Arts Lab 6.0: Kristers Glapito - Month 1
It started off: "perfectly balanced, as all things should be" - Thanos.
The first little activity was the on-arrival training. Nothing much, mostly free 7 days. That got us warmed up for the upcoming days, enough to recover after travelling long distances. Then came the first workshop. I could feel that everyone was slightly confused and scared... but willing to work. I was in the media team as it's what I do best. My best memory from this workshop was the interview with a jeweler. A bright soul. A man who grew up with German Nazis but now helps Jewish people - destiny loves irony.
After the workshop we were destined to stumble upon "THE FIRST CLEANING DAY". I chose a noble task - cleaning the bathroom. Job well done, house was clean. Was clean.
I remember my first trip with my sweet sweet Alexandro (Mercedes bus). Was my second time driving abroad on mountains and trashy roads. Fun fact: Latvian and Romanian drivers are one of the most dangerous drivers in EU... so I felt at home. Mihaela said that I'm the best driver she had so pat on my back for that one. Prayers for Alexandro so it survives winter roads. During the trip, we went to private restaurants and museums and helped them to build up their business and recognition. I did a Tik Tok video and made a website. But together, we also made them visible on Google Maps, tripadvisor, social media and made it automatical so they don't have to manage them later.
Next memory is the Romanian culture night. Food and drinks were similar to Latvian and Slavic dishes. My stomach wasn't my best friend so it's not my best memory but Mircea's (our mentor) dancing saved my mood. After that, we went to Iași. We went to museums, universities and for some reason - to the French institute. Although the reasons are unknown, it was fun meeting the youngsters. I think the library lady didn't like me. Also, thank you to the guard who let us in the library - you inspired me. AND THEEEEN - free days. We watched Joker 2 in the cinemas. I fell asleep 3 times, it was bad (except the ending and the *BOOM* scene). Others went to the underground club but I, together with Katrina, went to the restaurant. Shocked by Romanian prices - so cheap cinema snacks. Amazing.
Most importantly, I can’t forget to mention the workshops in the Moldova help-school for kids. I’ve never seen such talent. Never. NEVER! We got along very quick. Even stayed in-contact with some of them. I felt close with them because I’m disabled myself and I know that when God takes away one thing, you acquire much more if you seek. We made a song together with them, can’t wait to publish it.
My last memory is the Tataruși visit. Amazing experience. Spent the days with the mayor, treated like kings and thank him for that. He's very good with presenting the commune and himself. Learned a lot. Again, I was the media team. Doing what I do best. Besides that - we got to present our countries on the stage. We singed. I don't know if we did good. We thought we sound amazing but probably our voices were not bird-like. Had the opportunity to make my first workshop also. Took the best team mate possible so (don't tell this to anyone) - the kids liked our workshop the most. Feeling tired. Resting and doing some side work as we have to prepare for the next week. Winter arch is coming. Prepared. Focused. Vengeance.
Report written by Kristers Glapito, he's from Latvia and he's one of the 14 volunteers participating in Arts Lab 6.0, a project co-funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps program.
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