My experience as a volunteer in
Ankara
My name is Ionela Irimescu, I am from Romania and thanks to a volunteering program through the Ander organization I had the chance to spend 2 beautiful months here. When I arrived in Ankara the friends I had previously met in a interexchange in Romania invited me to have lunch, it was exactly what I needed after a long way, I was starving and the food was amazing, we went to Aspava restaurant which are a distinctive feature of Ankara’s culinary scene, offering a unique dining experience deeply rooted in local culture. The term “Aspava” is an acronym for “Allah Sağlık, Para, Afiyet Versin, Amin,” which translates to “May God grant health, wealth, and appetite, Amen.” These establishments are renowned for their generous hospitality, often providing complimentary side dishes such as salads, French fries, and cacık (a yogurt-based dip) alongside main courses. After I had my favourite Turkish dessert, is called sütlaç and of course the tea is a must in Turkey.
The next day I went to Rahmi M.Koc Museum which is dedicated to the collection, research, conservation, and exhibit of industrial and engineering-related objects and documents from all periods. In the museum collection, all branches of industry are representing in historical development processes. Old cars, trains, maritime objects, models, machines, scientific instruments, and various equipments of agriculture, printing, communication, medicine, and pharmacy are in the museum. There are also daily items, toys, dollhouses. The museum houses the precious object of the leader Atatürk
Then I walked around the Ankara Kalesi which offers a grand view for its visitors, Ankara Castle stands out as an important symbol of Turkey's capital city. Its surrounding neighborhoods still have an old city charm that compliments the ancient city walls that once offered defense and protection.Then I walked around the Ankara Kalesi which offers a grand view for its visitors, Ankara Castle stands out as an important symbol of Turkey's capital city. Its surrounding neighborhoods still have an old city charm that compliments the ancient city walls that once offered defense and protection.
The next days I had activities with the volunteers, we
created together a poster about volunteering ,the motto of our poster was
“Bring a rose to transform someone’s life into a garden”, by which we wanted to
express the fact that a small gesture can mean a lot to someone.
I learned also the art of crocheting because together
with the volunteers crocheted scarfs for the disadvantaged children.One of my favourite activities is the Speaking Club
which is every Saturday, Turkish students join also and we discuss topics and
play games which have the role of improving the English level.
Which surprised me a lot was the visit to the Ministry
of Youth and Sport where we had a warm welcome with Turkish coffee and tea
specific to the Turkey! We were to the radio studio where it was explained how
it works, it was amazing and unexpected because not everybody has this chance.
Stay close,my adventure contınues….