#LINK 147

LINK #147

Febr u ar y 15th 2020

CARNIVAL 1

Content K.A.NE P. 4 - 6

Volunteers & Collaborators

KNOW US P. 8 P. 9 P. 10

“How do you celebrate Carnival?”

“Which one is your favourite costume?”

“Name one Carnival tradition from your country?”

ARTICLES P. 12 P. 14

Why people love or hate carnival?

The roots of Carnival

P. 10

COMPARING P. 16 Differences between Germany and Poland INTERVIEW P. 18 Interview with Local volunteer P. 20 Interview with a Erasmus+ volunteer PLACE TO TRAVEL P. 22 “Patras” PLACE OF THE WEEK P. 23 Kardamili EVENTS P. 24 P. 25

P. 22

Review of one previous Future events

ART REVIEW P. 26 “Happy Princes” QUOTE OF THE WEEK P. 27 Ralph Emerson’s quote SONG OF THE WEEK P. 28 “Carnival” RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK P. 29 MANAM RECIPES P. 30 P. 31

Pita Souvlaki Greek Thiples

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Catarina Ferreira Editor

Roque Ribeiro

Designer

@kane.kalamata +30 272 108 188 2

Editorial

www.kentroneon.worpress.com www.ngokane.org info@ngokane.org Salaminos 8 24100 Kalamata Greece

LINK 3

Volunteers Alix

Hi ! I’m Alix and I come from France, I‘m eighteen and I’m taking a break from my studies because I didn’t like what I was doing so i decided to go on ESC. I’ll stay here for 6 months and I’m so grateful and happy to do this experience in Greece with foreign volunteers. I work in the Therapeutic Equestrian Centre. I love horses, to share moments with people and to discover new places.

Benan

Hi, I am Benan and I am from Turkey.

I am studying at Manisa Celal Bayar University Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. When I saw this project I got so excited. Actually I was planning to do ESC Project after my university graduation, but I had the opportunity to experience this short term Erasmus ESC project. This project was suitable for my mid term break, a was nice coincidence. This ESC related with my lovely majority Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. To be honest I wasn’t planning to work with people who has disability because I was a bit afraid, but thanks to this project, K.A.N.E and KEFIAP I lost all of my fears.

Catarina

Hello! My name is Catarina and I’m a 21 year old girl from Portugal. After finishing my studies, I decided to stop for a year to clarify my ideas and decide what I will do next. Right now, I will be a volunteer here in Kalamata for the next six months, I’m working at KEFIAP and also at the Youth Centre. There’s not much to say about me, I’m a calm person and probably my favourite hobby is to listen some rock music while reading a book or walking around the city.

name is Diego and I am from Spain. I am graduated in Psychology.

Diego My I came to Kalamata to be a volunteer in Kefiap, to learn how the people

work in other countries around Europe while helping others. Moreover I think this is a great opportunity for me to meet new people and learn about other cultures. I am curious person who likes practising sports, laughing at almost everything and listening Rap music.

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Hania

Kalimera! My name is Hania and I come from Poland. I am a volunteer in K.A.NE’s office and I will stay here in Kalamata for 8 months. I really like to travel, because I think life gets boring if you stay in one place for too long! One of my biggest dreams is to live for at least couple of months in several different countries, so I can truly experience other cultures – not just as a tourist.

I’m Joana from Portugal, I’m going to be in this beautiful town for the Joana Hei! next two months as a volunteer at KEFIAP. I also want to know how others

projects works, because one of the reasons that brought me here is searching for new answers and therapeutic methods that may be useful in my work as psychomotor therapist.

I love to walk around, travel to the sea side and hiking in the mountains, discover new things, cultures, ways of thinking and being and to talk a lot!

Katarina

Hi! My name is Katarina and I come from a little country called Slovenia. I would describe myself as a positive, relaxed and openminded person who loves to laugh, explore new places, meet new people, try new things and capture amazing views that the world offers. I love spending my free time in nature watching sunsets, chasing waterfalls and doing different sports like hiking, snowboarding, surfing.

My name is katharina and I am from Portugal .

Katharina Olá!!!

I am 18 years old and I finished high school last sum-

mer. This year I am taking a Gap Year to figure out what I want to do in the future and to discover more about myself. Now I am here in kalamata volunteering at the dog shelter. I love to do things outside, hangout with friends and to be in contact with animals.

Lea

Hallo! :) My name is Lea and I am from Griesheim, a small town near Frankfurt. I am eighteen years old, just finished school and now I am going to spend an entire year here in Kalamata. I am volunteering in the Youth Centre and hopefully will hear many different stories from totally different people. I am fascinated by the art of literature, stars and other people and really enjoy sitting on the balcony with friends and enjoying unwinding music.

