My December Blog

 Hellooo!!!

This blog is about my second month with the Ander organization. December, 2025. I didn’t even realize how quickly time passed here; it feels like just yesterday was my first day in Ankara… Being a part of the Ander family and collecting beautiful, unforgettable memories is such an emotional and incredible feeling. There is very little time left until I return to my homeland, Azerbaijan, and I spent my second month in Ankara so, so beautifully.

Together with my fellow volunteers, we traveled around, visited amazing places in Ankara that we hadn’t seen or discovered before, had so much fun, and returned home with unforgettable and lovely memories. Let me share with you where I went in December and what kind of impressions stayed with me  Let’s gooo 

At the beginning of December, I started by visiting Ankara’s wonderful parks. One of them was Kuğulu Park. It was incredibly beautiful and fascinating. I could never get enough of watching the scenery—especially the swans. I fell in love with their beauty and elegance. Seeing people quietly sitting and watching the view and the swans was so peaceful. Even the cleanliness of Kuğulu Park impressed me. Autumn suits Kuğulu Park perfectly  The sounds of nature, the colors, the falling leaves… In short, I was deeply touched by the park; it was truly delightful.

Then I went to the Botanical Park. Even just being there felt very special. The cleanliness of the park, Ankara’s wonderful air, the silence… Since the Botanical Park is located on higher ground, the view is amazing, and watching Ankara from there is truly enjoyable. For those who want to go, I recommend visiting either at sunset or sunrise—the view is absolutely beautiful 

We also visited the botanical area itself; seeing the plants up close, feeling them with the crackling sound of the fire, and experiencing the elegance of the place in the moment was very special. In short, every part of the Botanical Park is meaningful 

Atakule… How magnificent you are!!!!! In one word: perfect. I went there together with my volunteer friends. Since we visited close to New Year’s, the decorations were breathtaking. Atakule is very tall, and watching the view from the very top floor is unbelievable  We also visited another high floor to enjoy the view again from above, and there is a beautiful park there where you can walk around and admire the scenery. Additionally, there are simulation games you can play, and we didn’t miss the chance to enjoy them  Everything was perfect.

Ankara Castle… 

Everyone who comes to Ankara must visit this place. It is located very high, and the view is magnificent. It feels as if you can sense all of Ankara up close—so close to the clouds. Every stone of the castle carries history. You are so beautiful and special, dear castle.

Ice skating…

Together with my fellow volunteers, we went ice skating. It was such a wonderful feeling. Having friends with experience teach you how to skate, falling and laughing together, and enjoying the moment—it was amazing. My dear friends, having my first ice-skating experience with you was truly special, and I will never forget it.

Dear Ankara, thank you for welcoming me with a beautiful family, friends, and memories. I will never forget you; you will always remain in the most beautiful corner of my heart.

With love,

Gülsüm 

My 2nd month in Ankara (December)

December went by fast, but somehow it managed to be full of everything: experiences, emotions… and shopping. A lot of shopping. Apparently, every time I try something new, I have to buy something after. No exceptions.

I started the month in Istanbul, and honestly, it was beautiful. Walking around, discovering the city, enjoying the views… and of course, doing some “light” shopping (which was supposed to be light, but Istanbul had other plans). Coming back to Ankara, I thought life would calm down — it didn’t.

I tried künefe for the first time and loved it. Naturally, the next step was shopping. New experience? New purchase. That’s the rule. Then I went to Gölbaşı, enjoyed the peaceful lake, relaxed a bit… and somehow still ended up shopping. At this point, I stopped asking why.

I discovered pottery, which was calming, creative, and very aesthetic. Right after that? Shopping again. Because how can you try something artistic and not reward yourself? Exactly.

There were fun days too — bowling, lots of laughter, great vibes… followed by shopping. Karting was my first time, it was raining, my heart was racing, adrenaline everywhere — and yes, shopping after, to emotionally recover. Ice skating? Slipping, laughing, surviving… and shopping, because I deserved it.

The most meaningful moments were at school. During World Arabic Language Day, I watched Turkish students present in Arabic with so much effort and passion. I felt incredibly proud, especially of the students I taught for two months. Teaching was never something I thought I would love, but this experience changed me. Working with children was beautiful. Every time I went to school, they ran to hug me and called me “Teacher.” Those moments filled me with pride and love.

(And yes… sometimes, after school… shopping. For emotional balance.)

I explored Ankara Castle, enjoyed the breathtaking view, walked through streets that felt strangely familiar — almost like home. I took it all in… then did a little shopping. Tradition is tradition.

