An Unforgettable Iftar - Unutulmaz Bir İftar

I feel very blessed and appreciative right now! ⁤

⁤I'd like to share a truly wonderful experience I recently had with the Turkish community here. ⁤

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I've worked in education for a long time and have encountered a lot of interns from different programs.

We are pleased to have recently welcomed international interns and volunteers.
Searching for a place to study the Dutch language and a method to get in with the locals.

These people are trying to settle down in the Netherlands and bring a variety of experiences and viewpoints with them.

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One such individual is a kind woman who helps us each week at school.

She is an amazing colleague, a priceless asset, and a genuinely nice person.

Honoured were my co-workers and I, and that's an understatement.
This invite, to celebrate Iftar with her and her family and friends from the Turkish community, was truly amazing.

I was very moved by the invitation, even though I'm not Muslim.
And without hesitation I accepted.

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Excitement and nerves were racing through my body. I was clueless what to expect.

To show our gratitude, I bought a grape hyacinth.

A symbol for our growing friendship, sincerity, and bright futures. ⁤ ⁤

We were welcomed with smiles and handshakes even before we stepped inside the community center.

⁤We instantly felt included and couldn't wait for the evening to unfold. ⁤

⁤Inside the main hall, we met my friend and her husband.

⁤⁤(The children were having a blast playing with their friends!)

We were escorted to our table, where a delightful starter awaited us. ⁤⁤

While I can't name the dishes due to my limited knowledge of Turkish cuisine, the explosion of flavors and spices was unforgettable!

It definitely made me realize how much I enjoy a bit of a spicy kick in my food - Dutch cuisine can be a little bland in comparison! ⁤

⁤Following a warm welcome to the 150 guests, we enjoyed a delicious soup. ⁤

⁤Unfortunately, I was too captivated by the experience to take a picture. ⁤

Making new friends was one of the objectives of the evening. ⁤⁤

There was an extra place at our table, and as the evening wore on, more Turkish hosts and guests joined in on our talk.

⁤We enjoyed prayers and lovely poems read aloud by folks of all ages in between classes. ⁤⁤

This was deeply touching. ⁤

I was so moved that I questioned whether I would even be able to eat!

⁤The main course was a true feast for the eyes and the stomach. ⁤⁤

The countless variety of dishes displayed the incredible effort and time invested by our hosts.

I shamelessly admit to filling my plate twice, savoring each unique flavor. ⁤

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Sadly, I was too busy talking to enjoy dessert, but fortunately, my friend came through with a delicious piece of Trilece.

The evening went fairly quickly, with polite conversations on viewpoints and cultural differences mixed with touching tales of people's travels to the Netherlands.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared in all of it.

⁤As if the wonderful experience wasn't enough, I received a thoughtful gift that contained some delectable Turkish delight and a scented candle!

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Even better, my friend brought some food for me to eat at home.

I was greatly enriched by this experience.

⁤⁤I was so appreciative of the Turkish community's hospitality, prayers, and delectable food that I shared when I departed.

Blogumu okuduğunuz için teşekkürler .

Wishing you all the best in life and much health.
@meraki7578💚

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