However, the trip took an unexpected turn. About halfway to Slovenia, I suddenly became ill, plagued by aggressive diarrhea. Unfortunately, the bus didn’t have a toilet, and I think you can imagine the aftermath.
Despite the messy start, I arrived in Maribor, where I was greeted by Filip, my coordinator. He welcomed me with a heartfelt hug while I stood there reaking of my feces, feeling like I was halfway between the living and the dead—definitely not my best moment. As we made our way to my new apartment, I tried to explain my lack of enthusiasm, though I barely remember what I said due to a raging fever. All I could think about was collapsing into bed.
The next three days were a blur as I lay bedridden, completely drained of energy. I didn't know anyone, wasn’t familiar with my surroundings, and had no food. Thankfully, Filip stepped in to help, bringing me food and medicine, which was a lifesaver.
Once I recovered, I finally had the chance to experience the city and contribute to my organization. One of the highlights was the Stoptrik Festival, a celebration of stop-motion animation. My fellow ESC volunteer Veljko and I jumped in wherever we could. The work was demanding, but it was a fantastic experience—especially thanks to the program director of StopTrik, Miha, for his rakija!
After the festival, things quieted down, which was a welcome relief. It allowed me to rest and explore my new surroundings. Slovenia began to feel a little more like home, and I started to appreciate the adventure that lay ahead.
