On growing and learning

Two months is such a short time, one might think. One month flies by, so does the second one,

and then you find yourself in late February, with cold that only in Ankara you’ve experienced,

so different from the mild winters of your home in Italy. One month is also enough for everything to

happen, so much that it feels like a rollercoaster that you’re not really sure when it began.

In Ankara, during this project, I’ve met so many people, each one with their own unique

perspective and personality, and although my best friends in Italy have never been so far away for so long,

the love and the power of emotional connections has not lacked at all. My birthday was in mid-February – for the

past three years, I’ve had it while being in a different country and this is enough of a celebration to be,

every year in a new place, with new amazing people. What I didn’t plan, was the kindness and warmth I felt when,

this year, my friends surprised me with a cake and an unexpected surprise birthday party. 

One month is enough to shape you, define you – it’s incredible how much you grow and you only realise

while looking back, writing this blog page. One morning, we left for Keçiören Youth Centre, getting lost

on the way and finding ourselves almost on the opposite side on the map. Using all of our sense of direction

(and with great Google Maps reading skills), we managed to find the place where we would spend of the best days

we’ve had so far. Together with Hande Karataş, who works in the Youth Centre, we were gifted a wonderful

art workshop. At first, we learned how to do woodblock printing on textiles.

Choosing the designs and the colours we most liked, we created our own tote bags that are a unique

portrait of who we are. Afterwards, the room was filled with the peculiar smell of forest and trees,

as we were taught how to burn wood using a pyrography pen – I enjoyed the carefulness that is needed

to draw and write on such a delicate surface, and how this is one of the best souvenirs that I could ever

bring back home, with my tulips forever carved into it. What’s amazing is how many talents and new skills

we are developing while being here, ones that we would never know about if we didn’t have such opportunities.

It goes without saying that experiencing Türkiye firsthand is unforgettable, as the city of Ankara and the

whole country offer impressive sights, experiences and heartfelt connections. In Kırşehir, where I’ve spent a weekend visiting my former professor at the University, I’ve found quiet, incredible hospitality as soon as they found out

I was yabancı and thankfulness for my presence the country. Matter of fact, the thankfulness is all mine,

for being here and discovering myself along with such wonderful places and people.