School: Ali Karasu Anatolian High School

Edward and Bahar are talking in Bursa 

It was summer . The weather was hot and the sun is shinning in the morning time. There weren’t any clouds in the sky.Edward was in the Street and looking at the city guide leaflet in his hand.

Edward:Hmm...Where should I go?

  Edward said it loudly.There was a girl passing in front of him. She  heard his voice.She looked at his face.He didn’t know anywhere in the city,Bursa.

Bahar: Can I help you? I see there is problem .My name is Bahar. I am a university student.I am a tourist here but I know Bursa well..I would like to help you if you need.

Edward got surprised and really happy.He smiled.His bad luck turned into good.

Edward: Nice to meet you Bahar.My name is Edward.I would be really appreciated if you do it so. This is my summer plan,Every summer I plan a route to visit different places in the World.This summer , my journey will start from Bursa,Turkey.Next I will visit Bucuresti in Romania. Finally I will visit Birindisi in Italy.

Bahar:Nice to meet you , too Edward.It is good to hear that . I love travelling so much ,too.This summer I planned some visits to Romania and Italy.What a nice coincidence it is.It is so funny.

Edward: It is an interesting day.I have visited some of the cities in Turkey so far but not Bursa. I am a tourist. I  heard many things about Bursa while I was travelling.But I don’t know where to start.If it is not a problem for you I would be glad for your help,Bahar.

Bahar: No,of course.It would be great  fun for me as I have a Project about Bursa.

Edward:I am so lucky today! Here is a leaflet about Bursa but it is not in English.I don’t understand any thing in it.

Bahar: Don’t worry about it.I know every place in Bursa.As I said I know this city.And of course I still have to prepare my Project about some historical places and traditions about this city.So introducing Bursa to you will be the part of my Project.

Edward: Thanks for your help Bahar.I am so lucky. I have found a guide and I will stroll around without being  anxious as well.

It was early in the morning.Bahar and Edward didn’t have breakfast.Before starting their tour.

Bahar: Have you had breakfast ,Edward?

Edward:No,not yet.

Bahar: I know a beatiful place to do it.The name of this place is Cumalıkızık.Let’s go there.It will be a good start if you don’t have any thing to do.

Edward: Oh.nice to hear that.I am really starving .

  They went to the subway station and got on the train.It wasn’t a long jouney.They arrived at the place.Bahar called a friend who lived there .They met at a restaurant which was renewed last year.It was an old Ottoman house with two floors , six rooms and a big garden.They called this garden ‘’hayat’’.In those previous years,  all the family members used to live together. Grandparents, their children and grandchildren lived in this house.They used to give great importance to their traditions. They were respectful people.

Bahar: Edward,this place is an historical place ,It is in  Unesco World Heritage List.There are lots of old houses here , we protect them as they are.

Edward:I love here so much.It is old but well-protected. I want to take a walk after breakfast.I am waiting eagerly for the breakfast.

Bahar: Now you will see our Turkish breakfast. Here is a famous place with their handmade food.

      The owner of the retaurant introduced every food to them. It was a full brekfast you could find whatever you liked to eat.

Edward: It is so tasty. I like everything. I have never tasted some food before.

      They had their breakfast in joyfull mood. Bahar’s two firends joined their breakfast.They talked about the food and the history of this place. After they had finished their brekfast,they decided  to walk around.They visited some shops to buy some souvenirs. They took lots of pictures. They enjoyed so much there.It was nearly noon.

     They went to the city center. They decided to visit the Grand  Mosque of Bursa.It was built between 1396-1399.It was located at the center of the old town near the covered bazaar.It was built in the Seljuk style.They took a lot of  pictures there.Later,they visited grand bazaar,Edward bought some sounenirs made of silk.Because Bursa is famous for its silk hand-made objects.

After that ,they went to a restaurant ,it was famous for its Iskender Kebab.It was kind of roasted meat with some bread ,yoghurt,green pepper  and  tomatoe .The waiter  poured some sauce  and  hot  butter on the kebab. They ate their dish. Edward loved the kebab.While they were eating their dish they talked about the places they visited.

Edward: Bursa is a big city with its historical places ,traditional food and crafts.Especially people living in this city are really generous and helpful.It was a perfect day for me .Thank you so much for every thing.

