In this episode of VC Mytilene: An interview with Cuckoo, a migrant who recently arrived here on Lesbos. He approached me in order to share his story with us, and in this remarkably candid interview we discuss his journey, and all trials and tribulations included.

We spoke about the full length of the travel, from his initial travel from United Arab Emirates, his struggle to survive in Turkey to the ultimate, potentially fatal decision to try to make it to Europe in a « deathboat ».

 The various challenges faced by people that are forced to enter Europe “illegally” often include violence, sexual assault and murder. Therefore, I would like to take a moment to include a trigger warning, as these topics and experiences will be mentioned in this episode.

All names in this episode are pseudonyms. All pictures used with permission.

Music:

A Hawk and a Hacksaw – Turkish