Balkan Beats 10

The United Societies of Balkans, NGO, does not necessarily share the opinions expressed in Balkan Beats.

It is illegal to reproduce any part of this publication without referring to the source. This magazine is distributed free of charge.

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UNITED

SOCIETIES

OF BALKANS is a Non Governmental Organization, founded in Thessaloniki in 2008, by a team of active young people.

The organization was created as a response to the pressure of constant changes in the Balkan and Eastern European region and under the need for the creation of a better social environment. Key areas of the organization’s activities concern the defense of human rights, the organization of youth exchanges and training courses, which will bring young people from Balkans and Europe together, the organization of local educational seminars and multimedia production (web radio, videos, documentaries).

Main goals of the organization To promote the values of non formal learning, volunteering, active citizenship and democracy for the creation of a better future for European youth.

To promote human rights, solidarity and respect for diversity.

To build healthy cooperation bridges between countries of the Balkan area and that of Eastern Europe with the rest of Europe.

To locate and multiply the special cultural attributes of our societies.

The break down of prejudices and stereotypes between Balkan countries.

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The Real Impact of the Big Sports Victories The ECE project in Thessaloniki, a workshop to promote the creative entrepreuneurship

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Life is an Adventure, Dare It!

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Christmas All Around the World Christmas Recipes

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Balkan Cinema: Ambition, Art, Strength or Money

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Eat the Future You Want

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History of the Ancient Olympic Games

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Justice of & for Everyone

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Bread, Education and Freedom

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White Wall, Dumb People

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Tips for Trips: Bulgary!

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Greece-Brazil: E+C+E² Swaying through Continents

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The Debate has been Settled for a Generation

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Thessaloniki Loneliness

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Merry Christmas... Albums of 2014

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How passed the time?

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THE REAL

IMPACT of the Big

Sports Victories W

hile half of the planet was stuck in a financial, economic and political crisis, nations hoped to put those concerns aside the time of world on 2014 in Brazil and to celebrate the possible success of their selection. First center of the interest of the media and supporter, the Football World Cup, like other big sports events, can so appear as a way to mobilize the national spirit, to raise the moral of the citizens, and maybe which knows, to improve the economy of the country. So, that is the question; what is the real impact of the big sports victories?

“That the Greeks are persuaded, we will make for us all that it is possible to make them go out in the street and party”, here are the words pronounced by the Portuguese Fernando Santos, then at the head of the Greek national team, before the beginning of the world cup in the antenna of “Super Sport FM”. A big sport victory it is then at first a way to gather the citizens in the street, to promote an idea of unity, of national spirit.

So the Greek national team wanted to be inspired by the miracle of the euro 2004, where it had taken away the title by beating Portugal, then host Country. Close to a qualification for the quarters of final in world 2014, the Greeks had loose in penalties in front of Costa Rica,But the Greek people are not destroyed at the end. Well on the pain saw itself on faces during this

defeat, disappointed but all the same satisfied to have been able to contemplate a qualification, to have dreamed. So a victory or even a qualification in a big tournament can appear as a way of escape, the way to make the colors of the country shine, and to draw attention for a good reason, otherwise than to put forward, to highlight the crisis and the problems.

Nikólaos and ilios, two young supporters of the Greek team met in a coffee of Thessaloniki’s center during the friendly match Greece-Serbia on November 18Th, seem be in according with this opinion. Indeed, “we can’t believe it”, “it made us very happy in some ways” are the feelings compared to the victory of Greece in the euro 2004. It seems that for them also a big sports victory can

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raise the morale of the citizens and lead to forget the crisis one moment.

Of course, the party is only short-lived and the problems remain, but this break also brief is, allows the people to feel better and to be proud of its country.

So, the Greek team did not make a success in Brazil the exploit of 2004 but its attractive course seems to have cheered up the country.

If we agree all to say that a big sports victory have positive effects on the mood of the citizens, it seems that from an economic point of view, the effects of such a victory are to put in perspective, but they exist! Indeed, the macroeconomic statistics demonstrate that between 1970 and 2002, the victorious countries of the football world cup took

advantage, on average, of a surplus of growth of 0.7% of the gross domestic product. Millions euros of television rights, sponsorship deals certainly but it would seem that the indirect consequences are the most significant. The psychological impact of such a victory on the consumers would then seem to be certain economic lever.

Indeed when a national team wins, the citizens spend more and save less so doping the consumption. Besides, national financial markets also would be affected by this effect. According to the average statistics, the stock exchange of the victorious country of the world cup would progress of additional 10%.

Nevertheless, all the greats economists are agree to say that a simple sports victory could not

replace real economic levers like a big structural reform, reforms of the labor market, the tax system.

From then on, a victory to the world cup could not solve all the economic problems and make take out a country of the crisis.

“No, it wouldn’t help economy, it help only make will us has little happiest” so we understand then the answer of ήλιος when i asked him if a sports victory could have effects on the economy. Indeed, dominate during a long time the football world does not have to prevent Spain remaining to stick in the crisis. World champion in 2010, and multiple European champion (2008, 2012…) Spain stay actually in a difficult economic situation. Because so big is, a sport victory can’t solve the structural problems of the country. So, the sport victory is

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like a painkiller, not a vaccine. f the economic and psychological effects of a big victory are short-lived and have to be put in perspective, we have to admit that a sports coronation improves the picture which the citizens have of themselves and the one that they throw in the world. You should not either forget the fame and the glory. A big importance then, so much that Pascal Boniface in “Geopolitics of the football” guest and write that the definition of the state did not limit itself any more in three legal elements traditional namely: a territory, a population and a government.