Bahar: It is pleasure for me too. Tomorrow is a new day.If you don’t have a plan, we can visit other famous places .

Edward: No, I do not have any plan. It would be good if you do me such a favour. Actually you are a helpful person.

Bahar: Thanks for your good thoughts. I will call you for tomorrow plan.I will organise a new tour to different places. So get ready for tomorrow. Bye for now.See you tomorrow.

Edward: See you Bahar. Bye.

School: Nilüfer Borsa Istanbul Science

 High School

Tomorrow came. Bahar called Edward and planned where to visit. They decided to go Uludağ. Edward and Bahar met together.

Bahar: Hey Edward!

Edward: Hey Bahar! How are you?

Bahar: I’m fine Edward. I am a little bit tired because I planned what to do together with you last night so I slept a little bit late.

Edward: Oh, so what have you planned for today?

Bahar: We can go to Uludağ by ropeway. That would be such a fun experience for both of us right?

Edward: Yeah that would be great Bahar!

Bahar: Ok then, lets go.

Edward and Bahar started on their way to ropeway. When they arrived, an employee of ropeway welcomed them.

Employee: Merhabalar, Bursa Teleferiğe hoş geldiniz! Size nasıl yardımcı olabilirim?

Edward: Sorry I can speak only English.

Bahar: Edward, he is saying that he can help to us about ropeway.

Edward: Oh alright thanks!

Employee gave information about the ropeway tour. Tour will be thirty minutes. In the tour, they can watch the Bursa National Park, Uludağ and great view of Bursa city.

Edward: Wow Bahar! The view is amazing!

Bahar: Yes Edward, isn’t it beautiful?

Edward: Yeah the city looks great and there is a lot of animals and birds downside also mountain looks super giant!

Bahar: Do you mean Uludağ?

Edward: I think so.

Bahar: Oh ok, we will arrive there soon.

Bahar and Edward arrived to Uludağ. Edward felt cold and they went to a shop for buying jacket. After cafe, they went to a cafe for getting something hot to drink.

Edward: Here is so cold! Oh my god. I’m freezing.

Bahar: Of course Edward! We are on the top of a mountain right now.

Edward: Sorry my bad. So what will we do next?

Bahar: We can go for a picnic?

Edward: Alright lets go!

They left the cafe and went for picnic. They bought some picnic materials from a market. They found a great place to sit and relax.

Edward: The environment here is great Bahar! I am so happy to came here and met with you. You are such a great person Bahar.

Bahar: Oh did you like here, that’s nice Edward. One day maybe we can camp here?

Edward: Sure Bahar, we can do it next time I travel to Turkey.

Bahar: In Turkey there are a lot of places to camp. We don’t really have to camp in Uludağ, we can go to another place.

Edward: Alright Bahar. I’m feeling tired right now. Let’s turn back to city.

Bahar: Ok let’s go.

They entered to the ropeway again and watched the perfect view. It was night so everywhere was dark except city. Edward was amazed so he couldn’t even talk. Bahar was used to it so everything was good. After the trip was over,they arrived the city.

Edward: Wow it is already night, I didn’t understand how the time pass.

Bahar: Me too. I’m also very tired. Wanna go to a döner shop and eat for dinner?

Edward: Sorry Bahar, I can’t come with you. I will go to hotel and have a rest also I will eat my dinner there. By the way I have to go to Romania two days later. I must prepare some luggage. 

Bahar: Ok Edward no problem. I understand you. So see you later than. We can talk what to do tomorrow.

Edward: Yeah sure, see you.

Bahar: See you.

School: Eugen Lovinescu

 Theoretical High School

Bahar and Edward are talking in Bucharest

Two days later,after a long flight,Edward and Bahar finally landed in Bucharest, Romania, at around 3 pm Romanian time.

Edward: That was a really long flight! I feel a tad exhausted,said 

Edward with a big frown on his face.

Bahar: Turn that frown upside down Edward! Don’t be sad! Remember why we’re here, remember why I’ve come all the way from Turkey with you here in Romania,said Bahar smiling.

Edward: Yeah! You’re right! We’re here to explore Bucharest and have fun not to be sad all day,said Edward finally with a smile on his face.

Bahar had come all they from Turkey to Romania with Edward to be his guide because she knows a lot about this interesting city called Bucharest.

Edward: Where should we go first Bahar? Asked Edward.

