From bustling Alexandria to a peaceful Danish suburb..
It has been almost a year since I moved to Snoghøj to volunteer in a performing arts højskole in one of the best natural surroundings in Denmark, or so I've been told, only to find out this place can also feel like home. Watching the sun going down over Lillebælt is what it takes to inspire an amateur passionate about photography and visual arts, who is now entrusted with a camera, a wonderful view and a stage with a bunch of talented students.
“You have become way too danish”
There you can sing classical french songs, cook italian food, dance to latin american beats, learn ukrainian embroidery, drink turkish tea (the list goes on..) BUT most importantly you get told that you have become way too danish, simply for enjoying thousands of cups of coffee with drømmekage or adding a big amount of remoulade to your smørrebrød. This is what you get living in an international setting with the warmest people, where I also felt it is up to me to now add some middle eastern charm, so it was time for an Egyptian evening all with tasty food, some traditional dessert, arabic calligraphy workshop, lecture, discussions, movies, oriental music and bellydance, we even brought shisha for the full authentic experience. I loved watching people enjoy learning about my culture.
In a ESC project, it seemed there was not much to worry about, as everything was proficiently organized by AFS and the national agency. Then, coronavirus and the lockdown almost ruined the fun for us. Still, we managed to keep working on our projects and to have not-so-boring online seminars with a group of amazing other volunteers, and when it was finally possible to meet in real life, both laughter and pictures were as genuine.
A year full of adventures, travels, lessons, emotions, giggles, rain, cake, sights, deep talks, long walks, memories, everything and more, but zero regrets.
Vi ses snart igen, Danmark!
ESC Solidarity Projects 