1. WHAT COSTS ARE NOT COVERED IN THE COST OF THE TRIP?

• Participants transportation to/from the Washington D.C., Dulles International Airport
• Optional side trips/tours/excursions
• Additional meals and snacks (most meals are included in the package price of the trip)
• Additional transportation (if you choose, in your “free time”, public cabs/trams are available and inexpensive) NEVER GO OFF ALONE, ALWAYS HAVE A BUDDY!
  

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2. WHAT ARE THE DRESS CODES?

• As it will be summer there, modest summer attire is acceptable, and for worship services, appropriate casual “church” attire (no suits or ties required)
• For the Gypsy neighborhoods, tennis shoes or any closed toe shoes are encouraged. The neighborhoods are very dirty and often have raw open sewage running in the streets. Although flip-flops are comfortable, they are not the most appropriate for the neighborhoods. (wear them around the hotel)
• Since Turkey is a Muslim nation, we suggest that women don’t wear tank tops or short shorts while in Turkey.

 

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4. WHAT ARE THE ENTRY/DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS INTO AND OUT OF Romania/Bularia/Turkey?

• VISA: No visas are required for a stay of up to 30 days in Bulgaria and Romania. A visa is required to enter Turkey. The cost of the visa is included in the package price. Visa arrangements will be made at the Turkish border in route to Istanbul.
• Non-US Participants may need visas to enter one or all of the three countries Romania/Bulgaria/Turkey. Please check with your corresponding Consulate or Embassy for visa requirements.
• PASSPORT: Must be valid at least six (6) months beyond the return date from Turkey. For example, passport must be valid until December 12th 2006.
• Your passport must be on your person (not in a purse or fanny pack) unless otherwise directed.

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5. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN Romania/Bulgaria/Turkey IN June?

WEATHER INFORMATION for the region MAY BE FOUND ON THE INTERNET AT http://www.theweathernetwork.com/

Typically it is very warm and humid that time of the year. Sun-block and hats are always a good idea. The last few years the Lord has really blessed us with warm dry days, protective cloud coverage and plenty of refreshing breezes, so we just ask again that he bless us this year with more of the same! ~ Thank you Lord!

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6. WHAT IS THE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE?

As there is restricted space for luggage on the bus and planes, each participant will be allowed one (1) checked bag. The bag is not to exceed fifty (50) pounds and 62" (l+w+h). One carry-on bag is allowed, not exceeding seventeen (17) pounds and 45" (l+w+h), Also one personal item such as a small purse or brief case is allowed in addition to your carry-on. Please be sure to follow the weight/size guidelines. You will be responsible to pay any additional weight charges.

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7. Can I bring gifts to the Gypsies?

It’s a wonderful blessing to be able to give to the poor. If you have a heart to bless the Gypsies with gifts, here are a few suggestions:

• New Winter Clothes for Adults and Children (if bringing used items, make sure they are in good clean condition please!)
• Tooth Brushes and Toothpaste (ask your dentist to make a donation!)
• Toys
• Shoes
• Jewelry for the little girls
• Temporary Tattoos for the little boys

Any toys you would like to bring for the children will be given to the local churches and distributed after we leave. This arrangement has been instituted for the SAFETY and well being of both mission participants and children. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you follow these instructions, and save the toy distribution for the local churches

Upon arrival in Sofia, instructions will be given concerning these extra items brought for blessings/gifts.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING CANDY!!! This is a MUST. We have learned the hard way that candy in NOT a good idea. We have encountered *** stampedes*** of children when candy is passed out…so instead of candy bring them a toothbrush!
:o)

GEORGIAN HAS REQUESTED THAT EACH PARTICIPANT ALSO BRING CELEBRATORY ITEMS (TAMBOURINES, RIBBON STREAMERS, FLAGS, BANNERS, WHISTLES, NOISE MAKERS, ETC.) TO BE LEFT WITH THE GYPSIES.