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Volunteers my name is Maria Sole and I’m from Italy. I’m a seventeen yeMaria Hi, ars old girl and right now I’m attending an accounting school stu-

dying economics, finance and marketing. I’m a really determined person and I always try my hardest in everything I do. My dream is to become an interpreter of Chinese and Japanese and to travel the world. For this reason I decided to apply to this beautiful working project here in Kalamata. I would recommend this experience to everyone that wants to expand their knowledge and make new experiences!

Patrycja

Cześć! Jak się masz? I come from Poland. I love travelling and one day I want to be a professional traveler. I like to take photos, to film, meet new people from all over the world and to learn more about foreign cultures and history! My other passion is everything concerning Latin America: speaking Spanish, the latin dances... I also study English and Portuguese. Now I’m in Greece for 6 months to do an EVS project and hopefully discover this country in the best way possible!

I’m the short guy with dreadlocks who is coming from Roque Viva! northern Portugal. For the next 10 months I’ll spend my time

in Kalamata as a volunteer in K.A.NE.. I came into this adventure so I could meet new people, a different and new culture and to learn Greek. I’d to share with others all my knowledge, interests and beliefs. If you like sunsets, swimming, nature, hiking and listening to music, what are waiting for?! Join me!

Tommaso

Hi, my name is Tommaso Signorini, I am seventeen years old and I am attending the course of administration, finance and marketing to an accounting school in Morciano di Romagna. I live in Misano Adriatico where i play football in the city team.

I don’t have big dreams but I think that this experience in greece will help me to grow up.

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Collaborators I am Filaretos Vourkos. For the last 15 years I am working Filaretos Hello, in the field of Non-formal education as a volunteer, youth worker

and youth trainer. 10 years ago,I decided to create the Youth Centre of Kalamata, in order to initiate youth work in Kalamata and promote active citizenship as factor for change.

Jelena

Hi, I’m Jelena Scepanovic,an EVS coordinator in K.A.NE. and a volunteer of the Youth center. I came from Montenegro in 2012 as an EVS volunteer. I really liked the idea of the youth center and the work that K.A.NE. does, so I decided to stay and be part of it.

Nantiana

My name is Nantiana Koutiva and i am working in K.A.NE. as a project manager and EVS coordinator. I have studied greek philology and I am teacher of greek language as well. I love travelling and organizing festivals.

Nancy

Hello World! I’m Nancy and I’m working in K.A.NE. since 2017 as a Project Manager and EVS/ESC coordinator. I’m passionate about meeting new people and exchange knowledge, experiences and ideas. I love the fact that many young people visit every year my hometown Kalamata and contribute to our society.

my name is Georgia Griva. For the past few years I am a youGeorgia Hello, th worker and project manager. This journey in youth field started

in 2014 with my first youth exchange and my EVS in Istanbul. I am proud to be member of K.A.NE. which represents my vision and my values as human and as an active citizen.

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1

st Q U E S T I O N

How do you celebrate Carnival?

Hania I don’t really celebrate Carnival. Maybe I just party in clubs a bit more often in February.

Joana Usually I wear a Carnival costume and go party, sometimes with friends at Carnival balls or parties, sometimes with kids we do our own parties.

In Portugal there is lots of Carnival traditions.

Katarina

Alix

Nowadays I do not celebrate Carnival, but when I was a kid I attended a parade in my hometown..

In France, the Carnival is especially for children but in some towns it is an amazing event, like in Dunkirk.

Katharina When I val with costumes days I

was younger I celebrated Carnimy school. We created our own and sang in the streets. Nowadon’t celebrate Carnival anymore.

Lea

We usually gather with friends and family, put on a costume, go to parades and after to a party. There’s always a lot of alcohol and partying included.

Benan I don’t join Carnival parties, but when I see Carnival Advertisement in billboards or news etc. I feel happy to see all people looks so cheerful and relax.

Patrycja In Poland, most Carnival events take place in clubs/ bars. I always celebrate with my friends at Latino parties. My biggest dream is spending the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Barranquilla (Colombia) or Venice.

Catarina I don’t normally celebrate Carnival, but in Portugal, especially in some cities, it’s a really important event.

Roque Some years ago, I stop to be interested in Carnival and so stopped to celebrate it.

Diego I use to dress me up with a handmade costume. Usually the costume is from a known person because I do it for singing “Chirigotas” which is a typical spanish tradition.

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2

Which one nd is your favourite costume?

