I sit here writing this and cannot believe that this time
last year my adventure was just starting. On the 9th of September
2012 I left everything I knew and loved to live in a city I’d never been to
before in a country I knew very little about. And it was the best decision of
my life to date.
I am writing this as my last blog entry for a while. Until I
hit the road again for my next adventure, wherever or whenever that will be. It
is scary and exciting to not know where my life will take me, but I hope it
will continue on the path it has started on.
My last few weeks in Turkey were quite literally a riot. The Turkish people took to the streets, and
things got pretty scary pretty quickly. A highlight of this was definitely speeding
through a fog of teargas in a taxi as we drove past a man wearing a gas mask
with a huge bleeding cut on his head. Through this craziness I have never been more
thankful for my Turkish family, who quite literally took me under their wings
and let me move in for my last month in Turkey. Although my actual father was
equally as helpful .(note: I had a lot of panicked phone calls from my very
worried Dad advising me to leave Turkey as soon as I could… and if I was to go
anywhere, to take an “emergency bag” with me – later this was greeted with hilarity
as images of battling through a war-torn country with only my handy emergency
bag with clean knickers and a toothbrush inside came to mind)
People have said time and time before that Erasmus would
change your perspective of the world. I used to pass this off as a bit flowery
and generally a bit crap. However, the opportunities that this year has bought
me, the friends I have made from all over the world, and obtaining a second
family is something that has blown me away. I have learnt more about myself
than I could ever know, and turns out I am pretty bloody resilient, and can surprise
myself with what I can achieve.
I have met some friends for life (not you Rafay) and been
consistently amazed with how people from all over the world, from completely
different backgrounds can come together in friendships that defy all notions of
religion, patriotism and politics.
This summer, and my return to England has not been kind for
a long list of reasons. I have lost 2 of my best friends through very upsetting
circumstances. However, when I am feeling sad – I look back on the Evie that
would have sat in the same position I am in now a year ago – and she is a
completely different person to who I am now. I genuinely think the Evie of
pre-turkey would have survived the summer I have just endured! So thanks Attaturk for giving me that
strength.
So, with that I would like to thank all of those who have
followed my story, my blog and my updates. I have genuinely loved writing them –
and reading them back is so rewarding. I cannot wait until the time comes where
blogging is justified once more.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who made this year
what it was. Thank you to the Stannard family clan for constantly reassuring
me. Thank you to my friends who shared these incredible experiences with (ERASMUS
FOREVER MAAAAN) and thank you to all those who are probably sick to death
hearing about it. Thank you to all my pupils of English Speaking Club at the
Parliament for putting up with me, and teaching me so much in return. Thank you
to the Gokcimen aile who took me into their home, their family and their
hearts. You have redefined what kindness is.
Finally, thank you to Turkey. A country so rich and diverse, whose
populace is passionate and occasionally absolutely crazy.
Until next time,
Iyi geceler. Evie. (Ivy)
- I would like to dedicate this final post to my late Grandpa - Frank Stannard. His love of travelling and his stories has ignited a passion to see the world since I was tiny. I wouldn't be who I am today without you Grandpa. You're my inspiration.
