Ahoj!
If I had to define this month, I would define it as a spinning top. I didn't stop and I was turning around and around. I had numerous adventures and anecdotes to convey, and I had the opportunity to gain further knowledge about Slovakia's culture, music, and people. So... if you want to know more, please continue reading! ;)
Čerstvý vzduch
The first weekend of May was one of my favorites because I got to hear Medial Banana's music and I met new people. One of the nice things about living abroad is that you can easily make new friends and these friendships last a long time. I spent a good weekend with 2 Italians and 2 Polish people listening to this Slovakian music group while we were enjoying our experience in Bratislava. My favorite songs from Medial Banana are Nemôžem Prestať and Vážim si.
I only have a picture of Leo because we took the rest with an analog camera and I have to go to Poland to get my copy of the photos (an excellent excuse to visit another country).
Mother’s Day at Medická záhrada with Laura
The next weekend, we celebrated Mila pre mamu. It's curious because in Spain the Mother's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May. But in Slovakia, the holiday is on the second Saturday of May. INEX was a co-organizer of the Mile for Mom, with the Family Center Presporkovo and the Union of Mother Centers. As ESC volunteers, we went there to support and enjoy this celebration of Mother's Day in Slovakia. Leo and I wore the Sun custom and we spoke with children. We had fun, probably more than the children).
I had a special holiday because a friend of mine, Laura, came to Bratislava to visit me and signed up to be a volunteer at INEX on this day! I was thrilled to share with her these moments here, in Bratislava.
Čoraz viac Slovenska
Also, I went to Trnava and Trenčín with my colleagues and a friend. I really loved the Mala Synagoga in Trnava. If you look the pictures, I'm pretty sure you will fall in love of this special coffee shop.
And in Trenčín, I spent a magic moment on the top of the castle, taking a coffee while we were admiring the views.
My workshop: Resilience through volunteering
This May, we presented our workshop to the INEX team. It's hard for me to speak in front of people, but I’m happy because I am improving step by step. Explaining my experiences, a friend of mine told me “Anaïs, you need to enjoy when you talk in public because you can't take out your nerves". And this advice helped me when we went the last week, in the volunteer week, when we had to go to Senica to talk about our experience being ESC volunteers. I was quite nervous, like always, but this time I enjoyed the experience.
Some students from the high school also came as volunteers to help us organize the stock house for this summer. I appreciate that Slovakia has a volunteer week and that students can leave school for a few hours to volunteer. It’s a good experience for young people and very precious.
Viac a viac
To conclude this remarkable week, the postwoman from INEX presented to Leo and me, two tickets to the concert FRAGILE, along with Maria Čírová. It was SPECTACULAR. Even we could have a picture with Anabella Mollová.
Tea Meeting with Naďa
We ended the month with the Tea Meeting. In this occasion, we had a guest as well, Naďa. She returned from South America (Colombia and Peru) and we could hear her experience. We were very happy because a lot of people came and Naďa explained her experience in a pleasant way. We could even eat some snacks from these countries and some tea of corn!
Here some pictures:
This month was very busy because we had to prepare and organize some activities for the work camps we will lead. I am going to lead two of them in Hanigovce and Slatinka. I can't wait to have this experience!
Moreover, we put into practice all the knowledge that we learned from the Leadership Academy. We are going to have the second part from 7th to 9th of June. And... We have prepared some surprises, which you will have to wait until June to read.
Thank you so much for reading my entry!
Ciao