Joana I love a donkey pyjama that I have and since I have it I love it!

Q U E S T I O N

Katarina When I was a kid I always wanted to be a Power Ranger or Batman.

Alix

For me, the best costume for Carnival is something very colorful and flashy like Harlequin!

Benan

Katharina

I think German Oktoberfest Costume looks really fancy.

I don’t know, something that looks happy and funny.

Lea I don’t really have one, but my family has this group costume as Beagle Boys from ducktales - quite funny.

Catarina For me, the Venice Carnival is amazing, the costumes they wear are beautiful!

Diego

Patrycja

Probably a one from a Pokemon (Diglett) which I made with a bag and a few cardboards.

Hania

I don’t have a favorite costume. I like a lot of costumes! The most important thing is to make it rich, shiny, colorful and all in glitter! I am definitely not a minimalist!

The one that I was wearing at a carnival party back in the kindergarten, when I was 6 y.o. I was a princess wearing a golden dress and I felt fabulous!

Back then when I was a kid, Batman was the one. I would ask for it every single year.

Roque

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3

rd Q U E S T I O N

Name one Carnival tradition from your country?

Joana There are a lot of traditions about Carnival in Portugal, but one that is spread across the country is “cabeçudos”. “Cabeçudos” are people dressed with human size costumes but the head of this costume is oversize compared to the size of the body. Usually this costumes refers to social criticism and they participate in the typical parades.

Katarina

In Turkey, because of religion, we don’t celebrate Carnival so we don’t have any traditions.

In Slovenia it’s common for each city to have a parade on the streets. In these parade you usually find brass band, majorettes and a traditional Slovenian costume called kurent. They wear a massive sheepskin clothing, around its waist they hang a chain with huge bells, they wear heavy boots, and special red or green leg warmers. Traditionally, the Kurent’s outfit was reserved for unmarried men.

Catarina

Katharina

The Portuguese Carnival tradition that amazes me the most is the parade preparations, it starts months before the Carnival and people put so much effort in it!

In my town, people do a competition in which two teams make a race with beds (two people pushing and one on the bed) and the winning team is the one that reaches the finish line faster.

Diego

Lea

In Spain my favourite part is “las chirigotas” which are funny parody lives songs that criticise the society, the politicians and makes fun of the events of the year.

In Germany it is really common to have huge parades, in which different clubs and associations participate. Each one of them has their own truck,they put on typical carnival music and drive through the streets while throwing candies down, which all the children collect then from the street. Did you know that in Cologne Carnival starts already on the 11th of November at 11:11 am?

Alix

In Dunkirk, the tradition is to throw smoked herring in front of the town hall!

Benan

Hania The biggest celebration of the carnival is during the last few days. It’s called “Ostatki” - “Leftovers”.

Everyone is out partying and celebrating at this time.

Patrycja As has already been said, the most important Polish carnival tradition is “ostatiki”.

Roque An really interesting and old tradition is named “Caretos de Podence”. It’s totally different from the capitalism-born carnival that we experience in our days.

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How to say?

“Have fun!”

Passe une bonne!

Viel Spaß!

Divertiti!

Baw się dobrze!

Diviértete!

iyi eğlenceler!

Diverte-te!

Zabavaj se!

Author: Patrycja

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Why people love or hate carnival?

C

arnival is known and celebrated all over the world, with many traditions and customs. Some celebrations are prepared for more than six months before, others last for more than a month, in others there are people who travel there from various parts of the world. In some countries it’s a holiday, in others it’s a whole week holiday. This celebration is really specific depending on the area and each country traditions but it’s also one of the most diverse celebrations when you have a global view of all its forms of celebration.

“

“

(...) others really enjoy the opportunity of being everything they want to be (...)

(...) it’s common to hear people who do not like Carnival at all (...)

”

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However, when it comes to the personal opinion of each person, it’s common to hear people who do not like Carnival at all or who simply do not celebrate it at the same time that there are those who spend an entire year preparing it, for instance choreographies, masks, parades, activities or events. Of course, there is always a grey area between two opposite opinions, but the focus remains about some of the reasons that provoke one of these two positions.

Some people celebrate carnival just because it’s a family or local tradition; others really enjoy doing it, attending to balls, parades, outside parties; others really enjoy doing this, participating in balls, parades, outside parties; others appreciate social criticism that is at plain side (from politics to sports); others really enjoy the opportunity of being everything they want to be and to do that usually is not well accept by the society and peers; others just want to feel accepted at the same time that others just want to tease others without consequences (for example, in Portugal exist this saying “é carnaval, ninguém leva a mal” which means “it’s carnival so everybody it’s ok about it”, this can refer to more or less offensive behaviours, costumes and everything that generally happens during the carnival celebration). It’s also an opportunity for use creativity and imagination that usually don’t have space and time to exist in people’s daily life.

