A project to be remembered

Costinesti, the village of youth, party life and carelessness. Being back here brought back so many memories of happy, worry-less life. This place definitely holds its magic, even though it resembles a ghost town at this time of year. I feel the group of our project during the week was the spark the town needed. Nice To Meet You (NMY) was a project full of energy, positiveness and important life lessons. The mix of the Romanian, Italian, Greek, Bulgarian, Turkish and Spanish cultures made us whole a unity, we left behind the fact that we had just met, we were truly friends.

The days were filled with engaging activities who would never allow us to get bored and the nights unveiled their magic with the cultural nights. Through these activities we got to directly engage with the local people, who were really helpful and warm, happy to be part of the process. We started with simple games, which helped break the ice, helping us become more and more comfortable with each other and opening our eyes to other cultures. Origami truly represents a tool, encasing vital qualities like patience, attention to detail and unity. All the participants in this project had their patience tested when it came to this little piece of paper causing so much hustle. But by the end of it, our little paper game turned into something so much more meaningful. Every fold of paper was a decision,and the final product of our life plan. It’s amazing how a piece of paper can convey so much meaning and emotion, through it all of us managed to depict our cultures, values and ideals.

The Culture Fair that we organized at the end of our project truly put into perspective the lessons and fruit of our work, we brought joy to children and adults alike though our pieces depicting important symbols of our cultures. 

Hence, all the adventures that we passed through these 10 days have helped become a better version of ourselves, richer in culture, patience and of course…origami :). We experienced together the beautiful sights of this small but mighty place, the sunken ship, the beach and the obelisk. I believe this place will hold a special place in all the participant’s hearts.

Hope we will see eachother soon, friends! :) Wish you all the best!

by Theona [RO]