But which from now, had to be added to it the fourth criterion: a national team of football.

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Kevin Casse

Organised by

United Societies of Balkans for the youngsters of the city

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n the 10th of October, at the Thessaloniki Youth Capital 2014 centre, took place the workshop “ECE” (Empowerment, Creativity and Entrepreunerhip), organised

by United Societes of Balkans (USB). The workshop was part of a wider project cofunded by the Youth in Action Program and organized by the portuguese “Associação Check-In”, that has involved organisations and people in nine different countries of Europe (Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain) and Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru).

The main objectives of the workshops were to provide tools and methods in the fields of empowerment, creativity and entrepreuneurship, incentivizing people to use their creativity and their skills to be entrepreuners and make their way toward the future. Obviously “ECE”

has been thought as a youthoriented project. It aimed to provide skills and a different, positive, point of view to those generations that, ready for the world of work after years of studies, are now clashing with the crisis. Nowadays youngsters have to invent their job using their ideas and their creativity.

The trainers of the ECE project, which for USB have been Olympia Datsi and Matteo Scarpa, assisted by JelenaVujanovic, tried to improve the awareness of the participants about the mainstays of a successful entrepreneurial carrier.

Creativity, capability to identify the opportunities in the environment where you live, high level of self-esteem and an advanced personal development along with a wide social network useful to find possible partners or promoters for your business.

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During the workshop in Thessaloniki, United Societies of Balkans invited two young entrepreneurs who used their creativity to start a new activity, in order to provide to the participants some real cases of successful creative entrepreneurship. The outcomes of the workshop have been excellent. The participants during the evaluation time expressed their contentment about the workshop.

Even if it was limited in oneday course, everyone enjoyed it, tying new relationship with the other participants thank to the team building process and discovering the usefulness of their creativity in their daily life and for their future. “We don’t need millions - one of the participants said after the workshop - we need ideas and people ready to fight for them”.

The message got across.

Christian Cibba

SUSANA, former Au Pair in Italy My name is Susana, I’m a 22 year old from Costa Rica. My mother tongue is Spanish but I speak fluent English and by now my Italian is just as good. After finishing my bachelors degree on August 2012 I went on vacation for 4/5 months and then received a job offer. I then decided to do a specialization on marketing, but by September I wasn‘t sure of what I was doing with my life and felt sad, thinking about my longtime dream of living in Italy. I now live in Italy and I’m doing my masters in Music Management, Marketing, and Comunication.

How did you learn about Au Pair programme and why did you decide to participate?

When I bought the ticket for Italy I didn’t really know where I was going or what was I doing, with only one month left to leave my country I had to sort a whole lot

of things, make my suitcase, say goodbye to everyone and last but surely not least, find something to do in Italy, a place to stay and a way to earn some money. It was then when I thought about au pairing.

I had been thinking about the option for several years but these programs usually cost a lot and I was never really sure about wanting to do it. Finally I found a no-cost option, Au Pair World.

I went ahead and made my profile, but it didn’t really work; some families showed interest in my application but in the end it didn’t work out for either time or disponibility so I turned to a different option, Facebook. I knew there were groups on the site for au pairs in cities from all over the world so I joined the ones in Italy and posted a messagge saying where I am from, the languages I know and my interest on becoming an au pair. Different people showed interest but only two had real convincing proposals, I began talking to an amazing lady and got to know her via private messages, skype videoconferences and soon we decided to live the experience together.

Your story of Au Pairing, your likes and dislikes regarding your experience.

I ended up going to Rome, well the province of Rome, in a small town called Santa Marinella. The place was right by the sea with a population of approximately 18 000 people, full of life during the summer and a quite, family town during the rest of the year. We

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didn’t really stablish an specific time period for my stay but in a way we thought for it to be a year.

I ended up not staying as long because I had the opportunity to start my masters, wich was difficult for all of us but they were really supportive about my decision to persue a life long dream.

Living in Italy, experiencing it from the inside was amazing!

Finding a family that is amazing and tried their best to make me feel at home was definitly a great thing, specially because moving to the other side of the world for the first time by yourself can be difficult. I was lucky to find two cute italian boys that saw me as a sister and we shared great moments together.

I also had a good schedule that allowed me to take on different activities, keep in contact with family and friends, enjoy Rome and Italy in general since I was allowed to ask for a schedule change as well as free days or hours in exchange I would be available to do the same for the family in case of need.

I have to say that the greatest thing was being able to comunicate with the family I was staying with and having their comprehension and support, not everything was beautifuly perfect of course, but in the end all these, wrongly called, small things were the ones that counted.

I’d have to say that the expirience was amazing and made me grow up a lot but moving in with an entire unknown family from one day to the other, no matter how nice they are, can be a lot to handle, specially if you’re used

to live on your own or are a very independant person.

I can’t really think about any real dislikes as they were mostly me strugling with a new way of life, new place, country, and family, half way around the world from everything I used to know.

afternoons I would take him for a walk in his stroller and he would fall asleep. I also did some English tutoring for the older one. On the nights the parents went out we had lots of fun watching movies or playing and having pyjamas parties.

Describe your usual day as an Au Pair.

Any tips, wishes, useful links for those thinking of Au Pairing.

My days were, thankfully, never usual. I spent most of the time with a beautiful 2 year old boy with a really strong character.

Most of the time I helped him to have breakfast, then watch some cartoons and then we would play with different things. I would speak with him in Spanish all the time so he could pick it up. We spent a lot of time on the beach, playing with sand and on the

I was lucky to find good people that actually treated me nicely but if anyone is thinking about becoming an au pair without a good agency to support them, then they should be really careful, you can end up doing way too many hours, with low wage and under very difficult conditions.