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In the other hand there are also lots of reasons’ why usually people don’t celebrate carnival, some people just don’t have an opportunity nearby or never tried before; others really don’t enjoy or even understand why people wear costumes; others feels themselves ridiculous or dislocated; others don’t feel safe, in some cases due to the higher allowance that is permitted during carnival; others just don’t enjoy places to noisy or crowded; others feels that nowadays carnival is more a business then a celebration, made to let people to buy unnecessary things; others can feel judge also.

So, basically, carnival is time in the year when there is more social awareness and space for reflective thinking; where there is greater tolerance and acceptance of differences, in addition to humorizing everything that tends to be more serious by nature.

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(...) others feels themselves ridiculous or dislocated (...)

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Author: Joana

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The roots of Carnival Carnival is a western Christian season celebrated before the liturgical season of Lent, normally the main events occur during February or in the beginning of March.

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n the Carnival festive season there are usually public parties on the streets and parades. Some people wear costumes and masks to allow themselves to escape from their daily life routine and to feel a strong sense of social unity. Food fights, expressions of social satire, mockery of authorities and a general reversal of everyday rules are also some features of Carnival. But what is the origin of Carnival, and how has it arisen the shape we know nowadays?

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(...) regarded as a ride of passage from darkness to light.

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In ancient times, people considered winter as the reign of the spirits that needed to be driven out in order for the summer to return.

So, carnival can be regarded as a ride of passage from darkness to light.

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Other studies defend that the origin of Carnival comes from Rome.

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There are different theories and opinions on how Carnival really came about. Since a long time, Egyptians, Greeks, Hebrews and Romans celebrated with music, dances, masks and costumes. On the other side, Gauls did big analogous parties, especially the big winter party, in which they ate a lot because after the celebration the spiritual rigors of Lent would begin.

Other studies defend that the origin of Carnival comes from Rome, where the image of Isis was taken to the beach to bless the beginning of the sailing season. The festival consisted of a mask parade that followed a decorated boat, is possibly also the origin of the decorated cars in modern Carnivals parades.

Several Germanic tribes celebrated the returning of the daylight. The winter would be driven out, to make sure that fertility could return in spring and from and anthropological point of view, Carnival is a reversal ritual in which social roles are reversed and norms about desired behavior are suspended.

Before Lent began, all rich food and drinks were consumed in what became a giant celebration that involved the whole community and is thought to be the origin of Carnival. This means that the Carnival celebration is a development or evolution of a big party that people in ancient times had before starting the Lent, period in which the population was fasting and avoiding all kind of pleasures and privileges.

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“

Some the best-known traditions (...) were first recorded in medieval Italy.

”

Over the years, Carnival has changed its shape, going through different phases until it became the festive event we know. However, even now we continue to have different traditions and costumes around the world. The Carnival traditions change from country to country because of their conditions and characteristics, their needs and opportunities, due to community development and also because of the influences from other countries, for example for a period of time the Catholic Church was trying to ban the celebration of Carnival since they considered the way people behaved and dressed for the occasion an offense.

Some of the best-known traditions, including carnal parades and masquerade balls, were first recorded in medieval Italy. The Carnival of Venice was, for a long time, the most famous Carnival. Then, from Italy it spread to the rest of the world, and each country adapted it and created their own version.

In conclusion, Carnival is a tradition that was born from costumes from various countries, that has been developed over the years in different ways and that why Carnival has became a party celebrated by many people all over the world.

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(...) the Catholic Church was trying to ban the celebration of Carnival (...)

”

Author: Katharina

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What’s different?

The differences between Greece and my home-country

Poland

F

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Compared to Greece, the Carnival in Poland seems a bit ... dull.

rom my point of view, people in Greece are super enthusiastic about the Carnival. You can find the decorations all around the city starting from early January, and every Sunday people are celebrating on the streets, wearing funny costumes and listening to loud music. I mean, when I think of Carnival, I’ve got an image of the crazy, colorful celebration in Rio de Janeiro on my mind, but on the other hand I’m just not used to celebrating so intensively. Compared to Greece, the Carnival in Poland seems a bit… dull. To be honest, maybe a common Polish person would disagree with my perspective. I believe that the carnival is mostly celebrated in small villages and I come from quite a big city. I may even be a huge ignorant, but I can’t recall any significant Polish Carnival tradition, or at least I don’t remember participating in any. For me, Carnival in Poland is just this time in the year, when my Facebook page is spammed with advertisements of big, fancy, expensive parties and when my friends feel pressured to attend the parties just because “Come on, it’s the Carnival”. I just don’t recall celebrating after I had finished primary school.

