to see a country and its people through new eyes, to travel to Iran. There are tours, or you may prefer to navigate on your own, but don't pass up the opportunity to see a fascinating country and culture. Neighbors East and West Travel Program in Iran, April 14- 24, 2008 Focus on Iranian Society & Culture This ten day seminar includes, double room accommodations, all transportation within Iran, breakfast each day, guide and translations of all programs. We shall also seek to arrange personal meetings to suit your interests Iran, which encompasses ancient Persia, is a land of great contrasts. It is a modern country, yet its culture, history and religious foundations date back several millennia. Its land includes sea shores, high mountains, rugged desert and productive agricultural savannahs. Its people are warm and hospitable; and, contrary to what you might hear from our news media, most Iranians are eager to rebuild relations with the United States. In this time of increased political tension between the US and Iran, American travel to this misunderstood country helps establish the people-to-people ties that facilitate understanding and peace between the countries. Cost of the trip is $1100 for the program in Iran (not including travel to Iran, travel insurance, and visa expense). For a single room, the additional charge is $145. We must receive your application and a deposit of $300 in order to insure your place in the program. You will need a valid passport that is current for at least eight months beyond the end of the trip. If you do not have one, apply for one right away at your local county courthouse or post office. Phone ahead so that you know what materials are necessary for the application, i.e. photos, birth certificate, etc. You must have a valid passport before your visa can be secured. For Further information contact Sam or Ruth Neff, 1045 E 4th St., Whitefish, MT 59937. (406) 862-1629 or Steve Fryburg, Director of the Dayton Peace Museum, 208 W. Monument Ave. Dayton, OH 45402 937-227-3223 Application: (Please Submit as Soon as Possible) Full Name (as on passport):________________________________ Address:_____________________City ___________________ State ___ Zip ________ Phone, home: (___)______ daytime: (___) ___________ Birthdate ___________ Place of Birth city:______________ country: _____________ e-mail address: _________________________________________ Father's Full Name: _______________________________________________ Passport Number/Place of Issue/Expiration Date _______ / _____________ / ___________ Description of Interests ______________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Do You know Farsi? ____at what level?(beginner, advanced, fluent) __________ Health problems, allergies, etc.______________________________________________ (Make checks out to Prof. Gerald A. Dekker) Please complete this form and submit it to: Neighbors East and West, c/o Ruth Neff 1045 E 4th St., Whitefish, MT 59937 Phone: (406) 862-1629 email: samn@earlham.edu |