Travel as a Meaning of Life

1. Introduction

In the age of digital technology, we have the opportunity to find anything we can think of. Thanks to the internet, we can also travel abroad and discover new horizons. There is so much information online about student exchanges 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 work at the same time. Thus, I found so many programs with the opportunity to go to countries in Europe, America, New Zealand, Turkey, and more!

My name is Alisher, and 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 the 3 summer months.

Enjoy reading, everyone. Let's get started!

2. My First Trip.

I went abroad for the first time. Starting my journey on June 23rd from the city of Khromtau, I traveled by train to Astana for a day. Upon arriving in the capital, I had to get to the hostel. There, for the first time, I met people from other countries. I spoke with one of them in English in person, which was a great 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 well before my flight time (it was my first time flying on a plane).

After sorting everything out, I was ready to depart. But the plane didn't take off due to technical issues. I found people who were flying to Bulgaria to work just like me, and we all started thinking about what to do next. Eventually, after a few hours, our tickets were rebooked, and we were supposed to fly out in 2 days. But the question of where to sleep remained open. We gathered together and went to ask this question to the company through which we were supposed to fly. After talking to them, they offered us a 3-star hotel on the right bank of Astana with 3 meals a day for two days. The next day, we went for a walk around the city. Getting to know our new acquaintances better, we had a great time in the capital. After 2 days, we finally flew out. I don't know how flights work, but first, we flew from Astana to Shymkent and from there to Istanbul, one of the largest cities in Turkey. Upon arriving in Turkey, I felt a bit unwell. Because it was my first time flying, I had ear pain.

At the airport, the most difficult part at that moment began. Some of us (including me) went to look for a bus to the bus station (Bayrampasa). As soon as we finally found it, we went back to tell the others. But something went wrong. We couldn't get in because they wouldn't let us through. The person who wouldn't let us in didn't even listen to us, and since we didn't have a connection, we couldn't call and tell them the whole situation. A couple of hours later, they came out themselves, and we finally moved on.

We arrived at the bus station late at night. Some of us (especially me) managed to sleep for 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 towards Bulgaria. During the 10 hours on the road, I tried not to fall asleep and to look at the cities, 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 fell asleep without waiting for that moment. When I woke up, I saw so many villages where things were very bad; the locals lived in very poor conditions, which was a shock to me. Entering Bulgaria after checking documents, I immediately noticed that the local nature is very beautiful and mesmerizing. Forests, hills, and mountains. I also noticed many buildings from the USSR era. I also want to add a couple of words about the bus we were traveling in. Despite the fact that we were on the road for a long 10 hours, it had everything for comfort; we were offered coffee, tea, snacks, and all that.

Reaching Varna, the sea capital and one of the significant cities of Bulgaria, we transferred to another bus that took us to the "Albena" resort.

Finding out at the very end of the 10-hour road that several other people from Kazakhstan were traveling with us who were going to work, I found common ground with them from the very beginning.

Arriving in Albena (the place where we lived and worked), it was already late at night. After getting the keys, we went to our new home and saw so much wildlife and endless cobwebs; we were hungry, and there was no strength left 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. After getting to know everyone, I became good friends with them.

After a day, we finally found out where to sign the documents to start working. After finding out the place of work and my schedule, I went to work on July 1st. The restaurant is called "Nona".

In the first days of work, it was hard. Because we didn't know the Bulgarian language, we didn't understand what the management wanted from us. Also, the fact that I was working in catering for the first time was not insignificant, and my legs were shocked by such a load at work. Acclimatization also played a role (before the trip, I hadn't even heard such a word ). For 3 long days (for me), I felt very bad. But over time, everything finally went uphill.

After we got used to the work, my friends and I started going to nearby cities on weekends. And, of course, you can't do without photos here; I will certainly attach them below.

On weekends, my friends and I went (sometimes even walked) to nearby cities. Everywhere there was something special. Buildings from long ago are very noticeable. Not far from the resort is the city of "Balchik". Having been there, the descents and ascents are very noticeable. (After this, I am not surprised that many who lived there had massive legs ).

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

In September, many of my friends and acquaintances were already supposed to go 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 the moments I will never forget.

The time was approaching to leave Bulgaria. Leaving 2 days before my flight, I went to Istanbul.

2.1 Istanbul .

The biggest city I have ever been to. The population and 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 evening Istanbul. Seeing a glowing tall building, we headed towards it. After 6 hours, we reached a bridge that would have led us there. But it turned out that you can only drive through it. We accepted a bitter defeat and somehow returned to the hostel, and it was already early morning. After sleeping for 2 hours, the next day we found a boat that led exactly to that part of the city where that very building was located. This pleasure costs 500 tenge, which is quite cheap. Getting there, we walked towards this building. The closer we were, the higher the path seemed. After visiting Starbucks, Konoha, and other places, we finally approached this building. There was very little left, practically climbing the road, we finally conquered Everest.

Marveling at all the beauty of this city, I made a promise to myself that someday I would go there again .

The next day, I decided to go shopping. Since many things in Turkey are cheaper than in Kazakhstan, I bought everything I needed.

After having a good time with my friends, the time for the flight home was approaching.

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

That day, my roaming ended, so after saving the photos of the route, I set off on my way with my backpack and a large bag in my hands (this is all my luggage ).

But from the very beginning, everything went not according to plan, as the route was incorrect. After meeting a Turk, he helped me get to the airport. I was lucky that he is a very kind person. Riding with him on the subway, we reached some part of Istanbul where only locals live. Saying goodbye to him, I thanked him and took a photo for memory (I will also add these photos here ).

After reaching the airport, my friends arrived after some time. 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 arriving in Astana, I said goodbye to the others, got on the train, and went home.

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

Everyone should travel. Without travel, life becomes boring and gray. I don't understand those people who don't want to and don't like to see the world. I haven't been to many places yet, but I am sure that I will manage to see many beautiful countries and cities in my life. It doesn't matter where you go, the main thing is to discover places not seen before. When I travel, I get amazing emotions, recharge with energy, and also fight boredom and routine. Besides this, travel allows you to broaden your horizons and learn many new things. In travels, you get to know a new culture, customs, and the way of life of the people living 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 get out of your comfort zone, gain experience in another profession, and find friends from all over the world. In general, you will have an unforgettable summer.

Having been there, you have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience that will help you in your future endeavors. Knowledge of the language in practice will be a big plus when applying for a job. Besides knowledge of the language, you will also learn to communicate, negotiate with people, and so on. You can list endlessly, but one thing is true. Upon returning home, you will be a completely different person.

Unfortunately, in the process of uploading photos and videos to this story, I could not upload everything I planned due to the site's system (some kind of error). The most offensive thing is that I couldn't upload the edited video, but it is what it is.

Photos are uploaded in chronological order

4. Conclusion (message)

In this story, of course, little is written about the difficulties that had to be and will have to be overcome. But focusing on the positive moments, I wrote about how my first trip went and what pros you can get. I hope that what I wrote will inspire you not to be afraid to act and finally go this summer where you want and plan. .

Goodness to everyone