Keep in mind that depending on what you want out of the experience, an au pair’s schedule

My name is Enea Jorgji, I am 24 year – old, I come from Albania. Currently I am living in Szczecin, Poland. I am studying Scandinavian Philology – Norwegian Studies at University of Szczecin at the same time working for a Financial Institution, where I work for the support line.

How did you learn about European Voluntary Service (EVS) programme and why did you decide to participate?

ENEA, former EVSer in Poland

I was familiar with Youth In Action programme since I have been working part – time for a NGO during my studies in Albania. During that time we had

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and earnings may not be what you think, in the end, Au Pairing is about a cultural exchange, it’s not a job that will give you lots of money but it will surely enrich your life.

I would advice anyone who’s thinking about becoming an au pair to be really careful when choosing the family, and get as much support as possible, do some research, get informed; you can never be too careful.

There are a lot of scammers that go for au pairs, so get informed, learn to distinguish when things are real, don’t believe things, question everything.

Pages like Au Pair World have a lot of useful information for au pairs, including regulations for different countries, as well as payment and some advices.

hosted more than 17 volunteers for long time projects and more than 30 volunteers for short – time projects. I was almost finishing my studies and I decided to travel and do something different than I was doing that time, something that could be used in good of the community. I knew that EVS would give me the opportunity to get to know people all over the Europe, to face a new culture and a new life. Here I am after a year, speaking Polish and even studying in a state university.

Your story of doing EVS, your likes and dislikes regarding your experience.

EVS – European Voluntary Service is a programme funded

by European Commission. The aim of the programme is to give the opportunity to live in a new country, to experience the culture, learn a new language and volunteer there for a defined period. You can volunteer in kindergarten, school, NGO‘s, or state institution. During your stay, the programme covers all costs, even food and pocket money, including your flight (or other) tickets to the country where the programme takes place and back.

My project took part in Szczecin, Poland. I had to work in an office of a NGO, and there I had to take part in different projects, such as: organize events, parties, workshops, language meetings and to be a big brother for a little boy – the best experience I had. I

found a big family there, a good friend and a great place where I could express myself. I must say that this has been the work that made me wake up happy every day. Szczecin, when you see it from the pictures, seems to be an ordinary city, but I need to add that it is a lovely city. There is art, culture and youth.

Describe your usual day as an EVS volunteer.

I would like to share how a normal day of a volunteer looked.

One of my favourite days was Thursday. I usually woke up at 7 a.m., prepared my breakfast and some sandwiches for the lunch at work. I had to get to the office at 9 a.m. When working in a NGO, two days are never the same, I had different tasks every day. Besides

currently EVS volunteer in Spain, also a graduate of Communication science and a former wwoofer.

How did you learn about wwoofing programme and why did you decide to participate?

AUKSĖ, former wwoofer in Turkey My name is Auksė, I am 23 years old, coming from Lithuania,

For the first time I heard about wwoofing was 3 years ago. My colleague from work told me about former colleague who tried wwoofing. I was postponing this idea but after I came back from one semester of Erasmus studies in Istanbul, I started to read a lot (articles, blogs and Couchsurfing forums) and I decided to do it in the summer. I was (and I still am) interested to know more about

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the work day in the office, I also went to meet my little brother (‘Big Brothers Big Sisters’ programme).

Children, who come from families with problems/difficulties, usually take part in this programme. My little brother is special. He is very smart and wise person. He’s got a genetic illness, but he’s dealing with it very well. I found his family as my family, they easily accepted me. It was really nice, I always had a place at the family so we had some parties and great time together.

Any tips, wishes, useful links for those thinking of doing EVS. My advice is that every voluntary work is a call, once you found one, pack your stuff and GO!

culture of Turkey. Wwoofing sounded as a great opportunity because I am interested in sustainable lifestyle. Finally, I always wanted to try to travel alone. So during spring time I contacted farms and in August I started volunteering in Turkey.

WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms or Willing Workers on Organic Farms) is a network of places who follow organic principles and can host (farms, gardens, eco campings, hostels, etc.) and volunteers who help those people.

Volunteers work in exchange for food and accommodation. Usually it is 4 – 6 hours per day.

The procedure to become a

volunteer or a wwoofer is simple: sign up to a database of a country where you want to go volunteer (each country has its own page on the Internet), find and contact the host. In the page you will find reviews. The registration costs 15 Pounds (for Turkey it was 30 Euros) and it is valid for 1 year.

The programme is interesting, firstly, because you will learn many practical things (cooking, gardening, building, etc). Secondly, you will meet very different people with various attitudes to the world. They will have different age, nationality, habits and so on. It is important to mention that there is no age limit for wwoofing! For example, I met one Australian hippie couple who were in their 60s and they were so great! Thirdly, it is a runaway from tiring city, fast living and stress. Time you spend in the farm works like a medicine for broken bodies and minds.

While being in nature you will learn new things about yourself.

Your story of wwoofing, your likes and dislikes regarding your experience.

I have been wwoofing in 3 places in Turkey. All of them were different and in various locations, such as Kucukkuyu, Burdur, Kabak.

During 4 weeks I volunteered in a organic farm, animal reabilitation center and a camping. I would like to go wwoofing again but for a longer period. The work I did was cooking, watering plants, making “pekmez“, building paths from stones, cleaning bungallows, cutting soap and others. Not all the work which I did was interesting but I understand it because some works just have to be done. It is like at home, someone needs to clean plates or showers. Also, when it gets dark, there might be not much of light and you just have to go to sleep. I didn‘t face any big dislikes. Mostly, I just adapted and took it as it was.

