Five months ago, I arrived in Türkiye with my best friend Rosanna, who stayed here for the first two months of this adventure. We were both incredibly excited to discover this country that so many people had spoken so highly about, and we were so happy to come here and take part in this project.
From the very beginning, we loved our activities and courses. We attended language classes, speaking clubs, and many other events that allowed us to meet so many wonderful people from different backgrounds. Through these experiences, we created unforgettable memories and made incredible friendships.
During these months, we organized activities, explored the beautiful city of Izmir, and discovered the richness of Türkiye. I fell in love with its delicious food, its breathtaking places, and most of all, its people. The kindness, generosity, and warmth of the Turkish people touched me deeply. Even the famous Turkish cats, who are everywhere and always so affectionate, seem to reflect the beauty and sincerity of the people I met throughout this journey.
I was also lucky enough to meet volunteers from all around the world, and I became very attached to many of them. Together, we shared adventures, laughter, challenges, and moments that I will never forget. I am so grateful for every person who crossed my path during these five months.
I especially enjoyed our Turkish language classes with our kind and generous teacher, who made learning the language a wonderful experience. Little by little, Türkiye became more than just a host country, it became a place where I built routines, memories, and a second home.
I will always keep a special place in my heart for Türkiye, for PIYA, and for every member of the PIYA family. Thinking about leaving already makes me very nostalgic because I have created a life here and so many precious memories.
One thing is certain: I will come back. I am 100% sure of it. Türkiye is a country full of beauty, generosity, culture, history, and amazing food. I sincerely recommend that everyone visit this incredible country and experience the emotions, joy, and inspiration that I have felt here.
Thank you for everything. This is not a goodbye, because I don’t like goodbyes. So instead, I will simply say:
See you soon, Türkiye.