Bahar: To the one and only Parliament Palace! answered Bahar.

Edward: Parliament Palace? What’s that ,Bahar? asked Edward very curiously.

Bahar: You’ll see once we get there Edward! Just be a little bit patient okay Edward? answered Bahar.

Edward: Alright, alright! Let’s get walking then Bahar! said Edward whilst starting to run.

Bahar: Hey!! Wait for me! I’m the guide, not you! said Bahar chuckling out loud whilst also starting ro run.

After around 30 minutes they get to the Parliament Palace.

    Edward: Wow! Is this the Parliament Palace? Asked Edward, shocked by the beauty ,and the size of the Parliament Palace.

Bahar: Yep! It sure is. Isn’t it beautiful? answered Bahar.It is the second largest administrative building in the world, with a height of 84 metres and a floor area of 365.000 square meters !

Edward: It’s not only beautiful, it’s exquisite! said Edward still in shock after witnessing the beauty of the Parliament Palace.

Bahar: I wholeheartedly agree!  said Bahar bewildered by how much Edward likes the Parliament Palace.

Edward: Can we please go inside Bahar? Pretty please? I really want to see how it looks from the inside out! Said Edward in an excited voice.

Bahar: I’m sorry to disappoint you Edward but I’m afraid we can’t enter the Parliament Palace at this moment. You can usually visit the Parliament Palace in the weekend either on Saturday or on Sunday, you can’t legally enter it during the week and since today is Thursday we can’t enter it unless you want to break the law which I don’t advise you to do,said Bahar with a sad tone.

Edward: Aww... Come on! Isn’t there any other way we can legally enter the Parliament Palace during the weekend? said Edward with a big frown on his face.

Bahar: I'm afraid there isn’t. I'm so sorry Edward, I didn’t mean to make you sad. I took you to the Parliament Palace because I was 100% sure that you wouldn’t like it and hence you wouldn’t want to see the inside of the Palace.Once again I’m sorry Edward,said Bahar, tearing up a little.

Edward: Everything alright Bahar! Don’t worry about me, I’m all good! It’s just that I really wanted to see how the Palace looked from the inside because its exterior is very, very large,said Edward now with a smile on his face.

Bahar: You really mean it? Are you really alright? said Bahar, wiping away her tears from her face.

Edward: Yes, I really mean it, there’s nothing to be worried about,said Edward, now in a very good mood.

Bahar: If you say so…said Bahar, also in a very good mood.

Edward: Where should we go now ,Bahar? What place will we visit now? asked Edward.

Bahar: Well, there are other amazing places that are worth visiting in Bucharest : Cotroceni Palace , the official residence of the President,which houses The National Cotroceni Museum and which was built during the 19th century, being a monastery in the 17th century…Or Kiseleff Royal Palace ,the main royal residence of former Romanian monarchs…If you want a break from the noisy city we could go to  Herastrau Park,or Cismigiu Park,some of the largest and beautiful parks here…  But, since it’s getting pretty late, I suggest we go to check out the Old City Center! Trust me when I say this, It’s really beautiful at night! said Bahar.

Edward: Beautiful you say? Then what are we waiting for?! Let’s get walking! said Edward very enthusiastically!

Bahar: Then get behind me! Remember I know where the place is ,not you! said Bahar laughing.

Edward: Okay okay! Then what are you waiting for ? Get in front of me and start walking! You want me to put a red carpet for you to start walking? said Edward also laughing really loudly.

Bahar: Haha, very funny Edward! said Bahar, clearly annoyed by Edward’s joke.

Edward: Hey, I’m just fooling around! Don’t get mad at me, please! said Edward in a panicked voice.

Bahar: Don’t worry! I know that you’re joking, it’s just that your joke wasn’t really good,said Bahar.

The two then started walking towards the old city center.

After a long 2 hours the two get to the old city center.

Edward: Wow! You really weren’t lying! This place sure does look amazing at night ,Bahar! Said Edward bewildered by the beauty of the old city center.

Bahar: Of course I wasn’t lying Edward! Have I ever lied to you? said Bahar.

Edward: Now that you say that, I really don’t recall you ever lying to me, you’re a really good friend! said Edward proud of his friendship with Bahar.

Bahar: Aww.. That really means a lot Edward! Thank you! Said Bahar very happily.