Dear future volunteer,
November began with a trip to Laško for the on-arrival training. It was a chance for Gregor to really get to know the true ESC world and the people behind it, as well as the values they promote. And I will not lie to you, Gregor have felt disappointed maybe for the very first time here. He realised that reality didn't match the nicely packaged words on paper.
The entire concept of hosting a training for volunteers in a luxurious hotel, far away from reality, while promoting sustainability as one of its core values, was absurd from Gregor’s perspective. The idea that talking openly about volunteers coming from war-affected countries and vulnerable communities was irrelevant for the group went against the real values that the ESC program promotes. The topics covered by the training were too abstract and inpractical for the real daily situations we face as volunteers. Imagine that it is like trying to describe the taste of dragon fruit to a person who has never tried it before. Something like that.
But there were also many good things that this training brought.
The most important thing is that this was a nice opportunity to meet many wonderful volunteers who share the same ideas and point of view, and are enthusiastic and ready to use their small actions to make their environment better. And Gregor believes that he will stay in touch with them and that they will try to make some change together.
Upon his return to Maribor, he was greeted by euphoric energy on the city streets. Martinovanje in Maribor. Maribor's streets were crowded with people. Music echoed across the main square. On the streets drunk people were dancing joyfully. A lot of wine. Broken wine glasses and bottles were everywhere.
"O tempora, o mores," thought Gregor. But for the first time, he truly felt that he missed Maribor.
