I thought it would be good to be in Italy right now, and I closed my eyes and when I opened them back, I was in Italy. When I was walking alone in the streets, I saw a guy. We stared at each other like we were going to fight, but he told me he is Turkish (I am as well), we started to walk the city together. He started to paint the walls and posters in the streets with paint thinner (which is also a type of drug). I understood he is a drug addict living in there streets and he is not a friendly person and he will try to rob me and maybe kill me. But I kept going not telling him but thinking how could I get away. We went to a mall. He kind of has his own room / space in that mall and he got a white canvas and started to paint on that canvas. He said let’s get breakfast and coffee. I said can you get me also a half cup of coffee and I need to use the bathroom and coming back in a minute. That was my plan to escape. I went upstairs and passed through a door, and locked the door from back. I was in the warehouse of the mall but it was also a kind of kindergarten. I searched for the exit but could not find the exit. I found a hole-like exit but there were kids sleeping there with a nanny. The nanny woke up and talked to me, said we are making kids sleep in here that are not adding value or not hard working. She also explained the way to exit there. I thought if I could ever escape from the killer drug addict or if it was a bad run away strategy. But yet I started to search for the exit that nanny told me. Than I woke up.
Dream Interpretation:
In your dream, Italy symbolizes a place of beauty, exploration, and freedom. It may represent a desire for adventure or an escape from your current situation. The act of closing your eyes and suddenly finding yourself in Italy suggests a yearning for new experiences or a different life.
The encounter with the Turkish man represents a confrontation with aspects of yourself or your identity. He embodies a part of you that feels lost or troubled—perhaps relating to struggles with addiction, inner demons, or a feeling of being overwhelmed in life. The initial tension of your stare may symbolize an internal conflict or fear associated with confronting these darker aspects.
The fact that he starts painting with paint thinner, a method that symbolizes destruction rather than creation, indicates a struggle with temptation, addiction, or destructive behaviors. This part of the dream could be reflecting concerns about self-discipline, escapism, or influences in your life that are toxic.
Additionally, the setting of the mall introduces another layer of complexity. Malls often symbolize consumerism, superficiality, or a place where one can easily get lost both physically and emotionally. The man's ‘room’ within the mall could suggest that despite chaos and danger, there are still parts of your existence where you can create or express yourself, albeit in potentially harmful ways.
When you plot your escape by saying you need to use the bathroom, this reflects a deep-seated wish to sidestep confrontation or challenges in your life, especially those related to people you perceive as threatening or harmful. It indicates a resourcefulness within you—a need to regain control and find freedom even in difficult situations.
The transformation of the mall space into a warehouse and kindergarten can signify a return to innocence or a more vulnerable aspect of yourself. The presence of sleeping children and the nanny’s words may symbolize the parts of your past that feel neglected or undervalued. It suggests an exploration of personal history, and the way you view the responsibilities and potential within yourself versus how you perceive your value in the world.
Ultimately, the dream illustrates a complex interplay of fear, escape, identity, and the struggle to find a way out of challenging circumstances. It highlights your awareness of potential threats in your life while also showcasing your innate desire to connect with different aspects of yourself, seeking growth, safety, and ultimately, liberation from fear and tension. The resolution of this dream rests in your acceptance of these inner struggles and the brave steps you take to find true freedom and self-identity.