For me every summer has its own highlights and special moments which we never forget. And this year I had the amazing opportunity to take part in the “East Mediterranean Culture & Fun Summer Camp”, organized by four Rotary Clubs from Adana.
It was my father who first told me about Rotary Short Term Exchange Programs and to him I owe everything that I had the chance to experience.
During the camp I got to discover the rich and diverse culture as well as the millennial history of Adana region. The natural beauty of Türkiye I would never forget.
The magic of the camp aside from the busy program I would always remember. Every evening I went back to “my family” which was always waiting with anticipation for me and my story of the day. These people welcomed me in their homes like we’d known each other and had been friends forever. They were not only nice, kind and generous, but also allowed me to be part of their everyday lives and routines which was the most valuable thing about the Rotary Exchanges.
By living with the locals I completely immersed myself in Adana’s atmosphere and explored the best places not like a tourist.
I would like to express my gratitude to all the people who made this possible especially to the host families who took the huge responsibility to look after us, despite having to go to work and deal with their own problems.
Now after the camp I can proudly say that I have found two new families from Adana who treated me like their own child. I hope that we’ll keep in touch and my family in Bulgaria is already waiting for them to visit us back.
On the other hand, thanks to this camp I formed lots of new international friend which I hope will last long. From the first day on we were together, wanting the day to last for ever. I still can’t believe how teenagers from all around Europe even without knowing themselves got that close so fast, shared everything and helped each other.
My favourite moments were in the bus when we were all singing and laughing together like a big family. Still every beginning has its end and in our case it was very emotional.
As a part of an Interact Club Blagoevgrad Center I also gained valuable experience by meeting with other cheerful young people who are part of the same organization. This means that we can do projects together with Interact clubs from Adana. Each participant is more or less sent like a representative of their country and the Rotary club responsible, so we are the ones who make the impression.
Finally, I would say that the hospitality that Rotary offers you can’t be found anywhere. During the camp I became more independent, developed new skills and appreciated the cultural understanding. The benefits of the worldwide connections are countless and I would definitely go back to Adana again to see my friends from Türkiye.
Teşekkürler arkadaşlar!
Story by Bozhidara (Dari) Kadrekova - Interact club Blagoevgrad Center