I also volunteered with LÖSEV, packing food for others. It was a simple but deeply meaningful day, reminding me that giving is just as important as receiving. (No shopping this time… growth )

December was not just a month. It was experiences, emotions, lessons, laughter — and a very strong shopping habit. Ankara taught me many things, but one lesson stands out: wherever I go, whatever I try, I will probably end up buying something. And honestly? I’m okay with that. 

Now all that’s left is to pray I’ll find space in my suitcase for everything I bought… because apparently every experience came with a shopping bag.

My Second Month :)

 

The second month of my ESC project in Ankara felt like starting an entirely new chapter. My previous roommates returned to Azerbaijan, and a fresh group of volunteers arrived, bringing with them a mix of cultures from Tunisia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, and Georgia. Suddenly, my apartment transformed into a small, vibrant world of its own, where every corner held a story and every conversation was an opportunity to learn.

Having Tunisians at home provided a comforting anchor; it made the place feel familiar, even as I immersed myself in the diverse perspectives of others. This diversity quickly became a lesson in coexistence: with clear communication, shared laughter, and an open mind, people from very different backgrounds can truly connect. I am deeply grateful for having met these inspiring individuals, each of whom broadened my perspective in ways I had not anticipated.

One of the most moving experiences this month was participating in food-packing activities. Preparing food for people in need was more than just a task; it was a hands-on reminder of what real impact feels like. The work was team-oriented, full of energy, and profoundly meaningful. Beyond the physical effort, it created a space for genuine connection, reflection, and gratitude.

In addition, my involvement in other projects, such as the speaking club, school support, and media content creation, offered opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. These activities strengthened my skills in communication, creativity, adaptability, and teamwork. More importantly, they allowed me to meet remarkable people, each of whom brought something unique to the table, often without even realizing it. This reciprocal exchange of knowledge and inspiration made the experience richer than I could have imagined.

Language learning was another highlight. Thanks to daily practice and weekly lessons with our mentors, I gradually became comfortable using Turkish in everyday situations. I could manage basic conversations, shop independently, read signs, and even sing along to Turkish songs. Adding Turkish as my fifth language is a milestone I am proud of, and it has made navigating life in Ankara smoother and more enjoyable.

This month in Turkey had a stronger impact on me than I initially expected. I developed a genuine appreciation for Ankara, its tea, ayran, cuisine, and the subtle details of daily life that make it unique. Exploring the city allowed me to experience its energy firsthand. I visited Ankara Castle, wandered through the charming streets of Hamamönü and Ulus, relaxed by Eymir and Mogan lakes, and even stumbled upon a Turkish wedding, where I joined in the traditional Hatay dance. Ankara strikes a perfect balance: lively enough to be exciting, yet small enough to feel connected rather than lost.

At the end of the month, I spent a few days in Istanbul; a city that is vibrant, breathtaking, and impossible to forget. The contrast between the two cities gave me a fuller sense of Turkey’s cultural richness and complexity.

Reflecting on my ESC journey so far, I realize that this experience has far exceeded my expectations. It has been about far more than discovering a new city; it has been about discovering myself, reevaluating priorities, and learning valuable lessons about life in a gradual, meaningful way. Even the challenges I faced became opportunities for growth, shaping a more resilient and reflective version of myself.

Turkey, this is not a goodbye, it’s a heartfelt see you soon!

One Month in Ankara: Small Details, Big Lessons

 I arrived in Ankara with two suitcases, mixed emotions, and no clear idea of how much this experience would change me. I came to volunteer, but very quickly I found myself learning from everything around me ,people, places, habits, and even silence.

One of the first things I noticed about Ankara was how calm and organized everything is. Life has a rhythm here. Public transport is on time, days are structured, and there’s a sense of quiet discipline that I wasn’t used to. At first it felt strange, but slowly it became comforting.

Culturally, many small details caught my attention. One of them was how people take off their shoes before entering the house , something I had only seen before in Turkish series. Living it in real life made me understand how much respect they give to cleanliness and to the home as a private, peaceful space. Tea is also everywhere , in offices, homes, activities, breaks. It’s not just a drink; it’s part of daily life, a moment to pause, talk, and connect. And the food… simple but incredibly delicious. I tried new dishes and discovered flavors that made me feel close to the culture instantly.

And visiting the National Library of Turkey was unforgettable. It was huge, calm, and inspiring. Standing there, I felt like I was inside another world, surrounded by knowledge and focus.

