The Magical Mountain - Jelenia Gora

Last Tuesday when the world was bright as the day it was created, Semper Avanti conducted a rainbow coloured gathering to educate young minds from Jenelia Gora. Followers were young like newly blossomed flowers in the spring, colourful, and excited to observe what will have happened before them..

The gathering had four stages to release the goodness and light upon this world. The first part of the gathering was covered by Frederic, German-Polish warrior, aged 20, semi-sane in the head due to his relation with the light himself. He devoted himself to his duty which was educating youngsters to make them a part of the bright and colourful world of EVS. Frederic used the enchantments of presentation, taking its power from the an ancient and calm language, Polish. Slide by slide, Frederic used the ancient art of Polish, and filled the heads of the followers with the idea of EVS, and the followers my friends, followers were in to the topic. After his session, Frederic placed himself in meditation.

The second part of the gathering was devoted to summon warm coloured powers on this world by making bodily gestures and energisers. An import from a nearby land named Czech Republic, the blonde warlock know as Michael was responsible for this task. During his time as the guide of light, Michael called the forces of the universe to energise followers. When his duty was finished, followers were ready and united for the grand finale, Human Rights..

Then the mystic wanderer from the Eastern province joined his powers to the group and started to tell the importance of the Human Rights. Since the gathering uses humanity as their primary source of power, the well being of it was essential. Umur, the wanderer of the East, devoted his time showing the value of Human and the life. This part of the gathering was somehow more controversial then the other parts. The wanderer taught the followers how to create a planet for themselves! And in the end they did. Followers wanted to rule their planets according to their rules, which in the end they could do it. 

Last but not least, the great observer of the east was there, looking what was happening in front of  him. Judging it silently.. Taking notes, giving joy to souls of the followers, making them bright as the sunny day..

After doing their parts, the wizards-warriors of the ligh, wanderers of Semper Avanti cult departed to the cave of hope. In their minds, all of them were peaceful, knowing that their influence was huge on the minds of followers.. 

THE CHRONICLES OF LEO & FRIENDS: CHRISTMAS AROUND EUROPE

CHRISTMAS IN ITALY PART II: EMILIA ROMAGNA, CESENA (FC)

In Italy, Christmas is likely to be the most important celebration of the year, not for religious reasons only of course. All the cities are decorated with colored lights; Christmas trees are everywhere and herds of people move shop by shop buying presents for their beloved ones. Very important, both pious people and atheist ones share the idea of Christmas as an occasion for spending time with family.

Different parts of Italy celebrated Christmas in different ways. As I come from the eastern part of Emilia Romagna, I will try to give you some news about how we mean Christmas time.

Actually, in my land, Christmas is not as important as the rest of the World. Traditionally Epiphany is more important and directly related with gifts allocation. Nonetheless, everyone cares about Christmas.

In overall terms, people use to set up the Christmas tree on 8^th December and the Nativity Scene as well, if they are very pious. Christmas eve’s dinner uses to be fish-based while meat is the protagonist of the following day lunch. Cappelletti in meat soup (kind of small pierorgi), boiled meat accompanied by sauces, boiled vegetables and panettone as dessert.

Gifts chapter. As I said, the tradition attributes Befana (the old lady coming on 6^th January) the charge of allocating gifts and sweets (or coal, for naughty children). Nonetheless, over the years, because of the globalization, of the mass media ecc, Santa Claus rose and took this role. Then, right now, children (and me too, when I was young) are used to get gifts both during Christmas eve night and Christmas morning. They pampered us!

On behalf of MLC staff, I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

LEO

THE CHRONICLES OF LEO & FRIENDS: CHRISTMAS AROUND EUROPE

Christmas in Germany

The 24th of december is coming closer and closer. Even when there will be probably no white christmas, still there a lot of things that unleash Christmas feelings. I would like to show you this certain things that unleash Christmas feelings in Germany.

First of all Germans like to prepare. There is a very famous idiom that says: “Provision is the best concern.”. The first and probably the biggest preparation is the Christmas Market. Starting in the beginning of November, Christmas Markets have a lot to offer. From delicious hot wine to children attractions and roasted nuts, Christmas Markets are broadly equipped. The roots from these cozy places lay in the 15th century where merchants started to sell around Christmas their goods at the market square. This went on to a tradition and is now a place where the whole city can enjoy a wonderful time.

