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.)