Ivy: we have the coolest parents. Because they do all these cool projects.
Jackie: yes. But mom is a bit too enthusiastic & friendly.
I spoke every day, either making some introductions, facilitating a game, the small group conversations, mc, the movie night. And the meals were excelent meeting places. I attended an art workshop where I spoke from afar to break the ice, and then I painted peacefully and was told that the way I paint makes it evident that I am a writer. Ha!
I swam every morning, after lunch and late at night. What an amazing feeling to swim in the Adriatic after 10 pm. I played volleyball, I drank wine in the beach with friends. And our daughters were enjoying as well the time of their lives, with friends, new and old, playing or having deep conversations.
The young people are hungry for available mentors. These ones had options and evidently are in a great place with access to knowledge and guidance. But out there, you can’t tell the youth to get off their phone and not give them a good alternative of connection to the real world.
Yes, I am purposefully friendly. But as I sat at the table during meal, strangely comfortable in my solitude, I would make eyes contact with people and they would ask discreetly “may I sit with you?” and my posture and eyes and smile would encourage them to do so. Then the best conversations were had. Oh, if I could bottle them and revisit them.
Then there were the little kids. The adorable little courageous huggers and smilers. Some who couldn’t communicate in a shared language, and yet we managed to forge new friendships. little despot hugged me sometimes, and Ivy most often. He is 6. When we played dodgeball he wanted me and his mom to be on the same team. He hugged his mom’s leg and drew me near and held my leg too. The funny thing is that his mom and I are alike.
It all started from a genuine smile. And an interest in his little person.
The young couple, Hungarians from Serbia, were an absolute delight to talk to. To hear their take on life, their kindness, view of the world, passion and interests, experience so far and the adults involved in their lives.
Not to mention the core team. I am always so encouraged by their honest fun, hard work, drive, creativity, availability. I enjoyed a late evening watching the volleyball with Mirta, Rachel & Livia. We talked and decompressed, laughed and danced and felt silly & young. While the kids were trying to keep the volleyball in the air for more than 3 hits.
I went hiking 700 steps. An old path used to carry stiff over the mountains with the help of donkeys. And we did some laughter therapy along with sweating and taking in the sweeping views. Bera is a funny guy, down to earth, encouraging, steady, somber but always with a smirk. He was trying to see what kind of poop he found on the trail, and he was also looking for snakes. I asked him why is he looking for trouble… but then, as he was poking the poop I asked “are you stirring up shit?” and then Jennifer and I lost in with laughter. It was the best joke to make while tired, to stop and laugh a little.