Ahojte,
Welcome to the November blog !
November started with the visit of Anaïs, the volunteer who was in my place last year. I was so happy to finally meet her in real life. She helped and guided me so much during this year, and she truly brought us some Spanish sunshine and a big dose of motivation to face the Slovak winter.
I also realized my first bookbinding workshop in a school. I had three classes of children between 7 and 12 years old. And honestly… compared to teaching adults, it’s a completely different world, and I loved it! I also joined Pedro for his workshop in a high school, and I must confess: I prefer children over teenagers!
Then we had the Mid-Term Training. It was amazing to see the volunteers we met back in June, to hear how their projects went, their challenges and success moments… And it was also cool to discover a new part of Slovakia. Nova Dubnica … okay, but still, every time I can leave Bratislava I’m happy, especially when there is some nature around.
I also organized the tea meeting about Armenia and Georgia. My two very good friends, Tereza and Irina, were willing to make a presentation about their countries, and I felt really honoured that they took the time, on top of their volunteering at SPOSA, to do something for INEX. And it was absolutely worth it: we learned so much about their culture, history and current contexts, and we spent a really great moment together.
Then the days passed quickly, filled with many activities to prepare and complete.
One of the biggest projects for me was painting the outside wall at INEX following the design I created (inspired by the French mountains!), a little piece of home brought to the office.
We also organized a quiz night at Prešporkovo, which turned out to be a lively and fun evening.
Another highlight was Zažitkovica, a special day focused on personal growth through volunteering. We learned new tools and methods that can be used in everyday life, and it was inspiring to reflect on how much we’ve all grown during this year.
On top of that, Pedro and I also created a “Meet the Office” video, where we asked each other not-so-random questions so you will get to know us better.
I also had the visit of a friend from France who stayed with me for 4 days. We had time to visit Devín Castle, Sandberg and Devínska Nová Ves under the snow, as well as Bratislava and the Danubiana Museum. She also joined, for our last evening together, the “Boxes of Love” activity for seniors where we painted Christmas paper bags. After that she left for Prague, I’m really glad she came to see me before I leave.
At the end of the month, we hosted a very successful Christmas Party to celebrate the end of the year at INEX. I made a presentation about my one-year ESC experience, we created some Christmas crafts, and shared the famous cabbage soup: kapustnica.
Afterwards, I went with friends to the Bratislava Christmas market that had just opened! With this Christmas atmosphere, I’m really looking forward to going back home and being with my family.
Take care,
Sarah
