Zekeriya Guser – Captivated conductor of my very own extraordinary journey.

There are numerous great cities worldwide – Paris, London, New York, Barcelona, and the like. What defines their greatness is their splendid architecture, iconic landmarks, exceptional museums, vibrant nightlife, and exquisite eateries.

However, for me, Portsmouth stands as the greatest, not for its chilly weather, robust gales, or perpetual rain, but for the experiences lived, people encountered, the influence it bestowed upon me, and the legacy I’d like to believe I’ve left behind.

As I bid farewell to this city where I arrived as a young boy and emerged as a man over the past five years, it marks the end of an extensive journey. A journey where I learned the ropes of business and navigated the tribulations it entails. It’s the city where I confronted depression, sought solace in overworking, battled insomnia while witnessing countless sunrises, and attempted to escape my feelings through excessive alcohol consumption or fleeting encounters with strangers.

Yet, amidst the hardships, there were moments of brightness. I encountered remarkable individuals, collaborated with great minds, forged friendships for a lifetime, and shared and gained knowledge in equal measure. This city became my home – not just a place of transitory hotel rooms or lunchtime cafés, but a landscape where I spent time in hospitals, courtrooms, and police stations.

Portsmouth will be etched in memory for both the trials endured and the oddly extraordinary moments, like hitting the gym at 4:30 in the morning after a bottle of red wine or licking the oldest substance on Earth – a 4.6-billion-year-old meteorite.

Now, as I depart from the city I’ve become an integral part of, I’ll miss it profoundly. I’ll return at times, drawn back to witness the hovercraft docking and stroll upon the creaky wooden floors of South Pier. It’s time for a final glimpse of Pompey, carrying with me a sack full of cherished memories.