Tour guide Nesrin in Istanbul

Tour guide Nesrin in Istanbul

1) What is the best thing you like being a tour guide?
I think tour guiding is the most suitable job to my life style and personality. I'm a very active person and good at communication,

easy going and flexible; love travelling, people, and the most important adore Turkey and its cultural, historical richness. I am also so proud of my country and my people so I try to do my best to show my beautiful country to my guests and make them contact with locals to understand the real life in the country.


2) What is your most memorable moment in guiding so far?
Tour guiding does not mean talking about everything that we know. All of our guests are interested in different things; some of them love history, some likes to hear stories of people and monuments and some loves taking pictures and enjoy the moment.
Once, I had an international group (Canadians, Avustralians, New Zealendars, Americans) ranged from 30 to 65 years of age and we were on a round trip in Turkey for 14 days. Each of them were interested in different things. I like making my guests involving the tour with sharing their knowledge, experience, memories and skills. We were in an ancient site which was called Arycanda on the Mediterrian site of Turkey. We were the only group in the site. I had already finished my explanation about the ancient Roman theatre and its great acoustic. In order to check the acoustic :-) I asked my quest who was good at singing and some of the lady sang a well known song with her wonderful voice and we were all happy to live that moment like Romans. Then we move up to Gymnasium of Arycanda and everyone was ready for the running race for a free ice-cream at the end of the day :-) We all had a wonderful day and It was everyone's favourite site with memories.


3) What is most challenging for you in this career? Have you coped with it?
The most challenging thing is serving to people. Most of our guests have different interests, needs, expectations so we , as tour guides should be flexible enough to meet the expectations of our guests and make them enjoy their time us. I believed that I've coped with it successfully.


4 ) What is your favorite place/thing that you want to show your travel clients?
Istanbul !! It was my dream to live and have tours in this wonderful city. I adore Istanbul:-)) Istanbul is among the special cities of the world with its position as a bridge between Europe and Asia. It unites its natural beauties with its historical and cultural accumulation. Wherever you look, there is a story to be told. You do not need to go further to see the historical sites, you live with it while you are wandering in the streets of Istanbul. It is the midpoint of the new and old ,modern and classic. It is a privilage to visit Istanbul and being a guide in this beautiful city.


5) What if you were not a tour guide? What do you imagine yourself to be?
I would be a chef in a restaurant that serves intercontinental cuisine. I love cooking and try different recipes from the world cuisine. My husband is my gourmet :-))
It is among my future plans to have cooking tours in Istanbul to introduce the rich Turkish cuisine.

Sightseeing tour with Nesrin - Istanbul Old City Tour

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Visit Shanghai for the World Expo 2010 - Best tour guides

“Being the first World Exposition on the theme of city, Exposition 2010 will attract governments and people from across the world, focusing on the theme "Better City, Better Life." For its 184 days, participants will display urban civilisation to the full extent, exchange their experiences of urban development, disseminate advanced notions on cities and explore new approaches to human habitat, lifestyle and working conditions in the new century. They will learn how to create an eco-friendly society and maintain the sustainable development of human beings.” -- Expo2010.cn

Book a dependable tour guide in Shanghai

Travel in Shanghai - sightseeing tours

Shanghai is a vibrant city with over 20 million residences. It is the financial hub of China as well as a popular sightseeing destination. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the modern 21st century highrises to the colonial western architecture, from the historical Chinese garden to the local lane houses Shikumen.

For more details, check out http://www.ourexplorer.com/shanghai-tour-expo2010.aspx

How to customize sightseeing tours for travelers?

Travel agents usually offer standard packages for destinations. Travelers can choose between the offers, but not so easy to change the itinerary in a package. It is hard to find customized sightseeing tours to personal interests. The advantage of having a private tour guide is the flexibility of sightseeing. Here are some tips for tour guides to create client-oriented sightseeing tours.

Consider the country origin of traveler. People from North America have different cultural background from Asian travelers. They are interested in different things at the destination. E.g. Tuk-tuk riding can be an amazing experience for American people while not to the interest of Vietnamese. Chinese travelers may find cathedrals imposing while British people are used to them at home. Japanese visitors prefer more time at shopping while Malaysian are more interested in food. Even within the same continent say Europe, travelers from different countries will differ in their customs. People from the same origin share similarities in culture and customs. This may not apply to all individuals from one place. Yet knowing the country origin will help a tour guide to customize the initial tour schedule. The more a private tour guide considers, the more possible a client will confirm the sightseeing tours.

