Hello again

 Hello again, Ander family,

This is my second time coming here. It hasn’t been that long since I left, but my longing for this place outweighed everything, and once again I found myself in this beautiful place, surrounded by warm-hearted people. The experience I had last time gave me so much in such a short period. I had taken important steps for myself on the path of learning. This time, I hope to grow even more through this valuable experience.

Walking through the familiar streets again—yet as a slightly different person and alongside new volunteer friends—reminded me once more of how quickly time passes. Strolling through the colorful night lights of Ankara, walking from Kızılay to Tunalı towards Kuğulu Park, standing once again in the unique serenity of Anıtkabir… all of these were truly special moments for me. Meeting again with the friends I had made here was an entirely different joy, an indescribable feeling.

Although climbing up to Ankara Castle was a bit challenging for me, sharing the experience with my new volunteer friends made it much easier. This time, I was able to look at everything from a new perspective.

One of the places I discovered for the first time this month was Saraçoğlu Neighborhood. It has such a calming atmosphere. Reading a book while sipping my coffee amidst the greenery quickly became one of my favorite activities. Holding our English conversation clubs at the youth center in this beautiful neighborhood made it even more meaningful to me.

Towards the end of the month, we also traveled to Istanbul and Cappadocia with my volunteer friends. We had fun, we learned, we relaxed, and we came back with wonderful memories.

Istanbul was a city I was visiting for the second time. Although the crowds were a little overwhelming, the deep blue beauty of the Bosphorus, its historical buildings, and its views captivated me once again. Especially the Galata Tower… every time I see it, it stirs something different inside me. Staying at a place where I could see it often was a big advantage this time. Its glowing silhouette under the night lights was truly mesmerizing.

Visiting Büyükada for the first time gave me a completely different energy. The liveliness of the locals and tourists, the island’s colorful atmosphere—it was so refreshing. The two-hour ferry ride, the new Turkish dishes and desserts we tried, the historical buildings of the island… all became memories I don’t want to forget. If I ever had the chance to live in Istanbul, I would probably choose this place. The spirit and energy of the island feel like such a perfect match for me.

Something both funny and a little disappointing also happened to me in Istanbul. I happened to run into an actor from a TV series I like at the ferry terminal. I recognized him and got excited, but since he didn’t want attention in the crowd, he refused our request for a photo. At the moment I felt a little sad, but now when I think about it, it’s just another fun and unique memory.

Cappadocia, on the other hand, was like stepping into another world. Experiencing that mystical and romantic atmosphere I had only seen in TV series, movies, and on social media was unforgettable. But a small note: don’t be fooled by the beauty—you might get caught unprepared for the cold mornings (like me ). The sight of colorful balloons floating across the sky makes you feel as if you’re living inside a fairy tale. You can truly feel like a princess there. But Cappadocia is not just about balloons; its history and natural formations are also worth exploring. I especially recommend visiting the Fairy Chimneys and enjoying a cup of tea while taking in the view before you leave.

This month, we also said goodbye to a volunteer friend whose energy had given us so much. It was a little hard emotionally to see him off. But I think having someone whose farewell feels so heavy is actually a blessing—it means you’ve built a meaningful connection. Knowing that I’ll meet him again is comforting.

Being able to experience all of this for the second time in the same year was truly a privilege for me. The month passed by so quickly and so full that I didn’t want it to end. The energy of Turkey, especially Ankara, holds a very special place in my heart. I hope that the coming month will be even more joyful, enriching, and unforgettable—for me and for my friends.