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I am standing in the bustling station in Istanbul, the sun rising over the horizon as I prepare to board the Grand Voyage Express for my journey back to Paris. I take a deep breath and step onto the platform. I'm filled with a sense of anticipation as I board the train and take my seat. I have heard so much about this way of transport, and now I am finally here, ready to experience it for myself... When I was moving to Turkey two years ago, I took a ship across the Mediterranean Sea, wanting to see the sea and its beautiful islands. So, I didn't get the chance to travel on this train. But now, I do...

The Grand Voyage Express is very luxurious: it has velvet curtains, plush armchairs, and mahogany-paneled compartments. I've never seen a train like this one before, and I feel like I've been transported to another world... Everyone on board is dressed to the nines in their finest clothing, and to be honest, I feel rather out of place in my simple traveling clothes...

Nonetheless, I am filled with a sense of adventure as the train slowly pulls away. I turn around to take one last look at the buildings of Istanbul, knowing that I will never forget this moment...

For the past two years, I have been working here as a journalist. I became enamored with the city's oriental aura right away; everywhere I looked, there were busy streets, lively cafes, and colorful mosques... I was especially fond of the city's many bazaars, where I could find anything from exotic spices to handmade carpets... and chat with locals, as well.

This city's streets were alive with people from all walks of life. Overall, while living in there, I was constantly meeting someone new and getting inspired by their story. I wrote about people's struggles, triumphs, joys, and sorrows... And actually, I felt quite privileged to be able to share these stories with the world!

It was an exciting time to be there and cover some of the most important events of the time, such as the opening of a new bridge...

Now, as I sit on the train, I can't help but reflect on what those past years brought into my life. I have come here to escape from my mundane existence in Toulouse and to find something I couldn't find there... A sense of purpose, I guess.

But instead, I found a whirlwind affair with a local man... Hamza. I became captivated with him right away, and although we started off as friends, it quickly turned to love. We spent every free moment together, exploring the city and its wonders, and he became my emergency contact in Turkey, as well. Whenever something was going on, and I needed help, I'd call him. Our love was wild and intense, and it felt like it could last forever. But instead, it all came to an abrupt end when I got an opportunity to return home for an ever better-paid job.

Hamza didn't want to go with me, and I was left feeling confused and hurt by his stubborn refusal.