I am Buğra Ceyhan, 23 years old and from Istanbul, Turkey. I am an industrial engineer, have been living in Ankara and working in an international automotive company for 15 months.

How did you learn about international exchange programmes and why did you decide to participate?

BUĞRA former international exchange student in Lithuania

Before I enrolled to the university, I had searched the international opportunities and then decided to study at the university that I

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Any tips, wishes, useful links for those planning to do wwoofing.

My recommendation would be not to be lazy, to search for a place longer and more precisely. Not all the places are so organic (or nice) as they write on their descriptions or look in the pictures. You can come and get disappointed. That‘s why I recommend to search for additional information on the Internet, to ask people from Couchsurfing, to check if the place is on Workaway or Helpx.

Farm is not a hostel or a holiday residence, so hosts usually require volunteers to stay at least 1 or 2 weeks. Simply because during the first days volunteers are learning everything about the place, job, order, etc. I suggest to agree with hosts to have few of first days for having a look and afterwards deciding if you want to stay or not.

Lastly, don‘t be afraid to go alone!

graduated from. There were many of the exchange programs, not only Erasmus, which is supported at all the universities. Not only the exchange programs I did search, but also the experiences of the international exchange students.

I talked to many people while deciding on where to go.

Your story of being an international exchange student, your likes and dislikes regarding your experience.

I have been to Lithuania for a year by Erasmus Intensive

Language Course (Kaunas) and by Erasmus Programme (Vilnius), by International Exchange Programs to China for about one month and the United States of America for a semester. I felt Lithuania is my second home country. Erasmus should not be done less than one year, that is for sure. China was good for a short term program, I don’t really think that I could adopt there for a longer term. The USA program helped me a lot to enhance myself in many aspects.

Describe your usual day as an international exchange student.

I would say Lithuania was the best at those exchange programs. Each day I was feeling good. I made many friends that I am still in contact with, enjoyed the life a lot. I went to the university at day time, and honestly joined various parties at night time. I never felt sorry about it.

overwhelmed and change your mind. After you get accepted by a university, you simply go study there for a certain period. Of course social life, international atmosphere, all of them are the most important things during these programs.

Staying in a dormitory is a must. Please, do not stay in an apartment. If possible, choose the international student dormitories.

Join at least one exchange program. You are granted. So why would you spend the whole time at the same place? Go abroad!

Kristina GruodytÄ—

Any tips, wishes, useful links for those planning to become an exchange student.

Erasmus and Erasmus Intensive Language programmes are within the European countries. You need to apply to the international exchange office, get the language exam. The GPA is also considered.

This process is actually pretty much the same for all the exchange programs at the university. You just need to be careful in deadlines of applications and documents.

This process takes some time and if you are not quite enthusiastic about going abroad and studying there for a bit, you might feel

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Kappadokia, Turkey

Celebrate by billions of people around the world, Christmas close the advent season and open twelve days of happiness. Christmas celebration around the world can reflecting differing culturals and national traditions, it is one perfect occasion to learn more about cultures.

The origins and themes of Christmas and this period is a mix between pagan ritual and christian belief.

For the pagans, this period was for to honor their god of agriculture, Saturn and to welcome the new winter solstice.

For christian, this period is for honoring the birth of Jesus Christ and the events around his birth like the Epiphany the 6 january (last day of this twelve days.)

Kids and adults like this event, and the traditions around it. Christmas is the period of holiday include gift giving, typical music (carols), church celebrations, decorations and famous figures like Santa claus, christkind, etc.

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Date

In most of coutries christmas is celebrate the 24 and 25 December (and sometimes we extend until the 26 wich is Saint Stephan). But in some countries, which use the Julian calendar like in Georgia christmas is celebrate the 6 and 7 of January.

Advent

It’s period where we go in the forest or in the shop for take one christmas tree. We decorate the tree as well as the house, the streets. We count the days which separe us to christmas, with the advent calendar for the children. People drink hot chocolate and eat biscuits, mandarins,etc. Advent is the preparation for christmas, where we go also to buy the gifts and the food for theses two important days. In Estonia during Advent period, gnomes brings candies and fruits to the children.

Decoration

When we walk in the city we can feel the spirit of christmas everywhere. Every year our houses, villages or cities become decorate with lights, luminous garland, nativity scenes, christmas trees. And whole the house is decorated in anticipation of the great day of Christmas.

Christmas Tree

It’s probably the most representativ decoration of christmas, real or fake most of the people have one is their home and every cities also, present in the big square or place. Traditionally the tree was decorated with edibles such as apples and nuts. Nowadays we decorate with birght lights, dazzling ornaments, bauble.

In a few countries we can find original tree like in Georgia further the famous one, they have a traditional tree name Chichilaki which is made by nut tree ; there their hang candys, money, etc. If you go in africa you will see candles and bells on palm trees. And in somes areas in Greece the people used to decorate little boats with luminous garlands.

The decoration of the tree is one occasion to spend some times with the close family with a hot chocolate, some biscuits, madarin and christmas songs or movies.

Wreaths

Assortment of flowers, leaves, fruits, twigs that is constructed for make one crown. Generally hanging on the door of our homes is there to tell our family, our friends and neighbors: ‘you’re welcome in our home ‘.

It exist also one version for the Advent with four candles : every sunday of Advent people light one candle until the last sunday before christmas. Some wreaths have five candles, the fifth for christmas eve.