Consider the personal background. School teachers are interested in local schools and education system. Children prefer fun activities to pure cultural visits. Business people may want to see their industry products at the destination. Include something relevant to the traveler’s personal background when possible. This offers clients with a real customized sightseeing tour to their interest.

Consider the purpose of visit. Are the travelers coming for a family vacation? Is it a short extra day from business trip? Are they cruise passengers looking for a shore excursion? For family vacations, travelers usually look for a relaxed tour schedule. Entertainments and attraction for the kids will be appreciated. Business people are limited in time so they would prefer a compact itinerary to maximize the experience. Cruise passengers also stay short at destinations, from half a day to 2 days in one port. However, many cruise passengers would enjoy a leisure plan with visits to major scenic spots.

Consider other elements to make a better plan. For example, the number of people in the group to arrange transportation and restaurants, season and weather conditions if certain activities are affected, children and senior people in the group to adjust activity intensity…

Customizing sightseeing tours is all about personal interest. Destination is the same but travelers want their own trip and unique experience. Sightseeing tours are not about the scenic spots, but about the traveler’s visit. It is “my” trip and vacation that travelers care. Therefore, tour guides shall develop the sightseeing tour to the traveler’s personal interest.

Have you any tips to share on customizing your tours?
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Tirtosari Waterfall, Sarangan

Close with Lake of Sarangan, there is the entrance to the waterfall. There are three waterfalls that you can visit here is a waterfall called Watu Ondo, Kiwo shoulders, and Jarakan. Near the entrance to one of these waterfalls, a former aircraft used as a monument to remember Sarangan Regency Madiun neighbor who is a Main Air Force Base.

The road to the waterfall is not difficult, even half-way could be done by car. The trip to the waterfall will be a fun trip. You will pass the mountain slopes are used for plantation. You can see a variety of vegetables that are probably rare in the city. You can also dip your toes into the cool clear water and fresh which is used for irrigating crops. This could be an interesting means of learning for your child.

Rabbit Satay Sarangan

After being around, you can order rabbit satay and rice cake that many offered around this lake. Satay is rarely encountered in other areas worthy of you try this, because with a soft and tender meat that can make you addicted. The price offered Rp 7,000 / share, the price is quite affordable for your pockets. Other foods that can be enjoyed here ispecel rice . Sarangan areas neighboring the famous Madiun with herbs and chilli pecel. this Pecel be special because peanut flavor plus a variety of fried delights as complementary.

Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park

Sulawesi land full of the variety of beauty and natural wealth of potential to develop as a natural tourist attraction like the Province of Gorontalo. On the border of Gorontalo and North Sulawesi, there is a National Park that holds a variety of natural wealth of Sulawesi having a typical beauty. National Park was named the National Park of Bogani  Nani Wartabone(TNBNW).

National Park,Bogani Nani Wartabone in Gorontalo previously named Dumoga Bone, having many Nature Tours such Kosinggolan, Toraut, Lombongo, Tambun, Matayangan and various ecological uniqueness as a transitional geographic area Indomalayan at the west and Papua-east Australia (Wallaceae Area) .

National Park,Bogani Nani Wartabone (TNBNW) Area is for about 287,117 hectares with 177,115 hectares in Bolaang Mongondow and 110,000 hectares in Gorontalo. TNBNW located at an altitude between 1500-2000 meters above sea level and has a high rainfall between 1700 -2200 mm / year. Significant height range  makes TNBNW has four types of ecosystem, such as secondary forests, lowland rain forest, rainforest and mountain moss forest. TNBNW region upstream area  of 2 important rivers in the area, namely the Onggak Dumoga River  and Bone-Bolango.

Unique and rare plants in the National Park Bogani Nani Wartabone  which is matayangan palm  (Pholidocarpus ihur), ebony (Diospyros celebica), ironwood (Intsia spp.), Yellow wood (Arcangelisia flava) and carrion flower (Amorphophallus companulatus). While the common plants are such as Piper aduncum, Trema orientalis, Macaranga sp., Chrysolite, agathis, Cananga, various types of orchids, and ornamental plants.

the National Park Bogani Nani Wartabone has 24 species of mammals, 125 aves species, 11 species of reptile, 2 amphibian species, 38 species of butterflies, 200 species of beetles, and 19 species of fish.

Most of the existing wildlife in national parks are a typical animal / endemic of Sulawesi island, such as black  crested black / macaques (Macaca nigra nigra),Dumoga bone monkeys (M. nigrescens), Tangkasi (spectrum Tarsius spectrum), Sulawesi civet (Macrogalidia musschenbroekii musschenbroekii) big buffalo (Bubalus depressicornis), small buffalo (B. quarlesi), babirusa (Babyrousa babirussa celebensis), and various species of birds.

