I didn’t know exactly what to expect in Tunceli, but I knew this journey would take me out of my comfort zone. From the moment we left Oiartzun, the trip itself became part of the experience: long, intense, and filled with that mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with the unknown.
One moment that truly captured this spirit was when we unexpectedly ended up taking a ferry. None of us had planned it. It just happened. And in that moment, I realized this journey wouldn’t follow a fixed script—it would be built as we went along, by sharing decisions, adapting, and living in the present together.
Living together was, without a doubt, the heart of the experience. Sharing spaces, time, and responsibilities with people from different countries is not always easy, but that’s where the real learning happens. We cooked traditional food together with the women from the Zembul cooperative, sharing recipes, laughter, and ways of doing things that went far beyond cooking. It wasn’t just about preparing food, but about creating a shared space where everyone had something to contribute.
I especially remember the moments when we danced traditional dances with them. It didn’t matter whether we knew the steps or not. What mattered was letting go, laughing, and feeling part of something collective. In those moments, cultural differences disappeared, and what remained was connection.
There was also space for something deeper and more symbolic. We visited Munzur, a sacred place where the river begins. Everything felt different there—calmer, more present. It was a moment to pause, to connect with the environment, and somehow, with ourselves. I realized that learning wasn’t only in what we did, but also in how we allowed ourselves to feel it.
Communication was sometimes a challenge. We didn’t always share the same language, and tools like Google Translate became unexpected allies. But interestingly, the most important connections didn’t depend on words. Gestures, looks, smiles… all of these built stronger bridges than I had imagined.
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was sharing it with women from Tunceli who were having their first international experience. Seeing them open up, participate, and gain confidence was deeply inspiring. It made me reflect on the real impact these kinds of projects can have when they are lived on a human level.
Throughout the days, we built something that went beyond an exchange. Through shared living, collective learning, and everyday moments, I understood that Stronger Together was not just the name of the project. It was a reality. A daily practice.
I returned from Tunceli with much more than memories. I brought back lessons, connections, and a clear realization: when we share, listen, and cooperate, we don’t just learn more—we transform.
Tunceli was not just a destination. It was an experience that reminded me that together, we are much stronger.
By: Ainhoa Barroso de la Mata (Local project coordinator)
