In the summer of 2020, my dear Turkish friend Fusun abla graciously invited me to visit Izmir, her hometown, and spend some much-needed time with her family to rejuvenate. After the arduous workload at university, I eagerly accepted her invitation and was excited to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.

Upon arrival, I felt like a new world had opened up to me, filled with fresh experiences and exciting opportunities.

During my stay, I was warmly welcomed by Fusun’s parents, who reside in the picturesque beach town of Foca. Their charming summer house, complete with a lush garden where they grow vegetables, was a peaceful oasis that I called home for three to four days. I even had the pleasure of working alongside Fusun’s father in the garden, quickly becoming his favorite. Along with exploring the local area and cooking some of my favorite Indian dishes, I also went to the beach and drove a car for the first time!

Later, we were invited to Fusun’s sister Elif and brother-in-law Mustafa’s farm house, and I eagerly took up their offer. Every morning, I would help out on the farm before indulging in a hearty breakfast, traveling, and playing video games with their delightful children Salim Furkan and Faruk Emre. Elif abla was a fantastic cook, and every evening, she prepared a delicious meal for us to enjoy. We even watched the Indian movie Bajrangi Bhai together, which was a magical experience. It felt like my own home, and I ended up staying for over ten days.

It felt like my own home, and I ended up staying for over ten days.

Although we explored the city and went shopping, I was always drawn back to the farm house. Spending time with Fusun’s family in Izmir was an absolute blessing, providing me with a renewed sense of energy and creating lasting memories that will stay with me forever.

About the Author

Rajeev Kumar is a research scholar in Civilization Studies at Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul, Turkey.