Travel as the Meaning of Life

1. Introduction

In the age of digital technology we have the opportunity to find everything that comes to mind. Thanks to the Internet we can also travel abroad and discover new horizons. There is so much information online about student exchange and working abroad. The goal of student exchange programs is cultural exchange. And of course those who participate in such programs gain invaluable experience. In the first months of this year (2022) I was looking for programs where I could go abroad for the summer and at the same time work there. Thus I found so many programs that offer the opportunity to go to countries in Europe, America, New Zealand, Turkey and more!

My name is Alisher; I am a participant in the Work and Travel 2023 program.

Since I was finishing my second year of university in May, I chose seasonal work in Bulgaria for 3 summer months.

Enjoy your reading. Let's get started!

2. My First Trip.

I went abroad for the first time. Starting my journey on June 23 from the city of Khromtau, I traveled by train to Astana for one day. Upon arrival in the capital I had to get to the hostel. There I met people from other countries for the first time. And I spoke with one of them in English face-to-face, which was a big experience for me. I spent the rest of the day walking around the city until late at night. The next day I went to the airport much earlier than my departure time (it was my first time flying by plane).

After sorting everything out, I was ready to depart. But the plane did not take off due to technical problems. I found people who, like me, were flying to Bulgaria to work, and we all began to think about what to do next. In the end, after a few hours our tickets were rebooked and we were to fly in 2 days. But the question of where to stay for the night remained open. Gathering together we went to ask the company through which we were supposed to fly. After talking with them they offered us a three-star hotel on the right bank of Astana with three meals a day for two nights. The next day we went for a walk around the city. Having gotten to know my new acquaintances better, we had a great time in the capital. After 2 days we finally flew. I don't know how flights work but first we flew from Astana to Shymkent and from there to Istanbul, to one of the largest cities in Turkey. Upon arrival in Turkey I felt a little unwell. Because it was my first flight, I had ear pain.

The most difficult part at that moment began at the airport. Some of us (including me) went to look for a bus to the coach station (Bayrampaşa). When we finally found it, we went back to tell the others. But something went wrong. We could not get in because we were not being allowed through. The person who was not letting us in did not even listen to us; since we had no connection we could not call and explain the whole situation. After a couple of hours they came out on their own and finally we continued.

We arrived at the coach station late at night. Some of us (especially me) managed to sleep 2–3 hours on the seats before our departure. By the way, my ear pain was still bothering me :( At 9 a.m. we successfully boarded the bus and headed toward Bulgaria. During the 10-hour journey I tried not to fall asleep and looked at towns, villages and nature. I tried not to fall asleep until the moment we were supposed to leave Istanbul but I couldn't , the city is too big and I still fell asleep without waiting for that moment. When I woke up, I saw so many villages that were in very poor condition; the locals lived in very bad conditions, which was a shock to me. After entering Bulgaria and having our documents checked I immediately noticed that the local nature was very beautiful and mesmerizing. Forests, hills and mountains. I also noticed many buildings from the Soviet era. I also want to add a few words about the bus we traveled in. Despite the long 10-hour journey, it had everything for comfort: we were offered coffee, tea, snacks and so on.

Arriving in Varna, the maritime capital and one of the important cities of Bulgaria, we transferred to another bus that took us to the holiday base "Albena".

Learning at the very end of the 10-hour road that there were a few more people from Kazakhstan traveling with us who were going to work, I immediately found a common language with them.

By the time we reached Albena (the place where we lived and worked) it was already late at night. After receiving the keys we went to our new home and saw so many critters and endless cobwebs, we were hungry and had no energy to clean the house. Leaving our things in the bungalow (these are our little houses), I went with my new acquaintances to look for a cafe. I will never forget our first days in Albena. Having met everyone, I became good friends with them.

A day later we finally found out where to sign the documents to start work. Learning the workplace and my schedule I started work on July 1. The restaurant is called "Nona".

The first days at work were hard. Because we didn't know Bulgarian, we did not understand what the management wanted from us. Another important fact is that it was my first time working in the foodservice industry and my legs were shocked by the workload at work. Acclimatization also played a role (before the trip I had never even heard that word ). For 3 long days (for me) I felt very bad. But over time everything finally started to improve.