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Events during advent Christmas Market

In Germany, Austria, France and north of Italy it’s an important tradition of the period of Advent. A group of small wooden houses are installed on one area, with chirstmas decoration. Every year adults and children go and walk around this place. They can buy some traditionnal decoration of the regions, eat christmas food (chocolate, biscuit, crepes, hot chestnuts, hot wine, etc.), see the popular attraction at the markets wich is the nativity scene (sometimes with humans.)

Posadas

From16th to 24th december in Mexico every night, usually after the mass at 6 pm, the people plays representation of one passage of the bible. The travel that Joseph and Maria had to do when they escaped from the king in order to have a place to give birth to baby. At the end of these representations, people breaks Piñatas and drink a special drinks made with season fruits.

Carols

The true carols exist since the 13th century, they start in France, Germany and Italy. Before the carols was use by the churches for the mass during the period of christmas. But now, the modern practise is to go door-to-door and sing carols for severals minutes. After the songs the homeowners gives some candies or coins (nowadays they usally give them money) to the people usally kids. In Georgia this tradition is call Alilo and happen the 6 january night. In greece when they knock on doors, they ask “ Na ta poume ? ” which mean “ shall we say them ? ”.

This event is adored by children, probably because of the money that they can win.

Christmas Days Eve Dinner

It is probably the most important and favourite day for the people. It’s one occasion for the family to gather together.

During a long time before mignight the people went to the mass of the rooster in the catholic church. But nowadays this tradition little by little disappear, in some countries this tradition is again really important like in Portugal, Spain, Georgia, Kenya.

In Majorca (spain) you can ear the sibila song (medevial and pagans song which was incorporated into the christian liturgy). This song is celebrate again only once a year in the churches around the island in the christmas mass.

In florina (Greece) at midnight 23 to December 24 each neighborhood lights a large fire, the preparation of which keeps months, as groups of children gather wood that cut from the mountain.

This night is also the occasion to gather together around a big table with a lots of dishes. On the Christmas table in Estonia have many foods on the table during Christmas at home symbolically meant enough food for the whole coming year.

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In lithuania the traditional dinner consisting of twelve dishes (which represent Jesus’ twelve apostles). This dinner is one moment where you share with your family. And everyone at the table eat at least a little piece of every dish.

In Lithuania after the dinner, dishes are not removed from the table, they are left there for the souls.

Christmas Eve is also the night where we wait Santa Claus. Before to go to sleep we let one glass of milk or something else (coca-cola, whisky, etc.) with somes biscuits or mandarin. The children hope that he will come and bring gifts and the adults wait for be the Santa.

Gift

The tradition of gift-giving is old, during the saturnalia, pagans given some wax dolls to children and gifts for their god. For christians this tradition started with the three wise men who visited Jesus and give him gifts. Nowadays christmas have an important commercial aspect. The economic impact of Christmas is a factor that has grown steadily over the past few centuries in many regions of the world.

But commercial or tradition, this moment is probably so much important for the children. The night become magic, it’s moment to wait Santa Claus maybe to see him secretly and to have a lot of gifts. The moment for open the gifts depend of the every family it can be the night at midnight or the morning of the 25 when you wake up. In the mexican tradition, gift are giving the 6 of January, it correspond of the day of the visit of the three kings visited the infant jesus in the manger.

For adults is it also one moment to give a smile at kids and also to be happy (the gifts are not only for children.) In some families, we can see adults become Santa Claus for the children of the family.

Christmas Lunch

It’s another day for gather together around a big table with a lots of dishes again one time. People speak and show their gifts, laughs, share some moments with the family and play to some games.

We eat again the food that no one ate on the previous day as well as the special and traditionnal food of the country, of the region or of the family that we cooked it again.

In Portugal they use the codfish of the previous day and they make new dish call “farrapo velho” (that is the codfish, potatoes and vegetables all mixed).

Games

These two days are also the occasion to play games together : the old ones with the young people. The people play specially at cards games even if the games is different according to regions. In france the most popular is Belote, coinche or sometimes even the poker (candies become money).

In Italy specially in the south and in Spain one famous game is the Tombola (sort of bingo). In the small villages on Majorca, bingo is very traditionnal, old and young people go every year in the bars for play at this game with the family and the friends.

In lithuania during the christmas eve the dinner is followed by fortune-telling games. The most popular is when straws are drawn out from under the tablecloth. For an unmarried person, a short and fat straw predicts a short and fat boyfriend. A long and thin straw assured that the person will attract a tall and thin partner. For old people a long straw assured they will live again during long time. A short predicts they will die soon.

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Food

If one things is important during christmas it’s for sure the food. During twelve days people cook and eat a lot. The 24 and 25 of december, cook and eat is the principal activity. In every family, regions and country we can see a table cover with many dishes. Every country have somethings specials during christmas : Salt recipes - Sacivi (Georgia) - Capon with pommes dauphines (France) - Nyama Choma (Kenya) Sweet recipes Cake - Panettone (Italy) - Aletria (Portugal) - Pa de figua (Spain) Biscuit Melomakarona (Greece) Kūčiukai (Lithuania) Piparkoogid (Estonia) Of course it exists a lots of traditionnal dishes for christmas, and this list of recipes (that you can find at the end of the article) is a little part of what it exists.

In all around the world, differents ways to celebrate christmas exists, every countries, regions or families have his customs and traditions. Although it exist differences, Christmas means for everyone one occasion to be with his family (sometimes the family that you never in the rest of the year), sharing a lots of dishes around a big table next to one christmas tree. Christmas is typical spirit that you can feel only one time per year the 24 and 25 december.

