"Dr. John Freedman was the best shipboard lecturer we have ever had the privilege to listen to." - Douglas A Silver Shadow South China Sea cruise (Venetian Society- 47 cruises)
"We have enjoyed your lectures beyond words - Thank you for adding to the pleasure of our trip!!" - Sherri & Jerry Hodenfield Silver Shadow - Singapore-Hong Kong
"Re John Freedman, Special Guest Lecturer: You couldn't have chosen a better speaker - and such an expert on our ports and their history. No wonder he packed the theater!" -Linda Benatar
Dear John, You are the best! - and I am so thankful for all you did during the voyages. Your lectures were perfect for our itineraries and attracted record numbers to the lounge. Please know I appreciated everything you did!! Sincerely, Dottie Kulasa Cruise Director, Oceania Nautica
"You did a great job crystallizing an enormous amount of information into a relevant and captivating presentation!"
-Susannah Dameron
World Leaders Travel Symposia
Dear Dr. Freedman, We are a group of Houstonians greatly enjoying our cruise of southeast Asia on the Nautica and among the highlights has certainly been your very stimulating lectures. Our discussions have all been greatly enhanced by the information we received in your lectures. Thank you very much, John Cater Houston, TX
"I truly enjoyed your lectures. I was born in Hong Kong but have been living in Canada since 1969. Your talks helped me to learn so much more about China, Hong Kong, and the surrounding countries. Thank you." - Sally Lee Vancouver B.C
National Geographic Asia Studies Expert Dr. John Freedman gave an erudite introduction to the ancient Khmer Empire, reminding us of the glories of the great civilization that climaxed in the 12th century. John highlighted the achievements of four Khmer "god-Kings" who spanned six centuries of Khmer domination in Southeast Asia. He went on to describe the equally dramatic fall of Angkor." - D. Gordon Longmuir Former Canadian Ambassador to Cambodia Lindblad Expeditions Cultural Specialist
You are an inspiring teacher!
We have greatly enjoyed your presentations- we feel very fortunate that we were on this cruise with someone so knowledgeable as you. - Terry & Brenda Young Victoria, BC Canada
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"We just wanted to let you now that your excellent presentations have been a real highlight of our cruise from Bangkok to Whittier, Alaska. We feel very fortunate to have been on this particular voyage with you as the featured "Scholarship-at-Sea" lecturer. Our knowledge and understanding have been greatly enriched!"
-Donna & Ken Bucholz
Duncan, British Columbia
Thank you for your wonderful and informative
lectures during our cruise!
Tim W
We gave attended to all your
seminars and enjoyed them a lot. They have made our cruise much more
interesting. Many thanks.
YT
We have enjoyed and learned
so much from your lectures. - Thanks!
Lainie J
I have very much enjoyed your lectures which
provide a fascinating insight into Asian history. Thank you!
Stacey Z
My
husband and I have been on the SS Voyager since Singapore and we have enjoyed
your lectures immensely.
Gratefully,
Mercedes
A
" John & Tina, Thanks for a creative, caring and ultra-professional job. We are very grateful for the exceptional leadership you both provided." -Herman and Mary Kay Knieriem Pittsboro, NC Smithsonian Journeys
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"John - I thought your presentations were terrific - and a model of what effective presentations should be like. Thank you. - George Vogt
Thank you for your remarkably sophisticated yet supremely entertaining presentations. This is certainly the finest offering we have seen - and we have been on many 5-star educational trips. You have truly met your goal of "providing rich context" - and we thank you. Sincerely, Hilary S
Wonderful series of lectures from Singapore to Abu Dhabi - most appreciated! Richard Parker
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" You really enriched my cruise. You
are one of the best lecturers I have ever had the pleasure of listening to (only one other gives you competition) - and I have been on over 45 cruises!"
-Neil O'Leary
Vancouver, B.C.
" It was really wonderful traveling with you. You have a deft touch with people and it brings out the best in them. "
-Norm Robinson, PhD
Organization Representative,
Stanford Alumni Association
" Hi John, We are attempting to force our way through jet lag and everything seems hazy these last few days - one thing that is not hazy is how much we enjoyed your lectures and how they enriched our trip! Thank you and best regards, Phyllis Conway Silver Shadow - Hong Kong-Tokyo
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Thank you for your remarkably sophisticated yet supremely entertaining presentations. This is certainly the finest offering we have seen - and we have been on many 5-star educational trips. You have truly met your goal of "providing rich context" - and we thank you. Sincerely, Hilary S
" Deb and I thoroughly enjoyed your informative, well thought-out, and very well-prepared lectures. We've never had better talks in all our cruising. The fact that you made time to chat personally with passengers in the atrium after lectures was a first for us, and you were so cordial to everyone. Thank you once again for a wonderful cruise experience."
