Honestly, I haven’t written any articles in English even though I graduated journalism and social communication. That’s why I feel quite insecure about this, but hey! I came here to cross my own boundaries, extend my comfort zone, so writing an article in foreign language – it’s a good start for the new beginning and to try new things. This article is going to be just about me, a weird person, who tries to find his own path through the strangest journey called life.
I was born 28 years ago and since then the party started. Growing up in Poland was quite a strong experience, because not everyone could understand how I want to express myself. You know, playing with dolls or My Little Ponies was something weird back then. But fortunately, my family always supports me and lets me be whoever I want. First dance classes, efforts to find my passions let me focus at school and that is why I am grateful until now. So yeah, as you noticed, I was a dancer for 10 years and I was dancing to almost everything, starting from jazz, contemporary to ballroom and hip-hop. I even tried pole dance once but that was a very, very short story. This is how I defined myself as a dancer and even though I don’t dance anymore this part of my life has taught me how to be strong, to never give up and don't take care what people think and say about me. Dancing isn’t the only thing which I’m passionate about. I love fashion and fashion photography. And no, because I love fashion doesn’t mean I will go with someone to the shopping mall and act like a personal stylist. For me fashion is more about culture, about people and how they try to express through the clothes and what those clothes mean for them. Of course, I follow the newest collections and Fashion Weeks, but I try to see something more, not only the garments and beautiful gowns, I’m looking for concept and context, because for me clothes and fashion in general are a reflection of our times. The reason why I see fashion this specific way it’s because I graduated cultural studies which taught me to see something more about the people, society and the world in general. Uff, I have just finished my first article in foreign language, if there are any mistakes - I am just a person who makes them which only helps me to develop myself as a person. So yeah, that’s me. Misza - a weird guy from Poland who is full of passions, desires and tries to figure it out how to live my best life, making mistakes, making the right decisions but the most important - being true with myself.
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What happen when you have so many dreams about the future but everyday life stands in front blocking the way? Just tackle it! It is easy and refreshing indeed! I am Maria, 25 years old from Greece. I study Geology in University of Patras but for many reasons- financial included- I had to work the same time in different kind of jobs. That made a bit harder to catch up with the expectations I had and the dream of traveling before actually start living on my own home. I was talking with a friend of mine that actually made the step to join a voluntary program. I had already experiences of voluntarism through the Scouts of Greece and I took the chance actually to check available programs for the proximate months, but not literally thinking of applying. I couldn’t imagine that my new experiences, opportunities and future was just a click away. I almost immediately applied for the 8 months voluntary program the moment I read the opportunities and activities here, in Roccantica of Italy, only 50 Km away from Rome. I found the United Society of Balkan (USB)organization in Greece that coordinated - in cooperation with ALA - my new beginning. The first one step out of the airplane in Fiumicino airport was the first one for an experience I just started and can’t wait to fully enjoy. I am less than 10 days here and I have already made a lot of friends with which I explore day after day the joy of cohabitation and learn at least a couple of new things everyday. The language barrier does not exist even considering that the residents of Roccantica do not always know how to talk in English. The body language, gestures and the voice fluctuation are already enough to have a normal conversation or help any time. The feeling when someone pass near me- and despite the fact we don’t know each other- we say ‘’Ciao!’’ or ‘’Buongiorno’’ is the warmth needed to feel like at home and important to a community that needs more volunteers to break the monotony of everyday life in this village and enhance the standard of living or the knowledge for specific subjects. From eating to a new friend’s house as a welcome dinner, to meals with the volunteers that have been here the previous months and were packing to leave (the first goodbyes to friends that really made our first days memorable), then pick-nick near by the house to a magnificent view of mountains and then gardening, I already feel full of images, knowledge and experiences making my hesitating step worth it!
I am looking forward for the next months, the next step, the next opportunity to learn, to help and contribute to ALA’s work and get out of my comfort zone. And all of this, just because of a ‘’click’’! I strongly recommend you to dare this click, this step. Dare to gain something while offering the same time. One time experience with many opportunities for much more in the future... Maria Papavasileiou, Greece Slovakia is a small country situated in Central Europe. Known for its breathtaking landscape, scenic hiking trails, and dozens of caves, it is an ideal destination for outdoor lovers. History enthusiasts will be equally pleased to visit while discovering medieval towns and elegant chateaus all around the country. Enjoying the rafting during the sunny days. Slovakia is a country of thousands of shapes. Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a city filled with old-world charm, mysterious architecture, and outside cafes. When walking through the streets of the old town, one will notice the ubiquitous cultural heritage brimming with unusual stories from the former communist-era along with modern architecture bringing Slovakia to the 21st century. Known for its underground beauty, Slovakia has a stunning and diverse underworld. There are over 2400 caves in Slovakia, and the new ones are being discovered constantly. Few spectacular caves worth seeing include Demänovská Cave or Dobšinská Ice Cave, listed in the UNESCO Heritage List. High Tatras, Slovakia´s tallest mountains. Slovak nature will immediately win one over with its versatility. Large forests are full of life, majestic peaks, and deep valleys show unbelievable diversity in such a small area. Over 40% of Slovakia is covered with forest, making the land one of the most forested countries in Europe. The High Tatras are the country's tallest and the only complete alpine range. Still, they are considered to be the smallest mountains in the world.
The legacy of the ancestors is represented in folk architecture conservation areas and open-air museums, in particular Čičmany village. The village is recognized for its original log houses with the traditional pattern of white ornaments. Street after street is painted with folk art. As a country small in size, but huge in possibilities, Slovakia is unquestionably worth visiting. Natália Wirthová |