1. What costs are not covered in the cost of the trip?

• Participants transportation to/from the JFK 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!

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.

3. What is the departure date/time/city?

• Each participant is responsible for his own transportation to/from JFK Airport in NYC.
• Arrival at JFK Airport at least four (4) hours prior to the International departure is required

  Group Flight

  JFK New York à Frankfurt, Germany
  DATE: Thursday, May 31st, 2007
  Departure Time: 6:05 pm
  FROM: New York City, JFK International Airport
  Airline: Lufthansa
  Flight Number: 407
  Arrival Time: 8:15 am

  Frankfurt, Germany à Tel Aviv, Israel
  DATE: Friday, June 1st, 2007
  Departure Time: 9:55 am
  FROM: Frankfurt International Airport
  Airline: Lufthansa
  Flight Number: 686
  Arrival Time: 2:40 pm

4. What is the return date/time/city?

Sofia, Bulgaria à Munich, Germany
DATE: Monday, June 13th, 2007
Departure Time: 1:10 pm
FROM: Sofia International Airport
Airline: Lufthansa
Flight Number: 3435
Arrival Time: 2:10 pm

Munich, Germany à New York City, JFK International Airport
DATE: Monday, June 13th, 2007
Departure Time: 3:05 pm
FROM: Munich International Airport
Airline: Lufthansa
Flight Number: 410
Arrival Time: 6:10 pm

***SOME PARTICIPANTS MAY FIND IT NECESSARY TO TAKE PRE- OR POST- DAYS OFF FROM WORK TO MAKE THE AIRLINE CONNECTIONS. THAT IS UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT.

5. What are the entry/departure requirements into and out of Israel/Bulgaria/Turkey?

• VISA: No visas are required for a stay of up to 30 days in Israel and Bulgaria. 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 Israel/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 15th 2007.
• Your passport must be on your person (not in a purse or fanny pack) unless otherwise directed.

6. WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN Israel/Bulgaria/Turkey IN JUNE?

Typically it is very warm and humid, with lots of rain 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!

Israel- Average High- 97 Average Low 55 degrees
Bulgaria- Average High- 74 Average Low 54 degrees
Turkey- Average High- 79 Average Low 61 degrees

7. 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 17 (Seventeen) 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.

8. 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
• Please keep in mind that all gifts must be brought in your personal luggage since you are only allowed to bring one (1) checked in bag.

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, 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.

Please, please, please understand that space will be very limited and we are traveling to a new hotel nearly every day, so PACK LIGHT!!!!

9. MUST I BE A US 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

10. 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 Tel Aviv AND MEET UP WITH THE GROUP THERE (and depart with the group from Sofia).
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.

11. IF I ONLY SPEAK ENGLISH, CAN I PARTICIPATE?
YES, THERE WILL BE translators FOR THE GROUP, HOWEVER, EACH PARTICIPANT WILL NOT HAVE HIS OWN translator.

12. 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 WalMart 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 WalMart 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 from New York, 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.

13. 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 most cities we will be in.

ALSO, DO NOT BRING AN ATTITUDE THAT YOU ARE TRAVELING ALONE, AND YOUR ACTIONS DO NOT INVOLVE ANYONE ELSE. YOU ARE TRAVELING AS A MEMBER OF
A GROUP, AND AS SUCH, YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO BE ON TIME, EVERY TIME!!!!, AS THERE WILL BE A SCHEDULE TO KEEP.

ALSO, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR UNCOOPERATIVE ATTITUDES AT HOME! BECAUSE THERE WILL BE SUCH A LARGE GROUP, BE ESPECIALLY MINDFUL THAT OTHERS DO NOT ALWAYS DO THINGS THE WAY YOU WANT.

ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THE REASON FOR BEING THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. WE ARE GOING TO SERVE, AND SERVING IS NOT ALWAYS CONVENIENT, EASY, CLEAN AND NEAT, OR DOING THINGS YOUR WAY!!!

14. 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!

15. HOW WILL I GET IN TOUCH WITH MY FAMILY TO LET THEM KNOW THAT I’VE ARRIVED SAFELY?
Most likely there will be internet access at the hotel in Israel, or internet cafes that you can
email your friends and family back home.


16. HOW DO I EXCHANGE CURRENCY?

When we arrive into each country, we will set aside time for the group to go exchange money.

17. WHAT IS THE CURRENCY OF Israel?
ISRAEL USES THE ISRAELI SHEKEL. THE EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATES DAILY.
Currently the exchange rate is : $ 1US = 4.19142 shekel

18. 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. )

As of this writing, the exchange rate is: $1US = 1.4661 BGN (Leva)

19. 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 = 1,316,500.00 TRL (Turkish Lira)

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.