-Ed & Deb St. John
Grass Valley, CA
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Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I have enjoyed your lectures immensely.Mary Delouvrier
Your
lectures were the highlight of this cruise.
I
am copying our dear friends back home in Richmond, in the hope
of enticing them to join us on a future trip with you. Thank you again.
Anne-Marie
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I am really enjoying your lectures! Asia was the great unknown for me but I now
look at the colorful gods and goddesses with new respect and a touch of
knowledge, thanks to your lectures both about Hinduism and Buddhism. Thank you
again and I look forward to more fascinating lectures.
Maxine O
LOVING your lectures!
Thanks,
Julie S
Thank you for your GREAT series of lectures! They were incredibly useful putting matters into
perspective before we arrived at each port.
Paul C
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Thank you for all your wisdom, intellectual stimulation, and passion for what you do. I studied Buddhism in a 500-hour training program and I don't remember my understanding ever being so clear! Thank you - I am most grateful. Sincerely, Lenore Fusano
"John was very, very good at all times."
-Larry & Judy Godrey Abilene, TX MIT Alumni Association
"The
trip was wonderfully managed by the superbly organized and generous John Freedman."
-Michael Miller, Bethesda, MD Stanford Alumni Association
Thank you for all your wisdom, intellectual stimulation, and passion for what you do. I studied Buddhism for a 500-hour training program and my understanding was never this clear! - Thank you - I am most grateful. Sincerely, Lenore Fusano Thank you for all your wisdom, intellectual stimulation, and passion for what you do. I studied Buddhism for a 500-hour training program and my understanding was never this clear! - Thank you - I am most grateful. Sincerely, Lenore Fusano
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"Overall I'd rate this trip an A+ with thanks due in large measure to Dr. John Freedman."
-Gary Schaer, MD
Chicago, IL
"Thanks again for making the trip so much more interesting with all your lectures!"
-Bill & Erica Sarouhan
Truckee, CA
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"As you know, all the ports were incredible, John Freedman's lectures so enlightening, and the group was so delightful. A great big THANK YOU!!" - Estelle & Scott Hartman (on Cruise Critic message board) Agoura Hills, CA
" We have enjoyed all your lectures so much.
Thank you and I hope we will see you on another cruise!
Jane H
Your lectures are OUTSTANDING - so approachable for people who don’t have much background, and so enriching
for those who do.
Thanks so much,
Sandy T
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" John Freedman was an exceptional talent."
-James Lare, Coronado, CA
National Trust Tours
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"Tina & John, Thank you both for all of your work which made the trip seamless and very enjoyable for all of our passengers."
-Susan Ritterpusch, Washington DC Smithsonian Journeys, Organizational Host
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We have so much enjoyed your lecture series and thank you so much for your many interesting presentations. They have certainly helped us understand the history, geography and politics of the area. We also like the input from your medical background. Thanks you so much, Marilyn and Bob B
"John, Many thanks for all your hard work in East Asia. You and Tina were absolutely wonderful. I truly appreciate all that you did to make the trip a success."-Deborah Costa, Palo Alto CA Associate Manager, Stanford Travel/Study
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"Tina and John worked well together. Both made this trip the best ever. This was an outstanding expedition. John and Tina are to be commended. They were both great! "
-Michael Kappa, Cleves, OH
National geographic Expeditions
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Dear John,
We will always treasure the
wonderfully informative and humorous lectures which of course were most helpful
in aiding us in a better understanding of that most interesting part of the
world.
Most sincerely,
Ruth & Gerry Stober
Your knowledge and passion shine through and I am grateful to you for sharing it all with us!
Dianne Wallace
"Thanks John. Evaluations have been very positive and we truly appreciate your professionalism."
-James V. Bullard, Director
National Geographic Travel Services
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"John Freedman did a great job.-Professor Peter Duus, Stanford CA Stanford Alumni Association Study Leader
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A big thank you for your wonderful lectures - insightful, thought-provoking, informative and fun. You packed so much in! You really added a great deal to our understanding of the Asian destinations we enjoyed together. Paul & Barbara Priestly
" We were fortunate to have an extremely capable leader in Dr. John Freedman."