IF YOU ARE A MUSICIAN, YOUR INSTRUMENT MAY BE CHECKED WITH THE AIRLINE AS A SECOND PIECE OF LUGGAGE, BUT BE SURE THE CONTAINER/CASE IS STURDY, AS LUGGAGE HANDLERS ARE NOT KNOWN FOR GENTLENESS

***Special Request! We have been asked by the Bulgarian pastors to bring white plastic tables cloths to Kazanlak for the large Gypsy feast. We can fulfill this request if everyone brings 2 table cloths. If you would like to help, please visit your local WalMart or a dollar store and purchase 2 white plastic table cloths. Thanks so much for being willing to participate!***
Please, please, please understand that space will be very limited and we are traveling to a new hotel nearly every day, so PACK LIGHT!!!!

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8. MUST I be a citizen to participate

No, citizens from other countries are encouraged to participate. However, if you are not a US citizen, you will need to check with your travel agent when purchasing your ticket for entry/Departure guidlines.

THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE MAY BE HELPFUL AS WELL: WWW.G3VISAS.COM

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9. MUST I LIVE IN THE US TO PARTICIPATE?

NO, HOWEVER, IF A PARTICIPANT IS NOT TRAVELING FROM within THE US WITH THE GROUP, HE MUST MAKE HIS OWN TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS TO Bucharest AND MEET UP WITH THE GROUP THERE (and depart with the group from Istanbul).

THE PRICE FOR THOSE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE A LAND ONLY PRICE, WHICH WILL BE CALCULATED AFTER THE INITIAL DEPOSIT IS MADE. WHEN MAKING YOUR INITIAL DEPOSIT TO PLEASE INDICATE THAT YOU WILL BE TRAVELING FROM OUTSIDE THE US, AND REQUEST THE LAND PACKAGE PRICE.

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10. IF I ONLY SPEAK ENGLISH, CAN I PARTICIPATE?

YES, AS THERE WILL BE translators FOR THE GROUP, HOWEVER, EACH PARTICIPANT WILL NOT HAVE HIS OWN translator.

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11. WHAT TYPE OF ITEMS ARE NECESSARY TO BRING FOR THIS TRIP?

• EACH PARTICIPANT WILL NEED HIS OWN TOILETRIES AND CLOTHES.
• COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES WILL BE A NECESSITY.
• EACH ONE MAY WANT TO BRING HIS OWN ROLL (S) OF TOILET PAPER FOR USE, ESPECIALLY IN THE MORE RURAL AREAS. (Charmin now makes a nice portable travel roll available at Wal-Mart in the paper products section)
• If you are bringing any sort of electrical devices, it is necessary to convert the electricity with an adaptor/transformer pack as the electrical current IS 220. Most hotel rooms provide hair dyers and irons are available upon request. If you need to buy an adaptor/transformer pack, you can find them at Wal-Mart or a luggage store.
• ALSO, BRING SOME PACKAGES OF ANTIBACTERIAL HAND WIPES and/or Antibacterial Gel TO CARRY WITH YOU DURING THE DAY TO CLEAN YOUR HANDS AS NECESSARY.
• HAND LAUNDRY CAN BE DONE, BUT DO NOT ANTICIPATE REGULAR LAUNDRY/DRY CLEANING FACILITIES AT ALL LOCATIONS.
• EAR PLUGS AND EYE MASKS ARE A GOOD IDEA FOR ATTEMPTING TO SLEEP ON THE PLANE OR FOR AFTERNOON NAPS.
• MELATONIN OR TYLENOL PM ARE A GOOD IDEA TO BRING TO HELP ADJUST TO THE NEW TIME ZONE. EASTERN EUROPE IS 7 HOURS DIFFERENCE, SO YOU MAY NEED HELP GETTING TO SLEEP THE FIRST NIGHT OR TWO.
• PEPTOL BISMAL and IMMODIUM are also a good idea to bring, especially if you have any problems adjusting to new foods.
• It is also a good idea to pack a full change of clothes with you in your carry-on in case your luggage is delayed or lost on the international flight.

