A Journey of Goodbyes and New Beginnings

The bags are packed, the last goodbyes have been said, and the tears have been shed. It's time to embark on a new journey. Our first adventure took us from Turkey to Italy, and it was filled with challenges and exciting moments. In this blog post, I'll take you back to the days when our family packed up and left behind everything we knew to start a new life in a foreign land.

 

##Chapter 1: Saying Goodbye

The last days in Turkey were tough. We had to say our goodbyes, not just to family, but to the new friends we had made during our time in Turkey. Saying goodbye had become a constant companion in our lives, no matter where we went or what we did. Whether it was parting with family or friends, we had to learn to say goodbye with heavy hearts.

 

##Chapter 2: The First Flight

As we were ready to depart, we made our way to Gaziantep's small airport. It was my first time ever at an airport, and I was brimming with excitement. Back then, I didn't think much about what lay ahead in Italy. Looking back now, I realize that my mom, a single mother with two children, must have been carrying a world of worries and stress. She's truly a hero for making such a significant step to take us into the unknown, to a country she had never been to before.

We loaded our luggage, checked in, and waited in line to board the plane. Though I don't remember that moment clearly, I have pictures saved as memories. I was excited to be on my first flight, capturing moments as we flew over the Alps. It was a thrilling experience, and I was living the dream of a little kid.

 

## Chapter 3: Arrival in Italy

Our journey to Italy was during the Christmas season, and the cold greeted us upon our arrival in Perugia. However, our flight didn't land there. Instead, we landed in Rome and had to take a train to Perugia. It was a hectic experience, especially with a lot of luggage and tight connections. We had to rush to catch the next train, but the scenic beauty of Perugia's hilltop city center was worth the chaos.

 

## Chapter 4: Life in Perugia

For the first six months in Italy, we had to stay in a Nun's house, which came with strict rules. There were set times for waking up and going to bed. If we left the house, we had to return before 8PM, and being late came with consequences. The meals were provided, but we had to eat whatever was served, which could be challenging at times.

 

## Chapter 5: The School Days

I started attending school, and the morning walks to school with my brother and mom were memorable. The school had a few English-speaking students, which helped with communication. My French teacher, originally from Morocco/Algeria, went out of his way to make me feel welcome. He even had me represent Aleppo, my hometown, to the class, and it was a heartwarming experience.

 

## Chapter 6: New Beginnings

The six months passed quickly, and we moved to a rented house on our own. Changing schools was easier as I had picked up the language. Making new friends was a breeze, and I was fortunate to find a group of lovely girls who welcomed me with open arms.

## Conclusion: 

Our journey from Turkey to Italy was filled with farewells, challenges, and new beginnings. But the story doesn't end here. Stay tuned for the next chapter of adventures in my life as we move to Glasgow, Scotland, and continue our journey.