Erasmus experience: Living in the marvellous city of Türkiye

Sonia Rodriguez

My Erasmus experience in the city of Istanbul has been very enriching and I have learned a lot from it, especially on a personal level.

Istanbul was not the main destination for me and my friends. Now, that perspective has changed radically and we can no longer even imagine living in another city. The cultural difference from where we live is the first aspect to highlight. Waking up to the calls of prayers of the mosques, the hustle and bustle of the people, the different smells that cover the streets, the silence on public transport... These are just some of the things that were so special to us when we arrived and that we will miss now.

Istanbul is an incredible and beautiful city, full of life, culture and many special people that has made this stage of my life one of the best. Turkey is a very beautiful territory that I have had the great opportunity to get to know. Since I arrived in September, I have travelled all over the country from north to south, west to east learning more and more about its history and society. I could never have imagined what fascinating places these lands hide.

During my stay here, I have made trips to such amazing places as Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia and Trebizond. Each place had its own special touch and history which, as a journalist, I found very interesting. I think that travelling here has not only shown me other landscapes, but I have also been able to see what everyday life is like for the Turkish people. I have learned to see the world from their perspective, to eat like them, to know how they think, how they relate to each other... and I think that all of this has taught me more than any book I have studied.

The hospitality of the people is also worth mentioning. Wherever you go, people here always try to help you and if they don't understand you, they try to make themselves understood so they can help you with whatever you need. In Trebizond for example, our car broke down in the middle of the night and the people at the rental shop didn't understand English, so we couldn't communicate with them. A waiter from the bar where we had dined immediately stopped with us and, thanks to him, we managed to get the tow truck to come and pick up the car. The man stayed with us until 3 o'clock in the morning, making sure that our problem was solved correctly. It was a very noble act on his part and something that further underlines my affirmation of the good people in Turkey.

I can also say that I have learned a little bit of Turkish. Of course I am not an expert, but I am happy to be able to order a coffee or ask for the price of things. I have discovered that Turkish people are very attentive and like it when you speak to them in their language, so I always try to do it when I have the opportunity.

Besides, I take with me not only hundreds of beautiful experiences and memories, but also a lot of special people. Being able to share this amazing experience has made me meet friends that I will take with me for life. I also wanted to share their experience here to show what a great Erasmus we have lived. Since September I have been living in a building in Papa Roncalli street with 20 other Spaniards who have become my family since I have been living with them during these 9 months and they have helped me and taken care of me during this time. Each of these people has something special and with them I have experienced moments of joy and sadness, of laughter and tears, but we have always remained and will always remain united even when we return home. As Spanish people, we like to party and go out at night, and Istanbul is the perfect city for that. This city has a wide variety of places to go out at night. There are hundreds of venues with different types of atmosphere and music depending on what you like. Our favourites include Klein, a techno club which is my Cristina´s friend's favourite. We also love Ritim, an Erasmus bar on a street parallel to Istiklal that plays reggaeton. We have lived some of our best moments there.

Recalling with my friends the things we will really miss, my friend Meisi emphasised the food and especially the price. Right next to our house, there was a kebab shop that is our favourite in the whole city and has become our traditional Sunday lunch, when we all got together and eat there.Turkish cuisine is undoubtedly exiquitous and we will long for the durums, baklava, fish sandwiches on the Bosphorus and rice dishes here. However, all my friends have confessed that they miss Spanish food and although they like it very much, they can't wait to go back just to eat at home again.

One thing we all absolutely agree on is that this city has left its mark on us forever and that the views from the ferry are amazing. We could say that our favourite activity is to go to Asia by boat to be able to see all the old part of the city with the mosques, the Dolmabahce, the Galata tower and in general, the architectural ensemble of the marvellous city.

Now I have to say goodbye. I will tell anyone who asks me that Turkey is the best Erasmus destination you could wish for and to give Istanbul the chance it deserves. The city does not disappoint. I know I will return to this place soon because it has become part of me and my history. It has become, like Spain, my home. I will always remember the map of this city; every street I pass every day, the metro journeys and the way I move around Istanbul.

I say goodbye, and see you soon.