Testimonials
About Shared Inquiry...
It’s a leisurely and stimulating experience, in the company of readers as varied as Chaucer’s Canterbury pilgrims. It’s an intellectual voyage with the classic, itself, at the helm.
Mary Bird, Toronto, ON
Toronto Pursuits: Summer 1999
I discovered that most participants had, like me, been a bit intimidated reading the book alone before our week together. But what was amazing and so rewarding was that we, the participants, discovered the work as a group.
Glenys Stollstorff, Toronto, ON
Toronto Pursuits: Summer 2000
The leader’s role is to gently guide the discussion so that it stays on track. So, in a small group, you can actively participate in exploring the ideas, from your own point of view, without secondary sources or prior information. And you meet people from diverse backgrounds and interests, yet find your common ground in the ideas before you. What fun! For one week you and your group are immersed in someone else's head! It is intense and exhilarating. Usually the dialogue continues into lunch, and when you mix with others who are exploring other writers, you find a crossover of ideas.
Bobbi Speck, Toronto, ON
Toronto Pursuits: Summer 2001
I was impressed with the contributions of everyone in the class – most of all, with the respect for others and the attention given to all points of view. I guess that’s what “shared inquiry” is all about.
Dorothy Mikalachki, London, ON
Toronto Pursuits: Summer 2003
This experience helped me realize that looking at [art] is much more meaningful when I can discuss and interact with others.
Louise Rodemann, Palos Heights, IL
Toronto Pursuits: Summer 2004
“Why does Hemingway open the book with the story of Robert Cohn?” he asks, and away we go, unpeeling layer after layer of the story that we had never even noticed when we had each read the novel on our own.
Beverly Biderman, Toronto, ON
They Came to Paris, 2003
Refreshing to be in the company of intelligent companions with enquiring minds and no shortage of opinions.
Bobbi Speck, Toronto, ON
They Came To Paris, 2004
About Balance...
The extra-curricular activities were as good as the base program and Toronto in summer is a delightful setting for inquiring minds to meet.
Dick Davies, Albert Lee, MN
Toronto Pursuits: Summer 2001
What distinguishes these trips is a combination of sightseeing and the study of a text related to the destination. Sightseeing is divided between organized touring and free time. The textual study is a combination of lecture and group discussion. While the itinerary includes stops in several towns, sufficient time is devoted to two or three to allow for a more nuanced experience of a given place. Having a native speaker along on the trip, with knowledge of the area visited, is a much appreciated resource.
Tom and Alina Schweitzer, Toronto, ON
Classical Pursuits Goes to Medieval Italy, 2002
This is truly the best vacation I have had. It combined structure and free time; lively discussion and relaxation; great group of people and time alone, in an excellent balance. I would definitely do a Classical Pursuits holiday again.
Barbara Peloso, Elora ON
Toronto Pursuits: Summer, 2003
I loved the division of time into serious study in the mornings and free time to wander and explore in the afternoons.
Martha Wall, Toronto ON
They Came to Paris, 2003
About the Experience...
I especially enjoyed the afternoon and the evening we spent at Villa Bencista in Fiesole; it was lovely and restful to sit on the terrace and view the Tuscan countryside. The room for the discussion of Machiavelli’s The Prince as lovely, and the opportunity to view the olive harvest was a special treat.
Laura Lathrop, Elbert, CO
Art and Life in Renaissance Florence, 2011.
This trip was a lovely experience, which was largely informed by [Ann Kirkland’s] graciousness, meticulous planning, civilized taste level and humor. I knew I was off to an excellent start when I received the book (sparing me not having to run out and find it made me like you immediately) and wonderful prep materials (both on Flannery[O’Connor] and Savannah, including the map). Right away you established yourself as an organized, professional and intelligent being. So I felt I would be in good hands. So important when you are travelling with total strangers.
Catherine Bigwood, New York, NY
Mystery and Manners in Flannery O’Connor’s Savannah, 2008.
I just wanted to send you this note to thank you for organizing such a wonderful, stimulating, and comfortable trip to Mexico last month. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I normally avoid organized trips because they're too regimented, but yours (and this was my 3rd) are always so unregimented in the sense that you take superb advantage of events as they unfold. Like having our sensitive and articulate guide, Braulio to sit in on one of the discussions, and quietly give us his thoughts about the literature and how it reflected his day-to-day life as a Mexican. Like inviting Beatriz, the Mexican woman who had lived in California to join us for lunch and talk about her life (her frankness was amazing). And then the good fortune to have not only a fabulous author as a discussion leader, but also have her married to a knowledgeable and personable birder! Andrew has changed my thinking about birding forever, and I'll always remember hunting the birds in the jungle-like environs of Chichen Itza.
Thank you also for your understanding about my hearing loss, and for helping me to understand all the discussions. Much appreciated! You personally set the tone for the group interactions through your graciousness, and I find people on Classical Pursuits trips tend to follow suit, and be very accommodating.
When I read descriptions of other trips that I might go on, they are jam packed with experiences, but they are experiences of "looking at" things. I really appreciate the opportunity that your trips give to go beneath the surface, and really understand the culture and people of the country we are in, through literature, through conversation, through taking advantage of joyful serendipity.
Keep up the great work. I look forward to many more trips with Classical Pursuits!
Cheers,
Bev.
The Labyrinth of Solitude – Mexico, 2006
I could comment on the creative comforts – Paris is full of them. But the ideas are what I’ll take with me and upon which I’ll focus future readings and art-related activities. ... in closing, I say I’m taking riches, and I’m grateful to Classical Pursuits for this.
Edwin R. McCullough, Chicago, IL
They Came to Paris, 2003
It was a week full of stimulating discussions, enriching ideas and fascinating people – an experience I hope to repeat.
Mary Louise Abrams, Hackensack, NJ
Toronto Pursuits: Summer 2003
I like to call the program “Summer Camp for Adults, Only Better.” It’s a week to expand your mind and horizons in an interesting city, with interesting people.
Jeff Grossman, Santa Monica CA
Toronto Pursuits: Summer, 2003
Thank you so much for organizing our Italy trip of a lifetime. There was little room for improvement.
Dick Davies, Albert Lee MN
Classical Pursuits Goes to Medieval Italy, 2002
This trip has been a joy... excellent design, fine accommodations and good food.
Sonya Calabrese, Philadelphia, PA
To Hell and Back with Dante, 2003
We had access to facilities and events that we would not have had traveling on our own, and I spent two weeks with some of the most intelligent and intellectually stimulating people I’ve ever met.
Lizabeth Wodja, Chicago, IL
Classical Pursuits Goes to Medieval Italy, 2003
About the Leaders...
I was afraid to travel, especially solo. This was easy and fun and I’ve learned so much. The leaders were outstanding. “Easy” books to read initially but very rich discussion, i.e., I didn’t have to do a huge amount of preparation.
Tish Kilpatrick, Washington, D.C.
They Came to Paris, 2003
Discussions at cafés, especially the elegant ones [were the best]. All the walks were wonderful and helped me become familiar with Paris. The hotel was perfect – good service and great location for our purpose. Group discussion leaders were all five star.
Dick Davies, Albert Lee, MN
They Came to Paris, 2003
The concept and literature selected and discussion leaders were wonderful. Where I thought, originally, that a reading was not so appropriate, I changed my mind quickly. The hotel was very good, especially the location.
Arlene Shykind, Silver Spring, MD
They Came to Paris, 2003