-Kay Stodd RN U.S. Exchanges
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"John was first class in every way!" -John Latona Laredo, TX National Geographic Expeditions
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"Once again, many thanks for your inspirational leadership!"
-Dee & Bob Topol, Mamaroneck, NY American Museum of Natural History Discovery Tours
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"John Freedman's lectures were a great addition to the cruise!"
- Robert Czepiel
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"It was so great to meet you and Tina, and we really enjoyed all of your lectures."
-Joan & Chris Chandler
Los Angeles, CA
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Dear John,Many thanks for being such a wonderful guide to the fascinating worlds of Vietnam and Cambodia. We lucked out to get a leader so knowledgeable and fun! -Dean Lizabeth Cohen Radcliffe Institute of Advanced Study
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Thanks for an unforgettable adventure. looking forward to many more with you!-Richard Perlman & Ellen Hanson
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I have been fascinated by your lectures on Asia over the last two cruise segments. Thanks for adding immeasurably to my appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of the wonderful ports we have visited!
Best, Jim Cleary
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"5 stars for John- He was fabulous - very knowledgeable about Vietnam and Cambodia. We loved him!! "
-Phil & Naomi McGinn, Napa, CA
National Geographic Expeditions
Hello John,
Thanks so much for the informative lectures! Very enjoyable too! I would like to compliment you on your style of presentation. You created order out of very complex material, and I found each lecture quite fascinating and learned so much.
Many thanks and kind regards,
-Karel Tepper
Victoria, Australia
"Thanks to THE BEST LECTURER WE'VE EVER HAD ON ANY TRIP - the most remarkably knowledgeable and articulate Dr. John Freedman. The country's history came to life."
-Monique Bondeux's Travel Blog
Brazilian Adventure
"Thank you for making our cruise so much more interesting because of your lectures. You were the highlight!
-Geni Tse South China Sea Explorer
"My husband and I had the extreme pleasure of taking advantage of all yor lectures while we cruised from Hong Kong to Beijing. We can't recall ever having a better speaker and we plan to tell everyone how much your lectures, photos, and reading/viewing suggestions added to our experience. Looking forward to another cruise with you someday!
Sincerely,
Susan & Oljn Repic
John,
Your seminars were WONDERFUL!!
Thank you,
-Danette
KUDOS to Dr. John Freedman for his destination lectures. Don't miss these important events held throughout the cruise.
-Marty Trencher
Grand Asia Cruise
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"The one thing that made this trip SPECIAL was the extra information and enthusiasm provided by John Freedman!! From the Tokyo fish market to info on sushi, sake tasting, or Japan's medical health care system, he made the trip that much more interesting and informative." - David Beeman, Amelia Island, FL
Stanford Alumni Association
"The energy and excitement at your Cuba lecture was infectious. You really hit the jackpot. That has to be one of the very finest programs we have ever had. Many thanks for your hard work- much appreciated." - Robert Kirk , President
World Affairs Council
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John,
Thank you for all the great lectures
on Silversea. You were a highlight of the trip.
I'm sure you are in high demand,
and we would love to know about other trips
where you are featured.
Thanks again and best regards,
-Christine
Strandquist & Bruce Artwick
Dr. Freedman has the most attendance at his lectures and he always receives extraordinary feedback. He received many comments about his excellence. Guests' comments mentioned "More Dr. Freedman!"- that alone says it all. A real gem. No technical issues. He will be highly missed, as he is one of the best lecturers I have ever encountered. -Evaluation by Cruise Director, 2022
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"Dr. Freedman, I wish to thank you very sincerely for your wonderful and captivating presentation. The group went home absolutely astonished and very grateful for all you gave them. You easily rank number one among the many speakers." -Antonia Killian Santa Rosa, CA
"Well prepared and a consummate professional who shared his knowledge and passion with others. Great to work with. " -Gordon Marsh World Leaders Travel Director of International Programs
" My wife and I have traveled on at least a dozen foreign tours and have not seen John's equal for competence, intelligence, and responsibility. He was always there with wisdom and graciousness." -John T. Boyer, MD, Tucson, AZ American Museum of Natural History Discovery Tours
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" John Freedman was knowledgeable and articulate, patient, and able to pull together the many strands of varied knowledge of the group. You could not have made a better choice."