When I was a small child, I was very excited about the school parties in February, because I could wear a costume of my favourite character or turn into a beautiful princess! But once I grew older, I didn’t feel the need of celebrating anymore. It’s probably more important for people, who are more involved in church and religious celebrations, as the main point of the Carnival is the preparation for the Lent and, following, the Easter.

And in this matter, there are a lot of similarities between Polish and Greek understanding of the Carnival period.

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The way that the Carnival is celebrated even here in Kalamata seems joyful and genuine for me. I sometimes think that the celebration in Poland is – as I said at the beginning – a bit dull, because it has lost its true meaning. The Carnival in my country is usually just about wearing fancy, decorative masks, while here in Greece people seem to cultivate the traditional purpose of this celebration, even if nowadays they’re wearing modern costumes of Disney characters.

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The origin of the Carnival is common for the entire world (...)

”

The origin of the Carnival is common for the entire world: some say it’s rooted in the Greek “Great Dionysia”, some say that it started in Venice. In both countries, there are strong, old, Carnival customs and traditions maintained to this day in small villages or particular regions, as an important part of folklore.

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(...) my favourite thing about it: THE FAT THURSDAY!

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Same is the meaning of the name: “carnival” in English, “karnawał” in Polish and even “από κρέας” (apo-kreas) in Greek all come from the Italian “carne vale” – “no more meat”. And indeed, after the Clean Monday in Greece or Ash Wednesday in Poland, the Lent starts and there are no more loud celebrations – the time for prayer and purification comes.

In my opinion, the fact that Greek people are so cheerful and enthusiastic about the Carnival is just amazing.

As a “northerner” I find the Greek southern culture so rich and lively! I’m amazed by how the Greeks are able to gather numerously outside in order to celebrate the important national, social or religious events all together.

To summarize, I’m not the biggest fan of the Carnival celebration, but I enjoy watching Greek people having fun on the streets of Kalamata. It made me realise how little I know about my own culture and I want to explore it more. And in order to underline that Polish Carnival is probably not as shallow as I described it, let me introduce you to my favourite thing about it: THE FAT THURSDAY! The only day during the year, when Polish people count how many donuts they’ve eaten and make it a competition. I can’t wait to discover the Greek equivalent!

Author: Hania

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Interview For this edition of LINK I interviewed Jordan Keskeridou, a 20 years old local volunteer at KEFIAP.

Local Volunteer

Name Jordan Keskeridou Organization KEFIAP (Kentro Fyssikis Iatrikis Apokatastassis Messinias) Type Recovery & Rehabilitation Volunteering Support / Assistance Place Kalamata | GREECE

Interviewer: Where are you from?

Jordan: Ptolemaida, Greece.

Interviewer: How old are you?

Jordan: 20 Interviewer: What isthe name of your University?

Jordan: Peloponnesos University.

Interviewer: What are your studies about?

Jordan: Speech Language Therapy.

Interviewer: How did you decide to work here?

Jordan: Because I wanted to do something different. I want to get know them. I wanted to take care of kids with special needs. I wanted to study Physiology and then I see how can I help them.

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Interviewer: What is your goal and tasks?

Jordan: When I started my goal all I wanted was to get used to their behaviours, because I was a bit afraid of them. Now I’m confident with them and I can take care of them.

Interviewer: How long are you a volunteer here?

Jordan: Since October 2019.

Interviewer: Because Carnival is just around the corner our edition is dedicated to Carnival, so I want to know your opinion. What do you think about Carnival?

Jordan: I really like to join Carnival and see people how are they happy.

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Do you think that your work is important?

I know a lot about the European Union

Interviewer: Do you want to continue?

Jordan: Yes, of course until I finish my university degree.

Interviewer: If you celebrate Carnival, what do you do?

Jordan: Yes, I celebrate and I like to dance, I can’t sing but I can dance!

Interviewer: Do you think that your work is important?

Jordan: Yes, because the members of KEFIAP get used to people’s / staff ’s behaviours. They imitate the staff and then they can communicate without any fear with us.

Interviewer: And one last question: What is your favorite costume?

Jordan: I like Cinderella’s dress.

Interviewer: Benan

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Interview Diego Gutierrez Barquilla is a short-term volunteer from Spain, most specifically Vallecas, in Madrid. His volunteering service is at KEFIAP.