Elisa Jacob

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Sacivi (Georgia) Sacivi is a Georgian dish with a thick sauce containing onion, garlic, walnuts, spices and herbs. Although this is a pretty easy dish to make. The dish must be prepared in advance and chilled for 24 hours before serving. Although this recipe uses chicken, a firm white fish such as monk fish or halibut are viable alternatives.

Ingredients (Serves 4-6) •

• • • • •

4 chicken breast fillets (total weight 500g / 1 1/4 lb) 2 white onions, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 500ml cold water (or enough to cover the chicken) 100g walnuts (plus 5 – 6 halves for garnish) 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp cayenne peper 3 tbsp finely chopped coriander for garnish.

•

3 tbsp rapeseed oil

• • •

To serve, garnish with walnuts and chopped coriande

Instructions 1. Put the chicken in a medium-sized pan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Reduce to heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Skim the surface if necessary. Add the salt, cover and cook for 15 minutes 2. Fry the onion and garlic for 5 minutes. Transfer the onion and garlic to a food processor 3. Add the walnuts, coriander and cayenne pepper and half the stock from the chicken. Process until a smooth paste is formed 4. Add the remaining sauce, or enough, until a thick sauce is made. Transfer the sauce to a bowl 5. Cut the cooked chicken into chunks. Add chicken to the sauce. Stir until coated in sauce.

6. Cover and chill overnight

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Capon with chestnuts (France) Famous for christmas the capon is a chicken easily to cook at home. there are many recipe of capon with chestnuts, morels, apple but capon with honey, cider, milk. Accompany your capon with pommes dauphines

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 capon (2kg) • 6 rouns pepper • 6 poinch salt • 3 cl olive oil • Around 200g chestnuts for cooking For Stuffing • 1 piece seasonings garlic, thyme, bay • 2 pieces onions • 1 egg • Around 300 g chestnuts for cooking

6. Add the chestnuts and leave over low heat for 10 min.

• Then correct the seasoning with salt and pepper and keep warm.

When cooked, prepare the capon in a serving dish with pommes dauphines accompanied by the sauce served in a sauce-boat

Instructions 1. Mix chestnuts, onion, thyme, day leaf and a clove of garlic. Add 1 egg beaten in omelette.

Season with a little pepper and salt • Stuff the capon of this preparation.

• Preheat oven to 175 ° C (th. 6).

2. Stuff the capon of this preparation. Then brush with butter all over the skin.

3. Heat the caserrole dish with a little olive oil, then put the capon to cook on one leg for 3 min.

Bake at 175 ° C for 25-30 min.

• Then turn the capon by putting it on the other leg, then sprinkle the capon with the fat in the casserole dish. Continue cooking for 30 minutes.

• Then place the capon on the back and finish cooking it for 30 minutes.

4. Let the capon under aluminum foil in a warm place for at least 30 min.

5. Preheat oven to 200 ° C (th. 7).

• Skim the fat off the sauce by removing excess fat using a small ladle, then put the sauce in the casserole dish.

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Pommes dauphines Indispensable with a capon (France) The dauphine potatoes, French specialty, are from a mixture of mashed potatoes and choux pastry. They are typically fried in oil.

Ingredients (Serves 4) • • • • •

4 eggs 400 g of special mashed potatoes 100g butter 140 g flour 1 frying

•

salt

Instructions 1. Peel the potatoes, cut them into pieces, cook them during 15 minutes in salted boiling water.

Drain them, crush them and put them aside.

2. Pour 25 cl of water in a casserole dish. Add the butter cut into pieces and 1 pinch of salt. Wear to a simmer until the butter is melted.

3. Remove from heat and pour all of a sudden the flour and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon during 1-2 min.

• Put briefly on low heat. Add eggs one at a time, always mixing well.

4. Adjust the seasoning.ommes de terre. Rectifiez l’assaisonnement.

5. Heat the oïl. Form dumplings and cook them, by several times, in hot oil about 10 minutes.

Drain on paper towels and serve hot with the capon.

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Nyama Choma (Kenya) Dish from Kenya nyama choma is with grilled meat, usually with goat or sheep. It is grilled over an open fire, this dish is traditionally go with fried bananas.

Ingredients (Serves 6) • • • • • • • • • • •

1500g Flank steak or meat for BBQ 1 / 3 garlic clove minced 3/4 cup tasse de jus de citron frais 1 tsp curry / madras 1 tsp curcuma 1 tsp coriande moulu 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp poivre noir 1 tsp sel Peanut oil Plantain bananas

Instructions 1. Mix together the garlic and spices. Remove the meat in the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 12 hours.

2. Prepare your BBQ charcoal for direct cooking.

3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a deep fryer and prepare the plantains bananas.

4. Place the marinated meat on the grill.

Depending on the desired cooking time, time of grill will be 10 to 20 minutes.

5. When the meat is cooked, remove from grill, wrap a piece of aluminium foil and let stand 5 min.

Serve with fried bananas and salad of your choice.

You can also serve this meal with : the Irio (mashed potatoes, corn and peas) and / or Ugali (corn dough).

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Panettone (Italy) Sweet bread originally from Italy (milan) usually prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and New Year is enjoyed as a dessert. Made up of a dough similar to sourdough, candied oranges, raisins and lemon zest.

Took on http://www.sullivanstreetbakery.com/ sites/default/files/12-01-08_The-Best-PanettoneEver_Gourmet.pdf

Ingredients (Serves 4) • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 cup raisins 2 Tbsp light rum 2/3 cup tepid water plus 2 Tbsp hot water 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 Tsp salt 1/2 TSp active dry yeast (from a 1/4 oz package) 1/4 Tsp grated lemon zest 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengtwise 3 large eggs at room temperature 30 minutes 1 Tbsp mild honey 12 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter (10 1/2 Tbsp cut into tablespoons and well softened; 1 TBsp melted and 1 TBSP chilled) 2/3 cup candied citron, chopped if pieces are large

more . Increase speed to medium-low and mix to combine.