Bird wildlife into the park's mascot is maleo (Macrocephalon maleo), and bone kelelewar (Bonea bidens) as endemic wildlife park.

Maleo body size is similar to the chicken, but the eggs weight 6 times of chicken eggs. Maleo laying their eggs in the soil / sand 30-40 cm, and usually located adjacent to the hot springs. With this geothermal maleo eggs hatch. The exit of the maleo child  from the sand, running into maleo child to the wild ( one day age),peep the parent which was digging hole; is one interesting animal attractions for tourists.

The route to get the National Park Bogani Nani Wartabone from Gorontalo city are 20 km . This distance can be traveled in less than 1 hour by car 4 wheels . Although not available yet complete supporting facilities, TNBNW area already has several facilities including the guest house, laboratory researcher homestead, a path, the cottage work, guardhouse, camping ground, research stations, shelters. Are you interested?

Waterfall and Rabbit Satay Sarangan

Close with Lake of Sarangan, there is the entrance to the waterfall. There are three waterfalls that you can visit here is a waterfall called Watu Ondo, Kiwo shoulders, and Jarakan. Near the entrance to one of these waterfalls, a former aircraft used as a monument to remember Sarangan Regency Madiun neighbor who is a Main Air Force Base.

The road to the waterfall is not difficult, even half-way could be done by car. The trip to the waterfall will be a fun trip. You will pass the mountain slopes are used for plantation. You can see a variety of vegetables that are probably rare in the city. You can also dip your toes into the cool clear water and fresh which is used for irrigating crops. This could be an interesting means of learning for your child.

Rabbit Satay Sarangan

After being around, you can order rabbit satay and rice cake that many offered around this lake. Satay is rarely encountered in other areas worthy of you try this, because with a soft and tender meat that can make you addicted. The price offered Rp 7,000 / share, the price is quite affordable for your pockets. Other foods that can be enjoyed here ispecel rice . Sarangan areas neighboring the famous Madiun with herbs and chilli pecel. this Pecel be special because peanut flavor plus a variety of fried delights as complementary.

Lake Of Sarangan

Panorama of  Telaga Sarangan will pamper your eyes, because you can see a vast lake and Sidoramping green hills around Lawu Mount. Coupled with a calm lake water which is a mirror from the mountains and the mountains around it. Staring at a row of mountains and mountain here also make sense of calm and peace coupled with the cool mountain air with temperatures around 18-23 degrees Celsius. you can enjoy Cool mountain air as Sarangan Lake lies at an altitude of about 1000 meters above sea level.

 East Java Around the Lake of Sarangan

On the edge of the lake provided the water cycle that resembles a duck and a boat. This can be a means for you who want to round the lake through the water. Or you can go around by horse or cart offered locals people there. Surely this can be fun for your baby. Or for you who want to exercise, you can surround this lake by walking or running. You will also find a pine forest on the slopes of the mountains around Lake of Sarangan. The atmosphere is cool and beautiful will definitely make a fun sport.

Marchandise from Lake of Sarangan

After satisfied from the tour in the Telaga Sarangan , before back, you can shop souvenirs from Telaga Sarangan. You can buy bags, shirts or other crafts that are the result of art desaign of the local community.

From Telaga Sarangan, if you're heading west or central Java, you will find Karanganyar district, Central Java, which famous with its  natural attractions Grojogan Sewu. Meanwhile, if heading east, you can stop at the Madium City to buy souvenirs like typical Madison pecel brem and a delicious sauce.

a beautiful lake Sarangan is perfect for your holiday with family. Enjoy your vacation in Lake Sarangan, beautiful natural attractions and fascinating!

Feels Like Snow in White Crater

The white crater is located on Mount of Patuha ,  a mountain in West Java. Altitude of this mountain is 2386 meters. The crater of Patuha Mount  is used as an attractive tourist object with a crater of White.

After parking the vehicle, we had to descend the stairs in order to be closer to the crater of this mountain. Our hearts will immediately chuckled amazed to see the whole of this place from above. In these places, we can indeed be closely located in the crater;  we could even touch the water.

When we go down, we will see incredible scenery in the crater. White soil which consists of sulfur is the reason why the crater is called the White Crater. How unique this white land is. Uneven ground surface as well so as to resemble the mounds the ground. Craters greenish water also attracts attention. All around, there are mountains that some of it is dry but there is also the still green trees.