The second important ritual is a advent wreath. Originally invented from a protestant priest in the 19th century in Hamburg the advent wreath developed to a important tradition. The Priest was the founder of a homeless shelter for kids and these kids asked him often when Christmas exactly is. That's why he invented a advent wreath with 24 candles for each day. Through time the number of candles were reduced to four candles and is usually rich of decoration. Nowadays four weeks before Christmas every Sunday you light one candle from the wreath. Sundays are then usually days where the family come together, enjoy the time and make some Christmas cookies, too. 

This brings me to the third well known Christmas preparation. Christmas Cookies are delicious and very important to spread the Christmas atmosphere. There are a lot of varieties which you can buy or make on your own. 

The fourth important preparation is the Christmas tree. Some areas decorate it on the 24th of December and some others even before. In the medieval times the Christmas tree was used in churches to remember the tree of knowledge from the paradise and the fall of man, because Adam ate a apple from it. Nevertheless it remembers at the same time that Jesus released us from these sins as well. That’s why Christmas trees were usually decorated with apples and a wooden snack until the 19th century. Apparently this changed and the Christmas trees are nowadays prevalent with ceramic balls or angles. Angles are often found in Christmas crèches. This is a  wooden exhibition from Jesus birth and the whole Christmas story. This shows your faith in god and your ecclesiastical connection. 

This all unleash a lot of Christmas feelings and sums up the most important Christmas preparation steps. The 24th is Christmas eve, the main event and shows if you put enough effort into the preparation. Normally we start the 24th december with a mass. Apparently is Christmas the most visited day for churches in Germany. Then you go home and if you are a protestant Santa Claus pays you a visit. Santa Claus only gives you your presents if you have been polite. In addition, you have to tell a little poem that proofs your good behavior. Catholics have the mysterious Christmas angel that brings the presents. However if the rite is over the whole family is eating together a big dinner. On the 25th and the 26th you have plenty of time to enjoy the togetherness of your family.

I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a lot of presents from Santa or the Christmas angel.

Kind regards,

Freddy

THE CHRONICLES OF LEO & FRIENDS: CHRISTMAS AROUND EUROPE

CHRISTMAS IN NETHERLANDS

In the Netherlands we have not one, but two days of Christmas: Eerste Kerstdag ('First Christmas Day', on the 25th of December) and Tweede Kerstdag ('Second Christmas Day') - even when giving names to holidays, Dutch people are very pragmatic. Also, instead of giving and receiving gifts during Christmas, most Dutch people do this on the 5th of December, at Sinterklaasavond (Saint Nicholas' Eve). Thanks to this saint, the period leading up to Christmas seems to be shorter in my country than over here in Poland. When Wroclaw's Christmas market began in November, I couldn't help but feeling a bit shocked. "What?! Wait... We still have to celebrate Sinterklaas!"

Without the need of buying presents, I do not feel the kind of holiday stress that Christmas is known for, although our big family dinner on the 25th leads to some stress every year. Who will come, what to make, how to finish all the dishes at the same time... Fortunately, because we did this many times, some parts of the dinner have become family traditions that probably will never change. For example, my brother and one of my cousins always take care of the frying pan while catching up with each other and drinking beer. Other family traditions include eating slices of kerststol (Dutch Christmas bread) on Christmas' Eve, while watching the yearly Christmas edition of 'All You Need Is Love', a Dutch television show that includes a lot of people being reunited with their faraway loved ones, and a lot of advertisements in between. And on Second Christmas Day my parents, brother and I usually go for a walk on the beach. Actually, we started doing this just three years ago, but it instantly became a 'tradition' - an essential part of our Christmas holiday.

This year, I'm going to celebrate Christmas in my home country, with my family, together with my Macedonian roomie Zorica. Hopefully, she will enjoy this holiday as much as I do.

I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy 2016!

Vrolijk kerstfeest en een gelukkig nieuwjaar!