Erasmus+ Volunteer

Name Diego Barquilla Nationality Spanish Hosting NGO K.A.NE. Volunteering KEFIAP (Kentro Fyssikis Iatrikis Apokatastassis Messinias) Place Kalamata | GREECE

Interviewer: Why did you decide to become an ESC volunteer?

Diego: Because when I finished my studies, I wanted to work in something related with social psychology. And my volunteering here in KEFAP allows me to do that.

Interviewer: What is the topic of your project?

Diego: My topic is to work with people with mental disabilities, assisting at workshops and in the logistical task in their daily life.

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Interviewer: Why did you choose this project?

Diego: Because it gives me opportunity to do things that can help me to improve my knowledge about psychology and working with people with mental disabilities.

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(...) it gives me opportunity to do things that can help me to improve my knowledge about psychology (...)

Interviewer: What do you like the most about your project?

Diego: One of the things that I enjoy the most is that I can be with people with mental disability and slowly I’m learning a lot of interdisciplinary work such as cognitive stimulation, music as a method, to teach this population some management skills for daily life. This allows me also to learn how people in other countries Interviewer: It’s a carnival season, do you have any of Europe are working with this type of population. special costumes or traditions in your country?

Diego: Of course, we have! In some parts of Spain this is the most important event of the year and many regions they have costumes. For example, in the carnival festival of Badajoz they have parade with big groups of 18 – 200 people.

Every group is called Combarsa, and each Combarsa has its own topic. Everyone in the parade makes a dance and a costume related with the topic. There is also a contest and the best costume and the best dance won a great prize.

”

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The biggest disadvantage (...) it’s only once a year.

Interviewer: In your opinion what are the pros and cons of carnivals?

Diego: The good thing is that the Spanish people always enjoy a good party. So, carnival is a good opportunity to be all the time in the street or in bars singing, laughing and having fun. The biggest disadvantage for me is that is only once a year.

Interviewer: Katarina

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Place to Travel Πάτρα “Patras”

T

he third biggest city of Greece is located in the North of Peloponnese. Patras is mostly known for two reasons: The local beer Mamos and the biggest carnival celebration in Greece.

During Carnival the city turns crazy, you will see everywhere huge statues and carnival figures standing around and every cafe or bar shows their annual costume in front of their place. So, if you want to see the student city even busier than usually, you should definitely visit Patras during the Carnival time.

Independently from the time you visit Patra, you should check out three important and beautiful spots. The first one is the castle up on the hill,it has a beautiful garden full of olive and flower trees and from up above you have a really nice view over the whole city and the sea. You will also be able to see the bridge which connects the mainland of Greece with Peloponnese. Near the castle you will also find the famous stairs of Patras, it is really nice to grab a beer, walk up there while the sun is still out - so you can see the city from there during daylight - and then wait until the sunset, so you can see the whole city dipped into the golden light of the sunset.

A bit further away from the city centre, but not even 10 minutes away by foot, there is the Agios Andreas church. It is one of the biggest churches in Greece and really really beautiful, not only outside but also inside.

Besides that, you will find many bars and clubs with a lot of young people, especially students. Nantiana’s recommendations are Cafe Cinema and Mods Club, check them out while you there, they are really nice.

There is also an Odeon like the one in Athens, it’s nice to also stop there for a few minutes, it won’t take long.

Even if Patras has some really nice spots, the biggest part of the city does not seem that beautiful to me and I personally prefer other big cities, but it’s still worth a visit.

Also, in Patras there is an ESN group, so you can purchase an Erasmus Student Network card there (just text them on instagram before and bring a passport photo and a confirmation that you are part of an Erasmus programme).

With this card you can get various discounts for one year.

You can easily reach Patras from Kalamata, there is a direct bus connection of KTEL. Unfortunately, there is no express bus and only two connections per day (8:30 AM and 4:30 PM from both cities). It takes you more or less three and a half to four hours to reach Patras and the ticket costs more or less the same as going to Athens, around 21 euros. Still, the bus route is quite nice as the bus is going along the coastline mostly, so you will be available to enjoy the beautiful Greek nature, at least from the inside of the bus.

Author: Lea

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Place of the week Καρδαμύλη

M

“Kardamili”

y place of the week is undoubtedly Kardamili. Kardamili is a small town on the Mani Peninsula, only 1 hour South of Kalamata and the route to this place, which runs between the coast and the Taygetus Mountains is beautiful.

