Easter in France !

I know that Easter is very important in Poland. I see it when I walk in streets or shops, and it's fabulous to see that Polish are happy to celebrate this period in family. In France, it's also important but not that much !

Easter is primarily a Catholic holiday widespread in France, where Masses and religious processions take place throughout. But I think that mainly people (and children in particular) know that it’s the period for endless meals with many dishes including the paschal lamb. 

Easter is a day of joy when families and friends get together and enjoy this festive moment to savor delicious food and of course, lots of chocolates!

Unlike many other countries, exept some French regions and overseas regions, Friday is not a holiday. The only holiday during the Easter holidays rest on Easter Monday. But the Easter festivities usually coincide with school holidays; what give children more time to eat chocolates.

Easter would not be Easter without tons of chocolate. Even adults; there is no age to be greedy !!! Probably because French people are very greedy, it's not just chocolate eggs that we use to eat during Easter, but also chocolate fish (in reference to April Fool April 1) and of course chocolate bells.

And so, here is a legend Easter almost exclusive to France:

Legend is that about the bells. Just the day before Easter, the bells of the Catholic churches should be silent in mourning.  All the bells of the churches leaves for Rome in the evening of Thursday where they are blessed by the Pope. On Easter morning, the bells come back in to announce their joy after Jesus' resurrection. At this moment, the bells peal again in the night. 

Before leaving Rome, they are loaded with Easter eggs and they put these eggs in their path in the gardens.  

Therefore, when the children wake up the Monday morning, they discover as many eggs in their gardens or apartments. But be careful because the bells are sometimes very jokers...

And here is a little joke from Easter to the very French humor :

When Jesus was Children, he comes at home after school with his quarterly notes.

His mom, Marie says:

Mathematics: 3/20 : "multiplies rolls and drinks"

Chemistry: 5/20 : "changes water into wine to entertain his classmates"

Sport: 4/20 : "walking on water during the swimming events"

Marie, very angry, look Jesus and said:

"Well, boy, your Easter holiday, you can make a cross on it !"

Let the festivities begin!

Happy Easter to all :)

Margaux

THE CHRONICLES OF LEO & FRIENDS: RAISING THE STAKE

It is a grey and cold day. Massive and threatening clouds darken the sunlight and from the bus you can get aware how intense the traffic jam was. Sitting down facing each other, Rosario and Natalia try somehow to kill the time. Smartphone is always a good resource. Standing in the back of Natalia, Leo is mentally browsing the plan for that day. One, two, three, countless times. Human rights workshop is undoubtedly the best, the most important task you can get as volunteer. It's a honor and, of course, a bargain. It is something hard even when you are confident and expert. It goes without saying that when it's your first time and you are, theoretically, in charge, it turns f.....g crazy. 

- OK, keep calm Leo. It's easy, you have already devised kind of a plan: introduction; video about  violations in the past and in the present times, worldwide; discussion; game; discussion once again, game, set and match. With the support of Rosario and the translation of Natalia everything will be right, you just have to not spoil everything as usual. Be smart! You can. Puff! Puff! -

The crew gets the destination, the school is a large, new building, clean and completely different from the usual Hogwarts-style school where they all are used to go. That really doesn't look like a primary or secondary school.

- Why there are just boys and girls, more girls actually, looking like 20s or similar? Where are the children? Wh...Rosario, Rosario please, ok, I got, you like the blonde, cute girl but not so loud, please, maybe they can understand Italian, please. Thanks! -

The situation gets bright soon enough. After the teacher leaves the room, the team can start. Twelve young women and men (just two, them) are staring at our guys. Rosario sits down in a side of the large, white and well enlightened room, Natalia and Leo are standing up in front of the blackboard. 

- The introduction round has been easy. They look like old enough to raise the stake. I am going to state, to stress that I dont't want to be a teacher, that I want discuss with them, achieving something like a team. For example, I would like to know what they expect from us and which is their own definition of human rights. Let's try! - 

From a quick glance, you can realize that the audience is composed by someone really interested (around 3 people), someone simply curious (the most) and someone that probably hope to get some better mark by the end of the year. The video catches the attention but the ladies and the few gentlemen resist to be involved in some kind of discussion. Leo and Rosario speak a lot, especially Leo. Actually Leo looks very comfortable to speak, even too much. Natalia tries her best to follow him and translating but she can barely remember how he started, after 10 minutes of monologue.