4. Drain raisins, discarding soaking liquid, then stir together with citron and 1 Tbsp melted butter. Stir into dough with a wooden spoon.

5. Place dough in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, an let rise in cold oven with door closed until nearly tripled in volume, 12 to 15 hours.

6. Discard vanilla bean, then sprinkle dough lightly with flour and scarpe out onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle a bit more flour onto dough. Fold edges into center and place, seam side down, in penettone mold. Cover with a damp kitchen towel (not terry cloth) and let rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until dough is just above top of mold, 3 to 5 hours.

7. Preheat oven to 370°F with rack in lower third?

8. Place dough in mold on baking sheet. Use a serrated knife to score an X across entire surface of dough. Place remaining 1 Tbsp chilled butter in center of X and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into center comes out slightly moist but not wet, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. (Panettone will be very dark.)

9. Pierce skewers all the way through panettone (including paper) 4 inches apart and 1 inch from bottom so skewers are parallel. Hang panettone upside down over a large stockspot or between two objects of equal height and cool completely before cutting.

You can also buy it in one backery (they will be happy to win some money and you to don’t tear your hair out !)

Equipment • •

a heavy-duty stand miwer fitted whith paddle attachment; a paper panettone mold, 2 metal skewers

Instructions

Soak raisins in rum and 12 Tbsp hot water at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until raisins are plump and most of liquid has been absorbed, 8 hours or overnight.

1. Mix flour, sugar, salt, yeast, zest, and vanilla bean in mixer at low speed untild combined.

2. Whisk together eggs, tepid water (2/3 cup), and honey in a bowl.With miwer at low speed, pour egg mixture into flour mixture.Increase speed to medium-low and mix to combine.

3. Add 10 1/2 Tbsp softened butter, 1 Tbsp at a time, mixing until incorporated before adding

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Aletria Prepared with angel hair pasta, Aletria is a traditional dessert and a must of the Portuguese Christmas

Ingredients (Serves 6) • • • • • • • • •

250 g angel hair pasta 1 lemon (just the peeling) 1½ liters milk 150 g sugar ½ cup water 100 g butter 1½ tsp salt 2 cinnamon sticks 4 eggs yolks

Instructions

1. Boil the water, milk, salt, sugar, cinnamon stick, butter and the lemon peel.

2. Remove ½ cup of the above liquid, so you can very slowly beat in egg yolks, and set aside.

3. Add in your Angel Hair Pasta and bring to a boil, reduce heat and keep stirring at all times.

If it looks like its getting to dry add in some mor hot milk.

4. Half way through your cooking add in the ½ cup of milk with the yolks that you had put aside, and stir untill it is cooked.

5. Pour everything into a platter and don’t forget to remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick.

6. Let it cool, then decorate with cinnamon powder to your liken before serving

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Pa De Figa Cake with figs , source of sustenance for farm workers, today are considered something of a Mallorquin Christmas treat. Whilst traditionally containing figs, spices and dried fruit it is also possible to buy them made from other dried fruit such as apricots.

Ingredients • • • • • •

300g Dried figs 600g Toasted almonds 2 cups Muscat 1 cup Anise Aniseed Flour

Instructions

1. Chop almonds , figs and anise in a mortar separately and then mix them in a bowl .

2. Add the muscat and anise and stir around until it is a homogeneous and compact .

3. Put it on a floured pan with a weight on it and every 3 hours you compress it with his hands , trying not to get rid of the way you have given .

4. Leave 2 to 4 days resting in a cool place .

5. When serving , cut it into slices .

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Melomakarona (Greece) Previously, melomakarona were reserved for Christmas and the candy canes for New Year’s Eve. Today, however, this distinction is not observed.

Made of thin sheet-like dough that is rolled into long, thin strips, fried and folded in hot oil and then dipped in syrup. Traditionally, warm honey is used in place of syrup, and the diples are sprinkled with chopped nuts and cinnamon.

2. In a separate bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder, baking soda and salt.

• Add the orange juice and brandy to mixer and mix well.

3. Slowly incorporate the flour cup by cup until the mixture forms a dough that is not too loose but not quite firm either. It will be dense and wet but not sticky. Once the flour is incorporated fully stop mixing.

4. To roll cookies, pinch a portion of dough off about the size of a walnut. Shape in your palms into a smooth oblong shape, almost like a small egg. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Shape and roll cookies until the sheet is filled.

5. Press the tines of a large fork in a crosshatch pattern in the center of each cookie. This will flatten them slightly in the center. The cookies should resemble lightly flattened ovals when they go in the oven.

6. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 25 – 30 minutes until lightly browned. (The cookies will darken when submerged in syrup.)

While the cookies are baking, prepare the syrup.

Ingredients (about 60 cookies)

• 1 cup olive oil • 1 cup vegetable oil • 3/4 cup sugar • Zest of one orange • 3/4 cup orange juice • 1/4 cup brandy • 2 tsp. baking powder • 1 tsp. baking soda • Pinch of salt • 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 3/4 cup walnuts, ground coarsely • Ground cinnamon for sprinkling For the Syrup • 1 cup honey • 1 cup sugar • 1 1/2 cups water • 1 cinnamon stick • 3-4 whole cloves • 1-2-inch piece lemon rind • 1 tsp. lemon juice

1. In a saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon rind.

Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes.

