Travel

Travel for me has always been more than just an exercise; it has been a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. Places visited have profoundly influenced my worldview, an influence deeply changing how I perceive the world and my place in it. Each destination has left an indelible mark on my soul, where I learned lessons that are still carried with me to this day as I evolve from who I was into who I am today. It's not just a cross-border journey; it is a journey into myself.

Some of my first destinations to open my eyes to a greater reality were the busy metropolis of "Istanbul, Turkey". I felt I was stepping into a time machine that spoke for centuries. The grand mosques and palaces, like the "Hagia Sophia" and "Topkapi Palace", stood as breathing testimonies to a rich history that bridges both East and West. Walking through the bazaars, filled with all the spices and the delectable aromas wafting through the air, I knew I was connected to all people. I learned to appreciate the importance of cultural integration as every stone and street told the history of the Ottoman. The concurrence of different cultures in such a magnificent city really made me reflect on how diversity should be depicted and cherished in various walks of life.

I learned from Istanbul to appreciate diversity not only superficially but as a foundation for the understanding of humankind. It was for the first time in my life that I truly realized that, despite the differences in our place of origin and language, there remains a core to the human experience - one that unifies us all, making our desires for love, understanding, and fulfillment unilaterally human. This helped change the way I looked at people - I became bolder and sought out diversity of every form.

From Istanbul, I ventured into the serene landscapes of "Greece: Santorini". It was so beautiful that it almost felt like a dream. The whitewashed homes clinging to the face of cliffs overlooked the seemingly endless blue of the Aegean Sea. The simplicity of life, though, is what struck me the most. Life is lived slowly, with people being kind and content, revolved around family, food, and community. In this quiet paradise, I learned to appreciate life, not because of its small moments but to slow down. This realisation was profound and occurred in Santorini – it had taught me how much noise we entail every day, constantly tagging along with more and more. This island seems to have taught people to just slow down, breathe, and appreciate life in its simplest form.

My travels continue, taking me from the tranquil beauty of the Greek islands to the heart of "Tokyo, Japan" a city that stands in stark contrast to the laid-back atmosphere of Santorini. Tokyo is a city of lights, speed, and innovation. Skyscrapers stretch toward the heavens, while neon lights pulse with life. But amidst the futuristic vibe, I discovered a profound sense of balance. It taught me about the importance of harmony juxtaposing fast-paced city life with tranquil gardens and temples - as serene as "Shinjuku Gyoen" or historic "Senso-ji Temple".

In Tokyo, I learned that one could well have both progress and tradition. The respect that the Japanese have for nature, the attention to detail in every action, and the quest for excellence in everything done really impacted my life. It started to open my eyes to how it's one thing to embrace change and innovation but also another to be grounded with values and traditions. Tokyo taught me the importance of balance-between work and life, ambition and contentment.

My last stop was "Cape Town, South Africa", a city that left a deep mark on my heart. From the iconic **Table Mountain** to the rugged coastlines of the "Cape of Good Hope", Cape Town's natural beauty was stunning. But the history—the stories of struggle and of resilience—killed me. Visiting "Robben Island", where Nelson Mandela spent most of his years in prison, humbled me. And so, apartheid history and the continuing journey toward reconciliation and healing made me understand the concept of power in forgiveness and human strength.

Cape Town opened my eyes about injustice and inequality around the world, but it also opened my eyes to the possibility of change. It reminded me that no matter how black things seem, there will always be hope. It is quite inspiring to see what kind of a resilient people they were and how fearless they were against adversity. Those qualities made me look at the challenges in my life differently. Cape Town taught me a lesson that actual strength lies in the world of perseverance and every strife brings an opportunity for growth.

Through all these experiences, my worldview has been reshaped in so profound ways. Travel made me understand that how big the world is, but it has similarity in these common experiences and feelings. The lessons learned from diversity in Istanbul, simplicity in Santorini, balance in Tokyo, and resilience in Cape Town became part of my inner compass. They guide me through in the complex world of life as they remind me: with every journey, every milestone comes the chance to learn, grow, and become a better version of myself.

And so, the journey is not about seeing places, but about seeing life. It's about finding beauty in differences and unity in common humanness. Most importantly, it's about the journey within—about how every place visited and every person encountered will help shape the person we are to become.