Gregory's visit to Turkey

I had the pleasure of visiting some of the Turkish Ex-PYs from SWY.22, first in Istanbul, then in Ankara in July 2010. Turkey is a country well-known for its hospitality, but still we were surprised by the warm reception and kindness of our friends!

We ate (a lot!) of really tasty food (which is not that similar to Greek as I expected!), we had really intresting conversations and we had the chance to know better each other, as on the ship there are loads of people and it's really hard to be close to everyone...!

One of the most memorable moments was the trip to the lake of Ankara, as well as the cruise of Bosporus in Istanbul! But the highlight can't be anything but the smile and positive attitude of these young Turkish people!

Thank you so much guys! It's your turn now! Serefe! Yamas!

Gregory Kontos (02.07.2010 - 06.07.2010)

Konstantinos' visit to Turkey

Being a Greek, living close to Turkey and sharing a common history for more than 500 years, each one of us is being brought up by listening to various stories, good and bad; however it is only if you decide to visit this country on your own that you will explore the greatness of its people and their warmth hospitality.

It was not my first time to visit Turkey last month. Nevertheless it was the most memorable journey of my life. The kindness, the friendliness and the constant smile of the families I stayed and everyone I met made me feel very special for being there together with my friends, brothers and sisters from now on.

Gulece, Didem and Seda! I cannot thank you enough for everything. You were such gracious hosts and I really felt at home.

I can't wait to return the favor the next time you're around!
Please let me know when you would like to visit and I will turn the brightest light on for you.

Konstantinos Tsikgaras (30.06.2010 - 05.07.2010)

Panagiotis in Turkey

My family had to leave Turkey in a bad way 40 years ago.
They sold everything in order to start a new life in Greece.
Since I was a kid, we visited Istanbul and other places 3 times. I always saw something in mother's and my grandmother's eyes; but I couldn't realize what.
For me, it happened to study History between others. I had the luck to learn the history from both sides. This last fact opened my mind,  made me see things from a neutral side.

I had the luck to meet the amazing Turkish delegation participating in SWY-22. From the first day, I realized that we can happily live together on board, as it felt like we were coming from the same country. Our habits, thoughts, body language... Everything was the same.

After coming back to Greece from SWY, I firstly traveled to Ankara. It was a last minute decision, but I really enjoyed taking it.
I had a really good time with the Turkish delegates living in Ankara, I felt like I was back home, even if I've never been there before...
It's needless to describe their hospitality...
It's needless to describe their kindness...
It's needless to say that I had a really good time there.
Thank you Seda, Didem, Gulece, Okan!

Also, as a Scout leader, this summer I visited Izmir with my scout group during our summer camp for 3 days. Our scout team felt the added value of the SWY spirit. Berkant didn't go at all to his house in order help us and provide us every information we needed to fulfill our camp's goals. It was amazingly great that he shared the same tireness and had the same passion to explore the city as we did.

As I promised, I'll be back and I'll see you again very soon.
Now, I can understand the feelings in my mother's and grandmother's eyes.

Thank you the amazing Turkish delegation!

Panagiotis Mamouzakis (30.04.2010 - 03.)