-Bernice Carton, New York, NY
American Museum of Natural History Discovery Tours
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" We thoroughly your enjoyed your lectures on the Mayans!
Many thanks, Kevin & Nancy Corrigan
“Barry and I
would like to thank you. You are such a positive, upbeat person - the perfect temperament
for a leader.”
Brenda
Altschul, Framingham, MA MIT Alumni
Association " Barry and I would like to thank you for all your help and guidance during the two weeks we spent together. You are such a positive, upbeat person- the perfect temperament for a leader ! " -Brenda Altschul, Framingham, MA MIT Alumni Association " Barry and I would like to thank you for all your help and guidance during the two weeks we spent together. You are such a positive, upbeat person- the perfect temperament for a leader ! " -Brenda Altschul, Framingham, MA MIT Alumni Association
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" Many thanks for your most enthusiastic spirit about Japan and all things Japanese, especially its exotic foods and sake. Your excellent leadership and fun spirit added great enjoyment to our trip."
-Pat and Phil Jelley, Oakland, CA
Smithsonian Journeys
Your talks are wonderful and enlightening! Thank you, Judy Barker
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"Steve
and I wanted to thank you for a wonderful adventure. We wanted to tell you how
much we appreciate all the effort you put into the trip. The trip was
successful because of you."
-Rebecca Lalonde, RN Santa Rosa,
CA
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"I
want to pay special tribute to John Freedman. It was a wonderful trip and he helped make it so."
-Janet Cover Frederick, MD National Trust for Historic Preservation
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Thanks again to you and Tina for everything- The trip was awesome- I enjoyed every minute of it - and it would not have been possible without your and Tina's hard work, conscientiousness, good humor, and love of Japan."
-Julie Davidson, New York, NY Assistant Director of Operations American Museum of Natural History Discovery Tours
I want to thank you for your interesting lectures and
personal attention. These were highlights of the adventure. I so
much relate to your mantra that travel, history and exposure to other cultures
enrich life experiences and open so many doors to understanding. Thanks again ... Scott J
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"Don and I enjoyed your knowledge, experience, wit, and willingness to share on our recent Silver Shadow cruise, and we came away truly enriched by the experience! Grateful thanks and best regards, Jean & Don Twiner
"Your lectures were definitely 'value added' - and I want to thank you personally for making the cruise even better."
- Michael Stowell
"This cruise was
materially and substantively enhanced by your presence, and I hope our paths
cross again."
-Henry F Regent Seven Seas Voyager Singapore-to-Beijing
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"Thank you for your EXCELLENT lectures. We enjoyed them immensely. With kind regards, Kate & Robin
"John kept it all on track."
-Peter Boyne, Springfield, MA
Smithsonian Journeys
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your leadership and your efforts in making the trip run so very smoothly. Your willingness and patience to accommodate the diverse professional and personal interests of the delegation participants were simply remarkable." -Gopal Krishna, MD Indianapolis, IN
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"John, We were very much impressed with your extensive knowledge of Japan, your enthusiasm, and your sense of humor. Many tour members made the same observations to us about your contribution. We hope to cross paths with you again."
-Professor David Young
National Trust for Historic Preservation
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" John, I heard great things about your Vietnam program - thank you for being such an effective and charismatic leader!"
-Leslie Rose, Director of Tour Managers
High Country Passage Educational Tours
San Francisco, CA
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Dear John,
Bravo! Your lectures have each been a
tour de force and so much appreciated - Thank you!
Safe travels and happy cruising to
you and Tina from Charles and me.
All best,
Alison Skene
"I just want to thank you for your wonderful leadership of the Smithsonian trip to Japan. Your good humor, tact, and flexibility added immeasurably to the experience of a culture so different."
-Sharon Small, Kennett Suare, PA Smithsonian Journeys
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"John was first class all the time. He worked very hard and made everything look seamless."
-Chuck & Susan Schellinger Mount Pleasant, SC National Geographic Expeditions
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"John made the trip enjoyable - we cannot say enough good things about John!" -Don & Jane Ilfeld National Geographic Expeditions
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"We enjoyed traveling with you - your passion for Japan is contagious! I hope we will have the chance to travel with you again."