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12. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I SHOULD NOT BRING?

Personal laptops are not needed on this trip. We travel at a very fast pace, and there wont be a lot of time to use them, plus there are internet cafés in some cities we will be in.

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13. ARE THERE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES OF WHICH I SHOULD BE AWARE SO AS NOT OF OFFEND ANYONE?

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT MODESTY IN DRESS IS ESSENTIAL!!!

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14. How will I get in touch with my family to let them know that I've arrived safely?

We know that many of you will want to let your loved ones back at home know that you have arrived safely. Our web host and photographer Niki Crosby has set up a Bulgaria/Romania/Turkey 2006 website that will be updated daily with pictures and journal accounts of each city we journey to. Your friends and family can visit the website, track our progress, see our faces, hear about the miracles, and most importantly pray for our journey.
You will be emailed that link as we get closer to our departure date.

Niki will also send out an email upon arrival letting your friends and family know that we have arrived safely. If you would like to have someone contacted via email from Niki, please send me the email address of a friend or family member at yana@riverlution.net

When we arrive into Bucharest we will hit the ground running. After loading the bus we will make a furious departure from the airport to the Gypsy village, where we will have a feast before sun down. From there we will check-in to the hotel and have an early dinner. The next morning we will have an orientation breakfast, and then we will depart for Bulgaria. Once we have arrived into Bulgaria we will find an opportunity to locate an Internet café and buy international phone cards to call back home.

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15. How do I exchange currency?

When we arrive into Bulgaria and Turkey, we will set aside time for the group to go exchange money.

 

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16. WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF Bulgaria?

BULGARIA USES THE BULGARIAN LEVA. THE EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATES DAILY. (AS A SIDE NOTE, I USUALLY GET $50-$75 IN THE LOCAL CURRENCY FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS BEFORE DEPARTURE FROM MY HOME CITY. However, in years past, they were unable to acquire any Leva)

As of this writing, the exchange rate is: $1US = 1.64 BGN (Leva)

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17. WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF Turkey?

The currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira. As with Bulgaria, the exchange rate fluctuates daily.

As of this writing, the exchange rate is: $1US = 1.33 TRL (Turkish Lira)

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18. ARE CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELER’S CHECKS READILY ACCEPTED IN Bulgaria/Turkey?

NO. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU ANTICIPATE USING CASH
*** ONLY!! *** US DOLLARS BROUGHT FOR EXCHANGE SHOULD BE “CLEAN” CURRENCY. BILLS SHOULD HAVE NO MARKINGS, WRITING, INK, RED STAMPS, ETC. ON THEM. YOU MAY REQUEST FROM YOUR BANK, NEW, CLEAN, UNMARKED CURRENCY.

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19. SHOULD I BRING MY CAMERA/VIDEO CAMERA?

YES, DEFINITELY. HOWEVER, PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE COMMON COURTESIES REQUIRED WHEN PHOTOGRAPHING/FILMING THOSE OF OTHER CULTURES.

Tip from niki crosby trip photographer:

This trip is a fantastic photo opportunity! If you are a returning member, I have found that it is a very special gift to present the Gypsies with any photos you've taken of them the previous year.

I would suggest digital cameras over film, as the X-ray machines at the airports, both in checked and carry on luggage, damage film, no matter what the security guards tell you.

In the past I have been able to talk security into swiping my film, as opposed to scanning, but it does take some extra time and may result in missing a flight if we have a short layover, so it's not the most fool-proof solution.

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20. ONCE MY NAME IS ON AN AIRLINE TICKET, WHAT CHANGES MAY BE ALLOWED?

NONE!!! WHEN YOU ARE TICKETED, THAT TICKET BELONGS TO YOU.
THESE TICKETS ARE ONLY GOOD FOR THE FLIGHTS BOOKED. THEY HAVE NO CASH VALUE OR VALUE FOR FUTURE TRAVEL. AIRLINE POLICIES APPLY.

All participants will be "ticketed" on the final payment due date.

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