Kardamili is one of the oldest settlements in the Peloponnese, with its current name being mentioned in the Iliad, the epic poem by ancient Greek writer Homer. In the Iliad, Homer cites Kardamili as one of the seven cities offered by Agamemnon to Achilles as a condition to rejoin the fight during the Trojan War. The village preserves its ancient name. The biggest attraction of Kardamili is the beautiful old town built of stones, from here you can also admire views of the mountains and the sea. In the old town you must visit the Mourtzinos Tower and Agios Spyridon Church. There’s also something for sunbathing fans - just 10/15 minutes from the old town, there’s a lovely beach where you can relax or swim during warmer days (there are many sunny days in this region).

Author: Patrycja

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Events

Review

LOVITURA Live Concert Organizer: Bandapart Recording Studio Place: Anagnostara 20, Kalamata 24100 Date: February 8th | 22:00h - 00:00h Cost: â‚Ź3 donation (optional)

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ovitura is defined as an Athens-based music band with electric lyrics, dirty guitars, dance bass and of course drums. The concert’s line-up consists of Vassilis Zervakakis (guitar, voice), Nikos Haniotis (bass, vocals), Giannis Iliopoulos (guitar and voice) and Demosthenes Kazagli (drums).

The concert was in the famous recording studio of Kalamata: Bandapart. The event not only was amazing because of the very good music but because of the great performance that the group did also. One of the things that made more exciting was the energy which he was transmitting. Moreover the drums were awesome, which is something that I really appreciate because I love the sound of good drums playing at tempo. In fact the sound were excellent because they were playing in in one of the best acoustic places of Kalamata. The room of bandapart is specially prepared for the record of the music which make the music to have an almost perfect sound even with live music.

The only thing that could have made the concert better was if I understood the lyrics. Unfortunately, I do not speak Greek and I would like to understand the message of their music.

Author: Diego

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MUSIC Post-festival music night with “Asodio” Organizer: Kalamata Creative Documentary Center Place: Mpenaki 11, Kalamata Date: February 15th Time: 21:00 - 00:00 Music night at the Kalamata Creative Documentary Center for another night, this Saturday February 15th at 21:00. Panagiotis Vionis and Panos Ntantis (guitar) will keep us company with a lot of your favorite songs. They are waiting for you!

Future DANCE Light in the Dark

Organizer: E.P.O.K.K Efthis Place: Kalamata Job Center Date: February 22nd & 23th Time: 21:00

LIVE CONCERT Verbal Split & Accents

A dance performance very different from the others. Light and darkness in a perpetual duel, Who will come out the winner? The answer is you.

Organizer: Bandapart Place: Anagnostara 20, Kalamata Date: February 15th Time: 21:30 Cost: €3 (optional)

Bandapart Recording Studio and Trizoni #webradio present Saturday Night Live: an event of a concert stre- LIVE CONCERT aming the Verbal Split and Accents. It will be a big music event with live music in an intimate space to feel it.

Thai Massage

Organizer: Brooklyn Live Stage Place: Ithomis 5, Kalamata Date: February 23rd Time: 22:30 Cost: €12 Active member, with a large career of 27 years in music is going to be in Kalamata at 22:00. This large trajectory will make people from different generations to meet in a concert of this iconic band.

DOCUMENTARY Eurovision Imitation Competition Organizer: KYTTAPO Rock Bar Place: Amfias 12, Kalamata 241 00 Date: February 21st Time: 22:00 - 00:00 The rules are clear: Select a song from Eurovision, sing it and join the competition. You can be the new superstar of the town; or maybe only enjoy the others’ imitation. The main thing is to have fun.

Author: Diego

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W’Art?!

Príncipes Felizes

On the sunday evening (9th of February), we went to watch a documentary called “Happy Princes” or “Príncipes Felizes” in Portuguese.

“Happy Princes”

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his documentary was created by Panos Deligiannis. It talks about the lives dren who live in the heart of the favela. This documentary shows how their life full of violence and poverty. However, thanks to their school, this children that they should believe in their dreams and to have an open mind, to seek for new

of the chilis in a world are learning opportunities.

Through theatre, this children have now a way to express their fears, their dreams and the extreme contradictions of their home city where guns and drums are beating on the same frenzied rhythm. This documentary shows the hope for peace through the innocence of children in violent environments.

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That favela almost looked like a war zone. For me, those children are heroes. Real heroes.

As you will see in the film, it’s incredible that they make theatre with such passion, while living in a totally hostile environment.