- Me cago en la puta! Don't you wanna join the discussion? Allright, I am going to blow your mind! -

History, politics, Nazi's, Eleanor Roosevelt, Wikipedia. The workshop encompasses a range of different examples. Basically, the Semper crew attempts to make people aware that, in spite of the differences all we have, as individuals, ultimately we are all human beings and just for that, there are rights we are granted from our birth. The speech is quite passionate but too one-directional, there is not reciprocity enough. Good, but perfectible.

- I tried my best but I have talked too much. Absolutely too much. I just hope they have seized something. I have to beg Natalia pardon for making his job so hard. Ok, you did it, chill bro, you did it, you did it. -

Still cloudy but darker and colder. The time went by and it's time for homecoming. At least it doesn't rain.

Leo & Co.

   

10 Places to visit in...... Azerbaijan

1.THE MAIDEN TOWER 

Maiden Tower (“Qiz Qalasi”) is the top tourist attraction of the city. It is the second most visited building of Baku, just right after the airport. As soon as you get to the top of it, you will be amazed with the spacious view of Baku and its all beauty. 

2.CITY BOULEVARD

Baku Boulevard (officially called Seaside National Park) is a place where you can observe the Caspian Sea and the most beautiful night view of Baku. Shopping malls, business centers, restaurants, ‘chaykhana’s (tea houses), sophisticated plants, main attractions will get in your way while walking there. Go to boulevard if you’re tired of the very hot weather of Baku and want to get some fresh air coming from the sea. Most importantly, take a boat tour and dive into the best feelings.

3.HISTORY MUSEUM

            Once the family house of Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, the famous Azerbaijani oil magnate, now this building serves as historical museum and with its splendid view it will take you to the main historical period starting from historical times to recent history of Azerbaijan.The museum is divided into 3 sections. The first section covers prehistoric and medieval objects varying from ancient coins, wears, military objects to human bones and tombs. The second section covers the personal possessions of the famous people of Azerbaijan history. The third section holds the mansion of Taghiyev family.

4. MARTYRS’ LANE AND FLAME TOWERS

During the Soviet Union this alley was known as Kirov Park, named after the Soviet Bolshevik leader. After the massacre of 1990 by Soviet troops, which is annually commemorated by all Azerbaijanis on 20 January, this park has become an alley of martyrs (“Shahidlar Xiyabani” in Azerbaijani). Now it is a symbol of pride of Azerbaijan and its independence. From here you can get another beautiful view of Baku Bay and see the Flame Towers to its fullest and closest.

5. MUD VOLCANOES

Yes, you heard it right. Mud volcanoes. They lie about 10 km south of Gobustan. These volcanoes are quite unique as they are not as high as usual volcanoes, with height getting maximum 2 meters. Still, nearly half of the mud volcanoes in the world are located in Azerbaijan (more than 350 out of 800 in the world) and  the greatest mud volcano in the world is also in Azerbaijan (1000 meters high). The mud bubbles right from the inside of the volcano and it is usually cold, rather than hot as you might think. Also, the mud is said to be good for face and is commonly used for medical reasons.

6. HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTER

Built by Zaha Hadid, this center won the "Design of the Year" award  on July 1, 2014. The center includes memorial gallery of Heydar Aliyev (ruler of Azerbaijan during Soviet era in 1969-1982 and president of Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003), art gallery, concert and library halls, restaurant and conference hall.

7. GOBUSTAN NATIONAL PARK

Gobustan is famous for its rock drawings dating back to 40,000 years. This site is considered as the one of earliest inhabited settlement of people in Azerbaijan and reflects the activities of ancient people such as dance rituals, hunting scenes, carpentry and the images of animals. It is located a bit further from Baku – 64 km to southwest of Baku.

8. YANAR DAGH 

Yanar Dagh is situated 25 km northeast of Baku. The reason that this place is worth checking out is its continuous fire, which never extinguishes. The flame derives from the gas reserves beneath the land and there are no pipes making it burn.

9. BAKU OLYMPIC STADIUM

Witness the birth of a sporting spectacle.The all new Baku National Stadium was opened last years (2015 June)

10. AZERBAIJAN CARPET MUSEUM

While a museum dedicated to carpets sounds like a stitch up,Azerbaijan Carpet Museum actually highlights the country’s turbuleny history through the medium of rugs and floor coverings.

See you soon in Azerbaijan!

Khumar

Germany Bucket List

1.   Berlin

The world's Techno capital and the biggest city in Germany. If you are in Berlin you are literally going through history. Get a taste of Berlin, because it is definitely worth it!

