Growing up in Erasmus

First of all let me start by saying i'v been a traveler since i was 19, soon to be 27 years old. With Erasmus it has been currently my 6th time and for sure my last time. Probably i hold the title of the most erasmus studies and placements experiences ever.

I will start to share my stories and experiences alongside with tips, suggestions of places to visit and go, shopp, meet new cultures and people.

Turkey, Malta, Greece and Portugal.

Come along with me on this ride.

Blue Lagoon in Camino Island, Malta

Nemrut Mountain in Adyiaman, Turkey

Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

Malta Harbour

Bom Jesus Church in Braga, Portugal

Diyarbakir, Turkey -the city on the edge

Let me start with the story of my first Erasmus experience, it took place during my 2nd year of university. I was studying and graduated from Tourism and Geography University in Targu Mures, Romania.

I was the second generation from my university going with erasmus and in that time meaning 2011, my university had most of the agrements with universities from Turkey, so of course i applied and been accepted in Turkey, city of Diyarbakir.

I know nowadays when u hear Diyarbakir or even Turkey u may say danger or bombs, danger and terorism. Well 5 years ago things were completelt different.

Diyarbakir is a city situated in South Eastern Turkey, a large city with more than a million people population. In my opinion even now after it has been a city in which you are not allowed to travel because of danger of bombs or getting caught in a kurdish -turkish fight, i still think is one of the best city in Turkey.

You may find Turkey completely different from Europe or other countries due to it's islamic background and diferent cultures and traditions, but me having before the 'muslim experience' i got used to it very fast and fit right into. Some people may say that is one of the most conservator city in Turkey where traditions are well kept and people share a rare respect for others.

The city of Diyarbakir is divided betweetn turkish and kurdish citizens. It remind me a bit of old days of romanian communism meaning i found such a great respect and hospitality from people and funny things that of course islam is a big part of the daily life and young couple found them hiding in darkest cafes in order to hold hands or share a small kiss.

On the streets i almost never saw girls walking along with boys, men with men, girls with girls. It is a nice kindness and respect that i wish i can find nowadays in other countries.

Back to Diyarbakir, the university that hosted me is Dicle University and it has one of the biggest campus in Turkey, like literally you have to take the bus from one faculty to the other. Of course in this side of Turkey almost nobody speaks english not even the academic staff, okay maybe 1 or 2 but yeah funny thing going to turkish classes and courses held in turkish language with no translation.

About the people they are extremely social and everybody wants to know you and become your friend, after you pass from the embarasment of classify you as 'russian' if by any mean you have blonde hair. Making new friends was no problem for me trust me.

Places to visit nothing like i have seen before in european countries and probably never find before. I bet you didnt knew Diyarbakir they have the 2nd largest wall after the Big Chinesse Wall in China. Yes it's extremely big and it's passing the centrum and you can even climb on it, take walks or have a nice picnic on top. Other places like Ataturk Villas or amazing big mosques who will leave you breathless. The Dicle river crossing from the city and places near by like Mardin, Hasankeyf will truly give you an eye opening about other cultures and Islam.

The wall

Oldest Mosque in Diyarbakir

Now my favourite subject let's talk about food. Of course all universities and faculties they have their own kantin where students can enjoy a cheap lunch. Daily we were going to eat at kantin, and afterwards oh jesus hard choices when it comes to turkish cuisine, thumbs up for those who know what i'm speaking about,. All from the backlava dessert, to tavuk doner or known in Europe as shaorma to chicken kebab, tavuk sis to the never forgoten rice. I have a confesion i did get extra 7 kilos during my 4 month period of studies here in Diyarbakir.

While i'm trying to make this stories short please bear with me, just because i have so many.

Next ----> Malta

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