”

Pano Deligiannis

Author: Alix

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Quote of the week

Life will show you masks that are worth all your carnivals.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Song of the week “Carnival”

By Natalie Merchant

LYRICS Well, I’ve walked these streets A virtual stage, it seemed to me Makeup on their faces Actors took their places next to me Well, I’ve walked these streets In a carnival, of sights to see All the cheap thrill seekers vendors and the dealers They crowded around me Have I been blind have I been lost Inside myself and my own mind Hypnotized, mesmerized by what my eyes have seen?

Well, I’ve walked these streets In a spectacle of wealth and poverty In the diamond markets the scarlet welcome carpet That they just rolled out for me And I’ve walked these streets In the madhouse asylum they can be Where a wild-eyed misfit prophet On a traffic island stopped and he raved of saving me Have I been blind, have I been lost Inside myself and my own mind Hypnotized, mesmerized…

Author: Anja

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Restaurant of the week MANAM Tsopaniko Food Bar

4,7 Average cost: $$ Address: Kapetan Krompa 8, Kalamata 241 00 Contact: 2721 020001 Openning hours: 10:00 - 17:00 Monday 10:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 10:00 - 00:00 Friday 10:00 - 00:00 Saturday Closed Sunday

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he restaurant of the week is MANAM. On 7th of February (Friday), we, The ESC volunteers, went all together to the restaurant MANAM. We tried a lot of Greek dishes, some of us for the first time, and it was delicious ! In the restaurant, on Fridays they have a live concert with traditional music, so there was a traditional music concert too, it was a very typical Greek night.

It’s very cool because we can take several small dishes and share them all together. We ate meat, vegetables, portokalopita (the well-known orange cake) and my favorite food was feta cheese with honey and sesame seeds. It’s so delicious ! The place is lovely and really beautiful.

“

We ate meat, vegetables, portokalopita (...) my favorite food was feta cheese with honey and sesame seeds. It’s so delicious !

”

We had a good time together and we still have other culinary specialties to try!

Author: Alix

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Recipes of the week

Easy 01 h 45 mins 5 servings

Pita Souvlaki Ingredients: - 1 ½ cups of spicy sauce - 1 boneless pork tenderloin, cut crosswise in thirds - ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt - ¼ cup diced cucumber - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro - 5 pita bread, warmed - 1 cup shredded lettuce - 1 green onion, sliced (2 tsp)

Preparation: 1. Pour 1 cup of picante sauce into a shallow nonmetallic dish or gallon-size plastic bag. Add the pork and turn to coat. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour.

2. Stir the yogurt, the cucumber, the lime juice and cilantro in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate.

3. Lightly oil the grill rack and heat the grill to mediumhigh. Remove the pork from the picante sauce and do not discard the picante sauce. Grill the pork for 25 minutes or until cooked through. Slice the pork into thin strips.

4. Top each pita bread with one 1 tablespoon of the remaining picante sauce. Top with the pork, lettuce, green onion and yogurt mixture. You can also hummus and chips, however you can also serve it with yellow rice or French fries.

5. Fold the pita breads around the filling.

Author: Patrycja

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Greek Thiples

Easy 02 h 00 mins 20 thiples

Ingredients: Dough:

Syrup:

- 3 cups of flour - 4 eggs - 2 table sp. of ouzo - 1 tea sp. baking powder - ½ tea sp. salt - Vegetable oil ( frying) - 5 table sp. walnuts (roasted) - 1 tea sp. cinnamon

- ½ cup of water - 1 cup caster sugar - 6 table sp. honey - Zest of a lemon

Preparation: Dough: 1. Beat lightly the eggs with ouzo and baking powder.

Syrup: 1. In a non-stick pan on high heat, mix the water and the sugar. Cook for 5 minutes until its boiling.

2. Mix 2 cups flour and salt. Then mix it with the eggs, ouzo and baking powder and add 1/2 cup of flour or a little more if needed. The dough should be soft and should not get stick to your fingers.

2. Add the juice, lemon zest and honey. Cook it for 3 minutes.

3. Put the dough together with some butter onto to a board and knead the dough until it is smooth and soft.

4. Cut the dough into 4 parts. Roll one part on a floured board until is thin like a paper, keeping the remaining dough covered to avoid drying, until its time to use it. A ravioli machine may be used instead of rolling. Cut into 2 x 6 inch strips.

3. Wait 5 minutes and then dribble over Thiples.

Sprinkle also some cinnamon and finely chopped nuts.

6. Thiples are best eaten with fingers as they break if pierced with a fork.

5. Drop into hot oil (365 degrees) and with the two forks turn the dough over immediately and roll quickly before it becomes to crisp. Fry until is very lightly browned. Drain on absorbent paper.

Author: Patrycja

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