Throughout this month, I constantly stepped out of my comfort zone ,new language, new habits, new ways of communicating. I learned teamwork, adaptability, cultural awareness, and patience. But more importantly, I discovered confidence I didn’t know I had.

This first month in Ankara didn’t change my life dramatically.

It changed it quietly, deeply, and honestly.

And this is only the beginning.

My Last Month of Volunteering in Ankara: People, Experiences, and Little Joys

    As I entered the final month of my volunteering program in Ankara, I carried a strange mix of emotions: a little disbelief at how fast time had passed, and a big sense of gratitude for everything I had experienced. This month turned out to be the most colorful, lively, and unforgettable period of my stay.

One of the highlights of this month was definitely meeting many new people. Each person brought a different story, a new perspective, and fresh energy into my days. Especially the new volunteer who came from Tunisia we connected so easily from the very first moment. Exploring the city, working on projects together, sharing tea breaks… even introducing Ankara to her became something I really enjoyed.

Spending time with the students at the school and the course was another joyful part of this month. Teaching them, making learning fun with games, and sometimes laughing so hard together in the classroom… Every lesson felt like a chance not just to teach, but to grow together. Their curiosity and warm energy made this whole experience even more meaningful for me.

Another beautiful aspect of this month was that I spent the entire month in Ankara. Staying here allowed me to truly settle into the rhythm of the city. I explored new streets, discovered my favorite coffee spots, and even the paths I walked every day started to feel familiar. Ankara’s calm but cozy spirit was exactly what I needed.

And of course… the food adventures! One of the iconic moments of the month was definitely trying tantuni for the first time. That warm, juicy, incredibly delicious wrap was enough to make me say, “Yes, this was absolutely worth it.” Sometimes the little flavors make the biggest memories.

We also had the chance to visit several universities this month. Among them, Hacettepe stood out the most for me. The campus, the atmosphere, the energy of the students… Walking around there made me wonder what it would be like to study at such a place. The other universities were beautiful too, but Hacettepe definitely left a special impression.

And maybe the most special moment of all: being in Ankara during Republic Day . The lights across the city, the celebrations in the streets, the pride on people’s faces… The atmosphere was unforgettable. It felt as if 29 October is celebrated with a different warmth and intensity in Ankara. I felt like I was living inside a moment of history.

With such a full and meaningful final month, this volunteering experience has taken an even more valuable place in my heart. The memories I carry aren’t just about the tasks I completed—they are about the people I met, the flavors I tasted, the places I visited, and the emotions I felt. Ankara is no longer just a city for me; it has become a chapter, a story, and a warm memory.

Monthly Blog (November)

 Hei, hei

My name is Jaanika and I come from Estonia.

After I graduated High School I wanted to experience something new and ESC Volunteering was just the right thing for me.  So I packed my suitcase, said ‘’Bye’’ to my cat and ‘’Hello’’ to Turkey. 

My first month passed unbelievably fast, but at the same time it was full of new people, new surroundings, and new knowledge.

We had done a lot: discovered Ankara, taught in schools, led an English speaking club, packaged food and did a lot of social media.

Some days were busy, some were chaotic, but all of them were meaningful.

Every single one of these experiences was new to me.  Sometimes I felt nervous, sometimes excited… but it all is a mandatory part of the process, you just need to trust it. 

Getting used to Turkey was not easy as well. The randomized traffic and street crossing is still leaving me in shock, but all you need to do is pretend that you know how it works.

I love the tradition of drinking çay (tea) every second. No matter how late you are, there is always time to drink tea. 

Beside everything I had a chance to start learning a new language. Is Turkish easy for me? No! But at least I know the most important word for surviving- ‘’Indirim’’.  

This month we discovered Ankara. We visited Anıtkabir, Ulus, Hamamönü, Millet Kütüphanesi. But my favourite place so far is Altınköy. ‘’Golden Village’’ was a real gold and treasure for me: calm nature, old houses, animals and this peaceful atmosphere that makes you want to stay there forever.

And the most important part- people.

Within this month I met a lot of kind, funny, bright and inspiring humans. 

People about whom, when thinking back to my volunteering, I will definitely let some tear drops. 

With school children, for whom we gave English lessons, my goal was to leave some impact on them, but in the end, I think they are the ones who impacted me. And this experience is impossible to describe.

If the first month was already this emotional, exciting, and unforgettable… I can’t imagine what the next one will bring, but for now I will just wait with Turkish Tea in my one hand and Simit in the other… 

P.S. Quote of this month: ‘’As we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.’’