WENDY

THE CHRONICLES OF LEO & FRIENDS: CHRISTMAS AROUND EUROPE

CHRISTMAS IN ITALY PART I: LOMBARDIA, BERGAMO (BG)

GIFTS

In my province kids are special. Santa Claus entirely skips the province of Bergamo to focus on our neighbour mainstream provinces. We have our own Saint, instead, and she also gets to town almost two weeks earlier than lazy Santa. This is how it goes: on November or early December every kid has to write a letter to Saint Lucy and possibly hand it in Saint Lucy’s Church (but she’s cool enough to find it even if you just give it to your parents, she’s a Saint, you know, she knows how to make miracles happen). Then on the 12^th of December all kids go to bed early but not before having prepared some sweets and coffee for Saint Lucy and having collected some milk and straw for her donkey, which carries the presents (yes, her help is a donkey, she is old school). Her arrival is signaled by a bell ringing but no kid would ever dare to check how she looks like: the saint has had her eyes gouged out and has the power to blind nosy kids. So if you follow this procedure and provided that you have behaved during the year, you’ll keep the use of your sight and you’ll get sweets and presents.

FOOD

As you know, food is a big part of every tradition in Italy and Christmas is one of the most important banquettes during the year. Being from the North, we celebrate Christmas at noon, whereas people from the South, usually celebrate Christmas Eve’s dinner. In both cases, we think that the more the merrier, so usually the group comprises 20-30 people, at least in my family. As for the menu, that varies a lot according to regional and family traditions. That’s how we do it: an infinite amount of starters (featuring at least three kind of quiches, carrot soufflé with stewed mushrooms, avocado salad, shrimp cocktail and grilled vegetables with tuna sauce, salmon croutons, olives and pistachios) is followed by a generous portion of homemade lasagne, which can be accompanied by stuffed beef (depending on the depth of your stomach). During the whole meal glasses are uninterruptedly filled by Spumante and wine. In order to prepare your stomach for dessert, you get a shot of Limoncello or Grappa. Finally, you end up this marathon with Panettone, Pandoro covered in mascarpone sauce, chocolate dates and/or homemade ice-cream with fresh strawberries.

TRADITIONS

There are many different folkloric traditions. 

I will just mention Christmas mass.  Where I live, Christmas mass  is a must, even for atheists, not because of peer pressure or Catholic guilt, but because of the wine. In most church porches traditionally a group of Alpini will distribute vin brulée for free, or for a symbolic offer. These moments represent a nice social event in which you meet people you have not met along the year, exchange wishes, chat, laugh and get warm with a nice spicy wine. 

CHIARA

THE CHRONICLES OF LEO: CERAMIC WORKSHOP REPORT

In November all the MLC volunteers attended a ceramic workshop at Piecownia (Wroclaw), in the scope of a workshop called Mozaika Nadodrza. 

Our heroes were demanded to realize a small, cute, colored tile, starting from raw clay and resorting on their genius.

By the beginning, the first troubles started appearing. Giving it the correct shape, an appropriate design, the right thickness is not so easy as you (and many of us) think.

Some of us showed marked artistic skills, others less and others again had no skills at all to show. Luckily, the workshop staff helped us whenever we needed so, eventually, each of us got his own tile. 

The following step requested us to decorate the tiles, according to our personal tastes. That was the turning point: the most gifted ones soared on the wings of art while the others tumbled down in the banality of random words or sketched drawings. This merciless humiliation marked the end of the 

first phase of the workshop.

Some volunteers having fun before getting aware how hard the life can be.

The second and final one took place some weeks later. That time, the MLC group had to complete the work, by painting their tiles.

Again, the difference between the artist-born and the ordinary mortals was noticeable. I suppose there’s no need to underline how difficult can be spread the right colors, with the right dose, in the right place for someone that can hardly hold a brush up. Isn’t?!

Right shape, right layout, right colors, right message: approved!

Crooked, No idea about proportions and details distribution, colors randomly chosen and roughly spread: he is likely to be blind, have mercy.

On the 18, December 2015 the masterpieces will be revealed to the World. If you want to give a look, just go to the cross between Paulińska and Ryoygiera. We wait for you!!!!

   

The Chronicles of Leo: Wieczòr Cultury Włoskiej

Someday/10/2015

L: “Ok Chiara, don’t worry, it will be easy: this is Coliseum, this is spaghetti, this is the Inter Milan shield. No effort, no sweat, no troubles. We will feed them in the end and they even will thank us.”

C: “Leo, I have different ideas. Enough. History as protagonist. Rome, Renaissance, Fascism, this kind of stuff. Of course, after we can cook as well.”

L: “Are you kidding me?! We will mess everything up! It’s too long, too hard to resume, too hard to understand. Take it easy!”

C: “I was here first. I asked you just for being polite. I am in charge, not you.”

L: “…..ok, deal done.”

