Ahoj!
This is my final article as an ESC volunteer at INEX and I feel incredibly grateful and happy for all the moments I experienced here and the wonderful people I met. If you’d like to know more about my December in Bratislava, please keep reading! đ
Christmas Party at INEX
The Christmas party at INEX was a heartwarming celebration filled with joy, laughter with friends and families. Mehmet, Elisabet, Robo, Katka, Petâo were there as well and I was very happy :))
We began the event making some crafts, for example, candles, Christmas postcards and jars, while we were talking and having fun.
Later, we ate a traditional Slovak soup called Kapustnica that Leo and I helped to prepare. Well, we cut the onions and the potatoes but Brano prepared and I have to say that it was delicious!!
And after the dinner, we had a tombola!! The best part is that everyone had the present and we spent good and fun moments there. The night ended playing boardgames with our friends.
The Christmas party at INEX was not just a celebration of the season but also a celebration of the connections and memories weâve created throughout the year <3
Workshop at shcool
Just when I thought I had presented my workshop to all the schools, another one called expressing interest in it. They invited me to expound the workshop to 28 students, divided into three groups.
The most rewarding part of presenting my workshop was realizing how much I had improved my skills. This time, I was able to enjoy the experience without worrying about my English or feeling nervous.
I am especially proud to share that, in total, 156 participants took part in my workshop Resilience through Volunteering.
Celebrating Christmas with Families at Shell
The following weekend, we went to the Shell company to celebrate Christmas and organize some activities for the children and their families! We had a great time there and even got to see the traditional show featuring Saint MikulĂĄĆĄ, the angel and the devil. We even took pictures with them!
Llorenç Came to Bratislava!
Llorenç, or “Llor” as his friends call him, is one of my best friends. Last year, he was an ESC volunteer in Denmark, and I had the chance to visit him. This time, since I was an ESC volunteer in Slovakia, it was his turn to visit me. However, we could never seem to find the right moment. When I was free, he wasnât and vice versa.
Finally, we managed to find the perfect weekend: my very last one in Bratislava! Better late than never, right? And it was absolutely amazing. Sometimes things donât go as planned, but even so, I really enjoyed showing him the city where Iâve lived for almost a year, introducing him to my friends here in Slovakia, and sharing my favorite spots in Bratislava.
We had planned to visit DevĂn Castle, but since it was Monday, it was closed. The next day, he had to return to Spain. So, I guess this means weâll need to come back and of course, we will! đ
Here are some pictures: the first one was taken last year in Denmark, and the second one is from this time in Slovakia.
INTEGRA
The day before our departure, we went to INTEGRA to enjoy and celebrate Christmas with the clients and children. Some children came to sing traditional Christmas songs and they did an amazing job.
Afterward, the children handed out gifts to the clients, who truly enjoyed the moment!
 
Goodbye Bratislava and friends
And then, the time to say goodbye finally arrived. To be honest, I had already started saying my goodbyes a week before leaving. It was an emotional process, and at times, I felt strange, almost as if I wasnât really going home. Walking through the streets of Bratislava, knowing that it would be a long time before Iâd stroll those same paths again, brought a bittersweet feeling.
During my time in Slovakia, I made so many wonderful friends, and I know these friendships will last for years to come. The best part? Weâre already planning some trips together! đ
I have to say, if this experience was so amazing, itâs because of the incredible people I met along the way: Katka, Matus, Robo, Katka (the âItalianâ one), Leo, Davide, Mehmet, Elisabet and Zura. Thank you, my friends, for everything!
Finally, thank you so much for reading my blog. If youâre considering volunteering abroad, donât overthink it, just go for it! I promise it will be one of the best experiences of your life.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Warm regards,
AnaĂŻs