After we got used to the job, my friends and I began to go to nearby towns on weekends. And of course you can't do without photos; I will of course attach them below.

On weekends with friends we traveled (and sometimes even walked) to nearby towns. Everywhere there was something special. Buildings from long ago were very noticeable. Not far from the resort there is the town of "Balchik". Having been there the slopes and climbs were very noticeable. (After that I am not surprised that many who lived there had massive legs ).

Already feeling at home, the time came for the end of the season in Albena.

In September many of my friends and acquaintances were already supposed to return home. This summer I made many friends from different countries and it was sad to say goodbye to them.

I fell in love with this place for moments I will never forget.

The time to leave Bulgaria was approaching. Leaving two days before my flight, I headed to Istanbul.

2.1 Istanbul .

The biggest city I had been to. The population and the area are just something (in English I would say "mind-blowing).

After checking into the hostel and resting for 5–6 hours, my friend and I went for a walk around the evening Istanbul. Seeing a tall illuminated building we headed toward it. After 6 hours we reached the bridge that would have taken us there. But it turned out that only vehicles were allowed to pass over it. We accepted this disappointing defeat and somehow made it back to the hostel, and it was already early morning. After sleeping 2 hours the next day we found a ferry that went to that part of the city where that very building was. This pleasure costs 500 tg, which is quite cheap. Once there we walked toward that building. The closer we were, the steeper the path seemed. Having visited Starbucks, Konoha and other places, we finally approached the building. There was very little left, practically scrambling along the road we finally conquered Everest.

Amazed by all the beauty of this city, I promised myself that someday I would get there again .

The next day I decided to do some shopping. Since many things in Turkey are cheaper than in Kazakhstan, I stocked up on everything I needed.

Having had a good time with my friends, it was already close to the time to fly home.

I decided to try to get to Istanbul Airport using the route that "Google Maps" gave me.

That day my roaming ran out, having saved photos of the route I set off with my backpack and a large bag in my hands (that's all my luggage )

But from the very beginning things went off plan because the route was incorrect. Having met a Turk he helped me get to the airport. I was lucky that he was a very kind person. Riding with him on the metro we reached a part of Istanbul where only locals live. Saying goodbye I thanked him and took a photo with him for memory (I will add those photos here too ).

Arriving at the airport, after some time my friends arrived. We flew to the city of Shymkent, where in a few hours we were supposed to fly to Astana. During this time I managed to walk around the city. Upon arrival in Astana I said goodbye to the others, took the train and went home.

3. About travel, goals, reasons and the advantages of participating in WaT

Everyone should travel. Without travel life becomes boring and gray. I don't understand people who don't want and don't like to see the world. I haven't been many places yet, but I'm sure I'll have time in my life to see many beautiful countries and cities. It doesn't matter where you go, the main thing is to discover places you haven't seen before. When I travel I get amazing emotions, recharge my energy, and also fight boredom and routine. In addition, traveling allows you to broaden your horizons and learn many new things. On trips you get to know a new culture, customs and the way of life of the people who live there.

This is one of the reasons for my participation in the Work and Travel program.

With the help of this program you can learn a lot.

Practice and study of the English language. While being there you will come out of your comfort zone, gain experience in another profession, and find friends from all over the world. In general you will spend an unforgettable summer.

Having been there you have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience that will help you in your future endeavors. Practical language knowledge will be a big plus when seeking employment. In addition to language skills you will also learn to communicate, negotiate with people and so on. One could list endlessly but one thing is true. Upon returning home you will be a completely different person.

Unfortunately, while uploading photos and videos to this story, I couldn't upload everything I had planned due to the site's system (some error). The most annoying thing is that I couldn't upload the edited video but what is there is what is there.

Photos are uploaded in chronological order

4. Conclusion (message)

Of course this story contains little about the difficulties I had and will have to go through. But by focusing on positive moments I wrote about how my first trip went and what benefits you can get. I hope that what I have written will inspire you not to be afraid to act and finally go this summer to where you want and plan to go. .

Wishing everyone well