Uliana's Second Month

 It is hard to believe, but my ESC volunteering journey in Ankara is slowly coming to an end. August was a great month filled with new experiences, meaningful connections, and moments that I will always carry with me. From spending time with kids at the youth centers and learning alongside them, to exploring the hidden corners and traveling to different parts of Türkiye. Every day seemed to bring something valuable.

We started the month with a training meeting organized by the National Agency. There, we met volunteers from different countries who are also doing their projects in Türkiye. It was inspiring to exchange experiences, share our stories, have small talks during coffee breaks, and explore together the wonderful city of Van. During our stay, we visited the largest lake in Türkiye - Lake Van - and took a trip to Akdamar Island, where we saw the beautiful Armenian Church of the Holy Cross.

After that, we continued our journey back in Ankara. Like the previous month, we spent our days working with kids at Mamak and Altındağ Gençlik Merkezi, running games and creative workshops, and sharing small everyday moments with them. We also participated in YOUniverse: International Youth Day Meeting, where we presented Erasmus opportunities for young people, shared our volunteering experiences, and talked about youth exchanges for anyone interested.

This month I also had the chance to organize a Ukrainian Cultural Day. It was a wonderful opportunity to share a piece of my own culture with others. I brought some treats from Ukraine, talked about Ukrainian traditions and daily life, shared music and stories from home. It felt great to see how interested everyone was, asking questions and trying to understand more about my country. It was also nice to take part in the cultural days of other volunteers. Each event felt like a little journey to another country, exploring traditional food, listening to music, learning new dances, and hearing stories about local customs. These moments reminded me how uniqueand valuable it is to live in such a multicultural environment, where every day brings something new to discover and appreciate. I feel truly grateful for this opportunity.

This month we also had the chance to travel and see more of Türkiye. Our first stop was Cappadocia, and honestly, it felt unreal. The valleys and rock formations looked like something from another planet, and watching the hot-air balloons at sunrise was one of those moments you don’t forget.

Our next destination was Izmir. It was interesting to walk through the bazaar and along the seaside, and it gave me a glimpse of everyday life in a large Turkish city. Even if it wasn’t my favorite stop, it added to the whole experience of discovering different sides of Türkiye. Not far from Izmir, we also visited Alaçatı, a small town that instantly felt cozy. Its narrow streets, stone houses, and colorful little cafes were so charming that I could have spent hours just wandering around.

And of course, we couldn’t miss Istanbul. The city is huge and intense, but also fascinating. One moment you’re standing inside a centuries-old mosque, and the next you’re in a busy modern street with shops, music, and crowds. It’s overwhelming in the best possible way, and every corner has something to surprise you.

During this project, I made so many friends, and I feel incredibly lucky to have spent two months with such a wonderful team. We became a true family, supporting each other through challenges, sharing laughs during free time, celebrating small victories, and creating memories that I know will last a lifetime. This project has taught me the value of friendship, teamwork, and openness to new experiences. I leave Ankara with a full heart, grateful for everything I’ve learned, excited for the future, and confident that the people and experiences I encountered here will continue to inspire me wherever I go.

Görüşürüz, Türkiye!

Two Months, A Lifetime of Memories

This is my second and final month of volunteering, and I still can’t believe how quickly time has flown by. Looking back, I feel grateful, proud, and deeply happy that I had the chance to be part of this journey. It was not just about discovering new places, but also about discovering myself.

Ankara was the city where everything began for me. A place full of history, culture, and life. I had the chance to visit Anıtkabir, the resting place of Atatürk, and it left me in awe of Turkey’s history. I wandered around Hamamönü, with its old wooden houses, colorful streets, and cozy cafés, where time seemed to slow down. I stood in front of the grand Kocatepe Mosque, one of the largest in the city, admiring its beauty and peaceful atmosphere. And from the top of Atakule Tower, I looked out over Ankara, realizing just how big, vibrant, and full of stories this city really is.

One of the highlights of my time in Ankara was attending Youth Day. It was such an inspiring event, full of energy and hope. We met so many volunteers and young people from different backgrounds. It was a day of learning, exchanging ideas, and sharing joy. Together with my friends, we introduced ANDER, talked about our work, and also listened and learned a lot from others. There was laughter, music, and unforgettable conversations the kind of experience that fills your heart with motivation and positivity.

And then, there was Cappadocia. Simply magical. Waking up before sunrise, standing with my friends, and watching dozens of hot air balloons rise into the sky as the sun painted everything golden  it felt like living inside a dream. We hiked through hidden valleys, explored unique rock formations, and let ourselves be carried away by the charm of this place. Cappadocia is not just a destination, it’s a feeling, and it will forever remain my favorite place in Turkey.

Finally, Istanbul the city of two continents, where history and modern life walk hand in hand. Of course, we didn’t have enough time to see everything, but what we managed to experience was unforgettable. From the lively streets and beautiful mosques to the Bosphorus views, Istanbul was a perfect ending to this journey. Every corner had something unique, and it left me wanting to come back one day.

I’m so thankful to have been part of this experience: discovering the beauty of Turkey, learning new things, and most importantly, creating friendships that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Thank you, Ankara. Thank you, Cappadocia. Thank you, Istanbul. And most of all thank you, ANDER. These two months may be over, but the memories, the lessons, and the people

I met will always stay in my heart.