(Museumsinsel in Berlin)

2.   Dresden

Dresden is rich of young people and beautiful architecture. Cheaper than Berlin and definetly worth it to see!

(Castle in Dresden)

3.   Saxony Switzerland

It is the most beautiful national park in Germany and maybe in Europe. If you adore the nature this is the place to be! Enjoy long walks and sleep in the woods.

(Elbsandsteingebierge)

4.   Hamburg

Hamburg is the second biggest city in Germany. Hanse was a big association until the 17th century. This gave Hamburg huge power back in the days. That is why for some people Hamburg is the most beautiful city in Germany.

(Hafencity)

5.   Münster

 Münster is a beautiful student city. Very charming and with a nice vibe. If you are in Münster you are surrounded by nice cafes and beautiful architecture.     

(City Center)

           
6.   Castle Neuschwanstein

This is an awesome castle and the most beautiful one. Did you know that this castle is one of the biggest influences for Disney's castles.

7.   Rothenburg

This city is small and really charming. In addition this city this was the biggest influence for Pinocchio. Go to Rothenburg and you are in the real Disneyland.

8.   Nürnberg

A nice alternative to Munich. Full of medieval architecture and beautiful houses. During Christmas Nürnberg has the biggest and the nicest Christmas Market.

(Christmas Market)

9.   Rügen

If you miss the beach and just want to relax and take a sunbath, this is the place to be. Beautiful landscape for walks or biking tours. Rügen makes you 100% calm down and forget all the stress you might have.

          
  10. Frankfurt

You don’t have to go to America to have the feeling of Manhattan. Frankfurt is well known for it’s nice skyline. Moreover you have to visit this City!

          

 

Semper has a new volunteer from Azerbaijan!! Meet Khumar!

I am Khumar. I’m 24 years old and I come from Baku, capital of Azerbaijan. Firstly, I want to write some information about myself. I was born in Fuzuli, Azerbaijan on 14th of November in 1991. I completed my secondary school education in Baku in 2008. After graduating secondary school with honours, I entered at Azerbaijan Cultural and Art University.    I also graduated the university with honours. At the same time, I have working experience more than 2 years.  Firstly, I have to inform you that I had worked in the organization “Towards the Unity” Public Union which cares for disabled and orphan children more that a year. Gradually I get success on my job and become office manager. I was involved into the team of the projects “Summer and Winter Camps”.

Recently I have started work as journalist in TV channel “Lider Tv”. Before this channel I had worked in other online TV channel Inter.az as a news speaker. And I was working as a volunteer down syndromes, street, disabled and orphan children after work

Additionally, I want to emphasize that my expectations for the long term EVS are to learn theoretical knowledge and practical skills in managing a project, to understand the role of various actors in a project (partners, funds, organizations etc.).  I planned to learn more about hosting country’s welfare system, culture, people and native language as well.

So I could have an experience in a multi-cultural environment, discovering Poland, speaking English and improve it.

I like spending time with animals and children. To listen music and dancing. reading, cinema, news and politics, philosophy and football. Moreover, I’m communicable and easily make friends so it’s not difficult to me to be among various people. I’m always enthusiastic about seeing new places and meeting new people.

I'll be here one years and I think everything will be ok. J

Moreover, I’m communicable and easily make friends so it’s not difficult to me to be among various people. I’m always enthusiastic about seeing new places and meeting new people.

Rosario and Margaux in Warsaw - On Arrival Training.

Rosario: "The On Arrival Training was a very amazing experience! I knew a lot of funny guys and I hope to keep in touch with them. Also the coordinators were nice and very friendly and the activities were very funny and interesting! The weather was not good, but I saw Warsaw and I have to say that is a very beautiful city..I'll back there on spring, for sure! Thanks to the On Arrival Training, I've got a better mood now than when I arrived in Poland!".


Margaux: "It was very interesting for me the On Arrival Training in Warsaw: I met a lot of volunteers from all over the Europe (Spain, Italy, Germaniy, Czech Republic, Austria, France, Turkey, Unghary...), even if I had some difficulties in communicating with them, because of the different accents. The activities were very nice and various: the topics were sometimes more serious, sometimes funnier. We had some surprises also: we visited the city with a former volunteer and, another evening, we enjoyed a show with a group of traditional dancers!! After this week I feel finally ready for my EVS: this experience is rewarding me on a human level and I hope to keep in touch with the other guys!",