TURKEY/Gemlik BİLSEM- Furkan-Deniz-Ada-Cahit 

Title: Metehan's Dream Journey

TURKEY/Gemlik BİLSEM- Ecrin-Eymen-Zeynep

Yet, beyond the boundaries of his beloved homeland, Metehan's imagination soared like a kite caught in the winds of possibility. With each passing day, he dreamt of a world where children from every corner of the globe joined hands in harmony, where differences were celebrated, and kindness was the universal language.

In his heart, he envisioned a place where the laughter of Turkish children mingled with the songs of Georgian, Romanian, Polish, Italian, and Tunisian friends. Together, they would paint the skies with the colors of diversity, weaving a tapestry of unity that spanned continents and cultures.

As the call of adventure beckoned, Metehan embarked on a journey fueled by hope and dreams. With a backpack filled with memories of home and a heart brimming with aspirations for a brighter tomorrow, he set forth to meet his friend Emine, knowing that their paths would converge like rivers flowing into the boundless sea of possibility.

TURKEY/Gemlik GGAL - Elif-Ilgın-Melek-Zeynep

Metehan's steps were light as he navigated through the familiar streets of Bursa, his mind buzzing with anticipation for the adventure ahead. The sun warmed his back, casting long shadows on the cobblestones, as he made his way toward the meeting spot with Emine. Along the way, he passed by the vibrant bazaars where merchants bartered their goods, the aroma of spices and freshly baked bread filling the air.

As he turned a corner, Metehan spotted Emine waiting by the fountain in the town square, her face lit up with a radiant smile that mirrored his own excitement. Emine was a spirited girl, with eyes that sparkled like the stars above and a laugh that could brighten even the gloomiest of days. Together, they had shared countless adventures, their bond forged through years of friendship and shared dreams.

"Metehan!" Emine exclaimed, waving enthusiastically as he approached. "I've been waiting for you. Are you ready for our journey?"

Metehan grinned, the thrill of anticipation coursing through his veins. "More than ready, Emine. Today marks the beginning of something extraordinary."

TURKEY/Gemlik GGAL - Berke-Rasha-Hasret

With a nod of agreement, Emine hoisted her own backpack onto her shoulders, the weight of their dreams propelling them forward. Side by side, they set off down the cobblestone streets, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the city as they embarked on a quest to turn their dreams into reality.

As Metehan and Emine journeyed through the streets of Bursa, their excitement grew with each passing moment. They talked animatedly about the adventures that lay ahead, envisioning the places they would visit and the people they would meet. Their destination was a youth cultural exchange program in Istanbul, where young minds from different countries would converge to celebrate diversity and foster understanding.

Along the way, they encountered scenes that stirred their souls – a street performer playing haunting melodies on a traditional Turkish instrument, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked simit drifting from a nearby bakery, and the laughter of children playing in the square. Each moment added to the tapestry of memories they were weaving together.

their dreams into reality.

As they approached the outskirts of Bursa, the landscape began to change. Lush green fields stretched out before them, dotted with wildflowers swaying in the gentle breeze. In the distance, they could see the towering peaks of Uludağ, its snow-capped summit reaching for the sky.

With each step, Metehan and Emine felt a sense of freedom wash over them, as if they were shedding the weight of the world and stepping into a realm of infinite possibilities. They knew that their journey would not be without challenges, but they were determined to face them head-on, armed with nothing but their dreams and
Their first stop was Georgia, where they would meet many others who shared the same goals and dreams as them. Unity brought power, and they knew that by working together, they could achieve anything.

Some comrades from Turkey visited us in Georgia.Nino and Giorgi invited Emine and Metehan to their house. They were entertained with Georgian cuisine. The children tasted churkkhela, which is made with Badagi. Of course, the most popular dishes are khinkali and khachapuri. A particularly pleasant Borjomi is a refreshing drink. Giorgi and Nino's grandfather told them about the discovery of Tbilisi—the legend

According to the legend, the territory of Tbilisi was covered with forest, and the Georgian king (according to one version, Vakhtang I Gorgasal) wounded a deer while hunting; the deer was bathed in a hot spring and cured and escaped from the hunters (according to another version, the king Mimino killed a pheasant; the birds fell into the hot spring and died). Because of the healing properties of the hot water and the favorable location of the place, the king cleared the forest and built the city. "Tbilisi"—"warm" (in ancient Georgian "tfili")—the"city was called because of mineral springs. Later, sulfur baths were built on this site. The mentioned place is the historic district of Tbilisi, Abanotubani.

Some friends are going to get to know old Tbilisi. George and Nino tell their friends that people of many nationalities lived and still live in Tbilisi. There are many churches in Tbilisi. There is also a mosque and a synagogue. They saw the Narikala fortress, which was built in the 4th century, with amazing views of Tbilisi and the Mtkvari River. In city, the Georgian people invited him to drink "Laghidze water."  They especially liked the taste and the warmth and attention of the Georgian people. Emine and Metehan were amazed after getting to know the historical city.Turkish and  his Georgian friends are going to Romania.

Metehan and Emine from Turkey, Nino and Giorgi from Georgia, and their Romanian friends Maria and Andrei were eager to explore the land of Romania.

 first stop there was Bucharest, Romania's vibrant capital. The city welcomed them with its bustling streets, grand architecture, and lively atmosphere. As they wandered through the Old Town, Maria and Andrei shared stories of Romania's history, from its ancient Dacian roots to its more recent struggles and triumphs.

Hungry from their travels, they sat down to savor some traditional Romanian dishes. Maria recommended sarmale, delicious cabbage rolls stuffed with seasoned meat and rice, while Andrei insisted they try mămăligă, a hearty cornmeal porridge served with cheese and sour cream. The flavors danced on their tongues, and they couldn't resist indulging in sweet treats like papanasi, fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and jam.

Their next adventure took them to Bran Castle, perched high in the Carpathian Mountains. With its looming towers and mysterious aura, the castle was said to be the home of the infamous Dracula. Maria recounted the tale of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind the vampire legend, while the others listened intently, their imaginations running wild.Leaving Bran behind, they journeyed to Transylvania's charming towns and villages, where time seemed to stand still. They explored Sighișoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, and marveled at its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets. In Brasov, they hiked up to the imposing Black Church, itsmedieval architecture and cobblestone streets. In Brasov, they hiked up to the imposing Black Church, its gothic spires reaching towards the sky.Their journey through Romania was a whirlwind of discovery and adventure, filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories.But their adventure didn't stop here, because the 6 children headed for a new trip to Poland

Warsaw, Poland

All friends were then invited to Poland. A Polish boy named Jan invited Metehan, Emine, Nino, Giorgi, Maria and Andrei to visit the city of Warsaw, Polish capital. They visited the Royal Castle, a home to Polish kings since the XVIIth century. This castle became a target for German military attacks during the World War II. The act of destruction was completed during the Warsaw Uprising in September 1944, when German sappers blasted the Castle walls. After the war, Polish people reconstructed the castle and now it’s big and beautiful again. 

The children also had a chance to hear a story about the Warsaw Mermaid, whose statue stands proudly by the Vistula river in the city centre. According to the legend, the Mermaid travelled to Warsaw along the Vistula River from the nearby Baltic sea.  It is said that from time to time, the mermaid emerges from the Vistula and looks at the ever-changing capital.

The children got hungry, so Jan took them to one of many Warsaw’s restaurants and they ate one of the famous Polish dishes – pierogi – a filled dumplings, made by wrapping unleavened dough around a filling, and occasionally flavored with a savory or sweet garnish, finally cooked in boiling water.