Someday/11/2015

L: “uff…so..Rome, Middle Age, Renaissance, Resourgence, Fascism, Postwar, Led Years, 80s and 90’s? With food, music, videos and movies more? Something else? Don’t you think is too much? How can we manage all this stuff properly?-”

C: “We will do, enough with complaining! Remember we have to put double subtitles in the movies: both Polish and English, we don’t want anybody to feel cut off. We need to enslave that Turkish guy..the one with blue eyes, he looks like too cute to rebel..what is his name..ah Berkan! And Andrea, the other Italian, he can make pizza. Tons of pizza.”

L: “Why wasn’t I born in San Marino?”

C: “Why don’t you save breath and energy to work? Since you are like a loser and you got sick 1500 kms away from Wroclaw, you will revise 2000 years of history and write down the plot. You have time. I will follow the logistics, calling around, meeting people, doing things etc etc…(you know, faccio cose, vedo gente)”

L: “I cannot choose, I suppose.”

C: “Exactly!”

16/12/2015, a few minutes before the beginning.

L: ”psss..Chiara, I have accidentally cut my finger, deeply!”

C: ”You fool! I don’t mind if you die for bleeding! Keep strong and do your duty!”

L: ”anf..anf..ok ok.” (about to faint)

16/12/2015, evening over

L: “Thank you! You’re the best!!..psss Chiara they are clapping!”

C: “We just did what we had to do, don’t get so emo”.

L: "Ok, let's go eating!"

6/6/1944: Overlord operation begins.

20/6/1969: Apollo 11 lands on the Moon surface.

9/11/1989: the Berlin Wall falls down.

16/12/2015: Italian cultural evening takes place.

LEO & CHIARA

Turkish Guests - Disabled Wins Humanity Wins

Last week our organisation had guests who are coming from Turkey. Two disabled people and their caretakers. They came to participate the project named ‘Disabled Wins Humanity Wins’.

Our guests attended several activities which Semper Avanti supported. One of them was ‘Day of Voluntarism and Day of Disabled People in Sektor 3 and celebrated ‘World Disability Day’ with our volunteers. Beside they visited ‘Center for Disabled People’ in Ostoja to participate workshops which was conducted for participants from Turkey and the disable people who are in Ostoja.

And dough workshop was made by people who are coming from the other association. In ‘Primary School No 61’ intercultural workshop was arranged as well as school was visited by guests. they joined the city tour around Wroclaw  with a Turkish volunteer. And the last day our Turkish volunteer named Berkan made presentation as translator about association named ‘Federation of Disabled People’.

Wrocławska Gala Wolontariatu

The last 3rd of December was the “Wrocławska Gala Wolontariatu”, a day when the organizations of Wroclaw were showing their work to the people. And, of course, there was the MLC team to support such event with workshops and presentations.

 

The event was located in Sektor 3, and each organization had their own room for their activities. 

In the MLC case we were working all the day with a group of students between 16 and 18 years old, conducting different activities.

Those activities includes a workshop about Culture, a presentation about what is EVS (European Voluntary Service), an activity about how to use properly the social net called Facebook, and cultural presentations about Italy, Turkey and Spain.

In general, as always the MLC team is working together, was a really good journey meeting nice students and having interesting talks about different topics.

Jose's study techniques workshop

The second of December (2015) I was conducting a workshop on study techniques, or in short how to study better.

The workshop’s place was Dolnośląska Szkoła Wyższa we Wrocławiu (University of Lower Silesia, in Wroclaw), a private institution of higher learning that promotes novel approaches to learning. Also institute forges research links on the national and international level. The attendants of the workshop were students of Psychology, twenty years old.

The study technique’s workshop is divided in to two parts, each one three hours. The last day, 2nd of December, we were conducting the first part, and the second will fallow in January 2016, after Christmas holiday.

My main idea with this experience was to share useful and practical knowledge about how to study better and more efficiently. But the most importantly, I wanted participants to be aware about the topic of study techniques, knowing that there are methodologies and approaches to improve their learning style.

Some of the subjects of this workshops are: the ideal situation to study (psychologically and contextually), methodologies to increase reading pace of the non-fiction books, and study techniques itself (which includes the tool called “mind maps”, developed by Tony Buzan).

The latest meeting with the Psychology students was really nice. In a few words: they were the kind of ideal students every teacher would like to have in their class. Now, after their feedback, I am even more motivated to prepare a second part with the highest quality I can offer.

Kind regards,

José Escobedo.