In Love with Life: 2015

Dear all,

6 years ago me and my good friend Domi went to Istanbul for the first time. I still remember the amount of food we ate. We were fascinated about everything and then we tasted Baklava, the best pastry in the world. My life changed then.

So here I am now writing from Turkey where I spent nearly a month and probably could tell you that I really fell in love with a country.

Nearly 3 weeks me and Dom volunteered in this beautiful ranch, not far from Antalya around the hills and forests with beautiful Taurus Mountains in front of us. We met amazing dogs ( 27 of them!), cats (too many to count, probably like 60 of them!), horses, sheep, ducks and chickens. Everybody who spent time around many animals can tell what special atmosphere they create. I loved walking the dogs that were in the kennels, I loved the excitement they had everytime I wanted to open the gates. I loved their energy, their wisdom, their smile and of course a bit of cheekiness. They were all my favourites. They would surprise me everyday with something I didn't know about them before. I also fell in love with a little puppy Karamel who will always stay in my heart. Cats were different. I loved them as well, but I made connection only with a few ones.

I met beautiful volunteers, people with similar interests and always so keen to help. They are people that I call friends now. And how should I not mention the hosts, these brave turkish people who chose to break all stereotypes about your typical turk and brought animals from the street to give them better life. I respect people who live to help the others. My time in Karaoz, the ranch I stayed in is indeed full of beautiful memories.

It's been more than a week that we've been traveling around and enjoying Turkey. It spoiled us completely with it's sunshine and blue sky, with it's amazing food (do I have to mention Baklava dose everyday:)?), with it's nature where mountains touch the sea, it's helpful friendly locals and time of the year with no tourists at all.

I found out a lot of things about this fascinating country. I learnt something new everyday and had closer look how people really live here. Turkey's name was always associated with tourist companies where now I got a chance to change my view towards it. I know that life in Turkey can be difficult, I know there is a lot of pressure after new elections but I am looking at Turkey through a traveller's, nature lover's eyes. And I see this warm and welcoming country with so much more that you can expect.

In couple of days we are going to the mountains. This time to the French Alps. To work, have fun, to improve our snowboarding and enjoy the magnificent snowy mountains. If you are around don't be shy to pop in. We will always have some space for you.

Enjoy last days of November,

Ligita