Life in Izmir is going very well. I feel more and more at home here. In fact, when I returned to Italy for a week, I realized that some habits from Türkiye felt normal to me, and I even missed them. This experience is helping me learn more about myself and the world. Even though Türkiye is not too far from Italy, the culture is very different.
In many ways, we are similar because of our Mediterranean roots. Every day, people stop me on the street, at the bus stop, or in restaurants and speak to me in Turkish. I always start this sentence, “Türkçe bilmiyorum” and they tell me yes you know Turkish because you said this, they are not entirely wrong, my Turkish is improving day by day but I am not able to manage a conversation with someone. They say I look Turkish! But when I tell them I am Italian, they are always surprised. This makes me reflect on the fact that, when I walk around the city, nobody thinks I am a foreigner. Everyone assumes I am a local. It is an interesting feeling, as it allows me to blend in and truly experience life as a local. At the same time, it makes me reflect on identity and how people perceive others based on appearance.
My volunteer experience is helping me grow a lot. It is different for me compared to the younger volunteers because I have already traveled and worked in many places. The things that surprise and excite me are different, but it is beautiful to discover them day by day. Even though volunteering is very different from my usual job, it has helped me think about my future. I have realized that I want to continue doing short volunteer experiences, especially with children, all over the world.
Living in Izmir has also allowed me to build new relationships and friendships with people from different cultures. I have met locals who have welcomed me warmly, and other international volunteers with whom I share this journey. These connections make my experience even more meaningful. Every conversation, every shared meal, and every new place I explore adds to my understanding of the world and of myself.
This journey is not only about discovering a new country but also about personal growth. Adapting to a new environment, learning a new language, and embracing different traditions have made me more open-minded and flexible. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited for what lies ahead in my adventure in Izmir.