Marietta je prostovoljka Evropske solidarnostne enote (ESE) na Zavodu Nefiks, kamor jo je pot pripeljala iz Grčije. V Sloveniji živi že pol leta, pri tem pa se prvič v življenju sooča z izkušnjo življenja v tujini in samostojnega bivanja. Prva meseca sta bila zanjo predvsem obdobje prilagajanja – poleg novega okolja in drugačnega načina življenja je pogrešala dom, družino, svoj jezik in grško hrano. Sčasoma pa je Slovenijo začela doživljati kot prostor novih prijateljstev, potovanj, osebnega razvoja in številnih novih izkušenj.

V svojem zapisu Marietta iskreno pripoveduje o tem, kako je zapustiti cono udobja, se navaditi na slovenski način življenja ter skozi prostovoljsko izkušnjo spoznavati ne le novo državo, temveč tudi samo sebe.

Finding my Rhythm in a New Country: A Greek’s ESC Journey so Far

My name is Marietta, I’m from Greece and I’ve officially been living in Slovenia for half a year as a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteer. Time flies really fast when you’re out of your comfort zone and experiencing a new way of life, in a completely new setting. But how has life been so far?

The first step is always the hardest, but it gets easier

The first two months were my readjustment period, and my biggest challenge. Τhis is my first time moving abroad, as well as living by myself, so I was feeling a mix of panic and anticipation.

Although I learned how to use the local public transport, exploring the city on my own and getting used to the Slovenian rhythm, I was feeling quite melancholic. I missed my home country, my family, my language, the food.

But things were slowly starting to improve. I made friends with other volunteers and I was getting used to the work. Traveling helped too. I realized I don’t need to stress that much, and to enjoy the quiet, chill life here until this project is over and I return back to industrial settings. I’m also focusing on using this opportunity to learn as much as I can, not just soft and hard skills through my volunteering, but also growing as a person, gaining more confidence and discovering more about myself.

The Slovenian way of life

Here’s a few things I’ve learned about Slovenia: The nature is incredibly beautiful, and people are close to nature. They’re very sporty and value family, always making time on Sundays to spend some quality time together. They eat beans, sausage and pumpkin oil, which I’m afraid I don’t really like. But they really love their cevapi and pljeskavica, which I really like.

Although other volunteers and ERASMUS+ residents try to travel as much as possible while living here, I chose a quieter path. I find it exciting to have a similar routine to what I had in Greece, but in a different country. I’m also trying to live a more local way of life, like trying Slovenian foods, visiting not-so-touristy spots and participating in local activities, like hiking and cycling, with the latter becoming one of my favorite pastimes.

In short, the Slovenian life so far is nice and quiet.

Going back home (for vacation)

For August, I took some days off and traveled back to Greece for summer. While there, I noticed I’ve picked up some habits from my time in Slovenia. I instinctively tried to separate my trash for recycling, I flushed the paper in the toilet (which is illegal in Greece, because the toilets will explode and the building will fall apart), and I really (really, really!) missed biking around town.
One thing that’s noticeably missing from Greek cities, and especially from Thessaloniki, is green spaces. I particularly missed Tivoli Park and the beautiful lush mountains around my Slovenian flat. But I knew I’d be back all of that soon; just in time to experience Slovenian fall and winter, especially because I haven’t seen snow in Greece for many, many years.

The show must go on

So far, my experience here is filled with discovery, and I plan to make the most of my remaining months here, both personally and professionally. I can’t wait what the future holds, even if I know I’ll cry the ugliest tears when this is over.