Gabriele's experience with the European Solidarity Corps in Cyprus! Volunteers say

Words from Gabriele:

"My name is Gabriele and I have always been involved in art. I studied theater for years, first on a practical level, attending an acting school in my city, then on a theoretical level, graduating in dramaturgy at the University of Bologna: before, during and after my studies I have participated in many acting workshops, and I have collected a couple of experiences as a director and leader in the laboratory field. I am passionate about photography: I know the stages of making analog photography (shooting development and printing) and I have knowledge of digital photography.

In Italy, however, I was unemployed, so I decided to take the last train I could to have an ESC experience: the age limit for a project with the European Solidarity Corps is 30 years and, having reached this age, I chose to spend a year abroad to live an unforgettable experience!

Since I arrived on the island of Cyprus, I have found a very particular environment: the political situation is in fact that of a country divided in two. The fact that there is a dividing line between north and south is problematic but at the same time interesting. The current state of the island is still stable and the separation creates two different environments, but both full of life and special people. I found kindness and hospitality from the inhabitants of the Republic of Cyprus and the occupied area. Fortunately I have not found it difficult to get used to the local lifestyle, because I adapt easily, and the leitmotif "Sigà Sigà" (slowly) corresponds to my lifestyle!

I work for a non-governmental organization, and together with a group I work on some projects concerning the traditions of Cyprus. Our activities are to do research, interview the inhabitants and write articles on the island's traditions: for example, we recently carried out a project on products derived from the processing of roses in Agros. Now we are monitoring the production of "halloumi" (a typical cheese from here) and the production of wine. We usually divide the commitments among the group members to work on the projects, then we combine the work and write articles with the information we have gathered which are then posted on social media and on the project website.

In recent months I have managed to visit Limassol, Larnaca, Aya Napa and Cape Greco. Every experience here is interesting. One of the best situations I was involved in was a pre-wedding party: in the villages it is customary to celebrate the betrothed for a week, every night; the first parties are reserved for close relatives and friends, about 100 people, and in the last one, the one I went to, there were about 300 people! It was an extraordinary experience: local food, music and dances and fireworks in a public street organized for the occasion. I had a fantastic evening, it was the most traditional experience I've had since I've been here!

Another interesting adventure was being a volunteer for a festival, called Xarkis, in a village called Polistypos, which means "many vines" because the locals have a habit of covering terraces and roofs with vines. The festival was all about musical and theatrical performances and I met many artists and musicians during my stay in Polystipos. In fact, volunteering abroad is a great opportunity to meet new people and spend a very pleasant time with them.

During my stay I also improved my English, lived a few months with unknown people and managed the needs of each of us; now I am learning Greek (sigà sigà) and I am having the opportunity to increase my artistic skills.

Getting to know different cultures, getting used to new uses and new ways of living, cooperating with people from all over Europe and meeting people from all over the world are excellent opportunities to discover how open-minded a person is and to grow as an individual. These are great experiences that I recommend to all young people who have the opportunity to have them. "