We can climb  surrounding the mountains. In this mountain, we will find dry trees and many branches of the trees that fell with small stones. We can also see the crater from above.

craters is Sufficiently large  here. Water color can vary depending on the sunlight. The smoke arising from sulfur water sometimes blocking our view. The water also caused the smell of sulfur. When the wind is blowing, the smell of sulfur can pierce our noses and make us cough. So, there are several points on this crater is not fitted with a warning to avoid getting too close to the sulfur smoke poisoning.

This crater gives us a different experience. We are like being in the snow because the ground is white. Large craters and bluish-green water that makes us as if were on the beach. The trees are mostly only the stems are dry and participate in creating a different atmosphere. Here, there are big stones which are so beautiful. The beauty is what makes this place became a favorite place for prospective brides to make photo prewedding.

The Beautiful Sun Rise in Bromo Mountain

Cold, so you'll feel when you first get out of the car. The temperature here reached 10 degrees to 0 degrees Celsius even during the night untill morning. So, you should prepare for cool clothes, kupluk hats, gloves, socks, scarves to cope. But, if you forget about the equipment, there are many sellers that offer merchandise such as hats, gloves, or scarves.

 The beautiful Sunrise view of Bromo
Regular visitors visiting this area since the early days with the aim of seeing the rising sun. To view them, you have to climb Pananjakan Mount which is the highest mountain in the region. The area which should pass to get Pananjakan Mount is a heavy field. To reach the foot of Mount of  Pananjakan, you have to go through the desert-like area that can make you get lost. We had to climb Mount of Pananjakan, narrow roads and lots of sharp turns would require a high driving skill. For that reason, many visitors who choose to rent a car Hardtop (jeep type) driven by the community. Surrounding communities come from Tengger tribe which so  friendly with the visitors.

above, there are many shops serving coffee or hot tea and a bonfire to warm our bodies while waiting for the sun. There are also stores that rent warm clothing. Watching the sunrise is an interesting event. The proof, the visitors are willing to wait since 5 o'clock in the morning facing east so as not to lose this moment. You were not always able to see this event, because if the sky is cloudy , the appearance of the sun is not seen clearly. However, when the sky is clear, you can see the roundness of the sun in the first place only as small as a match pins, slowly enlarge and eventually form a full circle and give information so that we can see mountains scenery in this area. Among others, Mount of Bromo, Mount of Batok, or Mount of Semeru is the highest mountain in Java Island.
 
Bromo crater and Ocean Sand

After  seeing the sunrise, you can go back down and headed Pananjakan to Mount of Bromo. Sunlight can make you see the scenery around. Apparently you go through the sea of sand which is for about 10 km ². Arid areas filled with sand and only a little overgrown with dried grasses. Gust of wind, making the sand fly and can be difficult for you to breathe.

To reach the foot of Mount of Bromo, you can not use the vehicle. Instead, you must hire a horse with a price of Rp 70.000, - or if you feel strong, you can choose to walk. But, it should be noted that walking is not easy, because of the scorching sun, long distance, the flying dust can make travel more difficult.

Now, you have to climb the stairs that number reached 250 stairs to see the crater of  Bromo. At the top of Bromo is 2392 m high above sea level, you can see the crater of Mount Bromo that emits smoke. You also can post your views down, and saw the sea of sand with a temple in the middle. It's really incredibly rare and unusual that we can enjoy.

Tips for Cruise Passenger pick up by tour guide

Cruise passengers are a big group of clients for tour guides in coastal cities around the world. Some tour guides targeting luxury travelers focus on cruise ships only. Cruise pick-up is similar to meeting at the airport but has its own situation. It is different from meeting clients at the hotel lobby or other venues. Here are some tips for cruise ship pick up.

Check the cruise port, especially when there are two ports at your destination city. Sometimes there will be a cruise port in city centre, while another far out by the sea for bigger ships. Check with the cruise port as well as your cruise passengers. Avoid missing your clients and wasting your effort.

Re-check the cruise stop and weather on the day. It is recommended to re-check the cruise stop on the day or one day in advance. It happens that the cruise ship changed the port of their original plan. Or they cancel the stop because of cruise itinerary changes. Sometimes, extreme weather like big fog prevents the ship from docking on time. One solution is giving your full contacts (mobile especially) to the cruise passenger. Thus, as a tour guide for pick-up, you can be notified of any sudden changes.

Confirm the cruise ship people exits. Are there several exits at one dock? Some ports are very busy that they provide several exits for passengers from different cruises. Make sure you are waiting at the right exit. Do your clients need to get outside the port to meet you? There are many ports where only big travel agents can get close to the ship. If yes, inform your clients in advance so that they know where to find you. Do hold a clear sign with the client’s name. Cruise ships are usually big with several thousand passengers.

Any experience you want to share about meeting cruise travelers?