-Joan & Paul Gluck, Miami FL Smithsonian Journeys
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Your sense of adventure is inspiring! Thanks so much for your many kindnesses and going way out to give us a truly memorable experience.- Barbara and Peter Blackman Harvard Alumni Travel
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Dear John,We are so grateful to you for a job well done. Your lectures were so informative and articulate. As a group leader you were so sensitive to everyone's needs. Your site commentary was immeasurably valuable for our learning on the trip. Thank you. Robert & Lynn Goren Haravrd Alumni Travel
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Great trip! You were an important reason for its success and memorability. Hope we catch you again. Ed & Jay Asia Transpacific Journeys
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John, So grateful for your vast local knowledge, deft stewardship and grace under pressure! Cheers, Perry Hewitt Chief Technology Officer Harvard University
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John,My husband and I have enjoyed your presentations on the Amazon and Brazil immensely! Your engaging lectures and knowledge of history come through each and every session. Thanks so much for taking time to share your passion with us. -Marijke Merrick
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“John Freedman is the best. Every detail was perfect and well-organized. His lectures on Vietnam were excellent. I would take another trip with John and Tina anytime - they are super-extraordinaire.”
-Gisele Vogentanz
National Geographic Expeditions
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Don and I enjoyed your knowledge, experience, wit, and willingness to share on our recent Silver Shadow cruise, and we came away truly enriched by the experience! Grateful thanks and best regards, Jean & Don Twiner
The lectures you presented were extraordinarily
interesting, entertaining and informative.
If you decide to market the recordings, I am
interested. Thank you.
Doug P Regent Seven Seas Navigator
Thoroughly enjoyed your talk on the Mekong River - a treasure trove of information! Thank you so much. Jane F
Thanks for your very informative lectures. You certainly know your subject matter extremely well!!! Tom M
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I thoroughly enjoyed your in-depth and exceptionally well-presented lectures. You are indeed a scholar who takes his presentations quite seriously. Hope to cross paths again! Warmest wishes, Bob Kravetz
"George and I wanted to write and let you know how delighted we were with our recent trip to Cuba. Your information was invaluable. It was up to date, thorough, and delivered in an easily absorbable manner. Your Q and A was fun, and there was always in-depth back up for those who wished to learn more. In short, John, you made the trip great and we thank you. We very much hope that we have the opportunity of traveling with you again. So please keep us on your list of notice of other trips."
Jane Goodman, Birmingham, MI American Museum of Natural History Discovery Tours
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LOVED your lectures- You are not only talented and knowledgeable but you know how to relate challenging information to a diverse audience. You provided me with new perspectives - Thanks. Wayne Lerner Silver Shadow, Tokyo to Singapore
Thank you so much from the front row!! We have joined your fan club and sincerely thank you for the enrichment of our trip! David & Jackie from New York "John- You were a super leader - one we will always remember."
-Jet & Kitt Rutter, Newport Beach, CA National Geographic Expeditions
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"Thank you again for making the trip so extraordinary for everyone involved. Your giving nature and enthusiasm for all things Japanese are incredibly perfect and I can't imagine how anything could come off so well without you. It's always been a pleasure to work with you. Thank you again."
-Linnea Peterson, Operations Manager, Japan Tours High Country Passage Educational Travel
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"We wanted to tell you how special you made the trip for us - you added a great deal of substance to the experience."
-Karen Rabin, San Francisco, CA Smithsonian Journeys
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"I enjoyed the trip and how much you added to it. Your enthusiasm and knowledge added a great deal to the trip."
-John Swan, West Chester, PA Smithsonian Journeys
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"We have been acquainted with Dr. John Freedman for several years. He has led several professional delegations to Cuba as part of the U.S. Department of State's Support For the Cuban People Program. Dr. Freedman has extensive experience in group leadership and international travel. His performance was outstanding in every regard. He is extremely well-organized, exercises excellent judgment, has excellent leadership skills, and works very well with people. He knows how to handle himself and the people in the group diplomatically, especially if challenges arise, as they frequently do in travel situations. We highly recommend him."
-Dr. Robert Everett - President & CEO, U.S. Exchanges
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"John absolutely made our trip!"
-Jodi Mader, Santa Cruz, CA
National Geographic Expeditions
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Contact Us at ScholarAtSea@gmail.com
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COPYRIGHT 2024- Dr. John Freedman, All text and photographs, All Rights Reserved
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