2. Remove the cinnamon, cloves, and lemon rind and stir in lemon juice.

Place the ground walnuts in a shallow plate or bowl next to the stove top.

3. When the cookies come out of the oven and

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

1. In a small bowl, using your fingers, combine the orange zest with the sugar – rubbing the grains as if you were playing with sand to release the orange oils into the sugar.

• Using an electric mixer, beat the oil with the orange sugar until well mixed.

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while they are still very warm, carefully float the cookies in the syrup and allow the cookies to absorb syrup on both sides.

Using a fork or small spatula, remove the cookie from the syrup and place on a platter or plate.

4. 4. Press ground walnuts lightly into the tops of the cookies (syrup will help it adhere) and sprinkle lightly with ground cinnamon.

Do not refrigerate Melomakarona as they will harden. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Kūčiukai Kūčiukai is a traditional Lithuanian dish served only once per year during Christmas Eve dinner. They are small slightly sweet pastries made from leavened dough and poppy seeds. There are variations in sweetness, and though usually served soaked in poppy seed milk.

Ingredients • • • • • •

500 gms plain/all purpose flou 1 cup water 50 ml. vegetable oil 2 tsp yeast 1/4 cup poppy seeds 100 gms sugar

and cut into small cubes.

8. Sprinkle some flour on each pastry . Dust your baking pan with the flour too. Carefully arrange the Kūčiukai on the baking pan and bake for 1520 minutes in the preheated oven at 180 C until golden brown.

Instructions

1. Sieve approx. 300 gms of flour into a large bowl.

2. Mix the yeast with1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon of tepid water. After several minutes it should froth slightly.

3. Pour the remaining tepid water into the yeast mixture and mix with the flour. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth. Leave in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size.

4. Add the oil, poppy seeds, sugar and the remaining flour. Knead with your hands (in the bowl) until the dough is stiff but elastic.

5. Cover again with a damp cloth and leave in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size.

6. Knead the dough again for another 2-3 minutes.

Divide the dough into several pieces.

7. Roll out each piece into 1 cm (1/2 inch) thick logs

Kūčiukai are traditionally consumed with “poppy milk” (aguonų pienas)

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Poppy Milk Ingredients

• To make poppy milk, one or two glasses of poppy seeds are needed.

Instructions

1. The poppy seeds are soaked in some hot water for a day or so, changing the water from time to time, until the seeds become soft.

2. Then the poppy seeds are crushed in a food processor (or with a pestle in a mortar), until a white liquid comes out.

3. Some cold water is added (preferably water that has been boiled, and cooled), and the poppy seeds are strained and crushed once more.

4. This process is repeated several times in order to get a good poppy milk concentrate.

5. The poppy milk concentrate is diluted with some cold boiled water (the quantity of the water used, is a matter of taste, and certain family preferences, but the flavor of the poppy seeds should be pronounced).

6. Finally, some sugar or honey is added to sweeten the poppy seed milk.

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Piparkoogid Made from peppercorn, cocoa and cinnamon, these biscuits are typical in the christmas of the north country specially in Estonia.

Ingredients

• 150 ml honey • 200 ml molasses or dark muscovado or soft dark brown sugar • 2 tsp ground cinnamon • 2 tsp ground cardemon • 2 tsp gound cloves • 0.5 tsp fine salt • a pinch of finely ground black pepper • 250 grams butter • 2 eggs • 700 ml plain flour • 3 tsp baking soda • 100 ml ground almonds

• (The cookie cutters in Estonia are usually shaped like stars, Christmas trees, gingerbread men, etc.)

5. Bake in a 180˚C oven for about 10 minutes, until cookies have changed colour and slightly hardened (they’ll crisp when cooling).

6. Decorate with a icing sugar and egg white glaze (up to about 400 ml sugar to 1 egg white)

Instructions

1. Heat honey, sugar and spices in a saucepan.

When the mixture has amalgamated, add the butter and let it melt. Stir and cool.

2. Mix in the eggs, then add the sifted flour and baking soda and almonds. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon – the more you mix, the crispier the cookies. The dough should be quite thick and easily come off the sides of the mixing bowl, even if it sinks back when you finish stirring.

3. Let the dough to rest in the fridge AT LEAST for 1 day, longer, if possible. This allows the spicy flavours to develop and the cookies will be better in texture as well.

• You can let the dough harden in a bowl for a while, then wrap into a cling film as a thick sausage for the professional, shop-bought Estonian peppercake 4. Roll the dough out on a slightly floured board and cut into various cookie shapes.

Elisa Jabob

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Albania

According to Andrew James Horton in Kinoye website, Albanian cinema industry survives thanks to the National Centre of Cinematography and foreign money (particulary french). “The film studios are in desperate need of investment if they are to have a chance of competing internationally”.

However “the situation is now improving. There are plans to tighten up on the laws applying to intellectual copyright and cinemas are starting to be refurbished and made more attractive”.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnian movies gained significance after the Second World War at renowned festivals around the world.

Balkan Beats interviewed Lejla

Panjeta, professor in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of International University of Sarajevo, who explain that nowadays government gives financial support (Fondacija za kinematogragiju BiH) but “is not enough to make a serious feature movie”. For this reason, Bosnian directors try to make co productions with Serbian and Croatian government funds. “Almost every film here is made as coproduction with our neighbouring countries and Euroimages”, she concludes.

“Sarajevo Film Festival” is one of the biggest film festivals in Europe which take place every year in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bulgaria

In 2014, Bulgarian cinema industry was funded with 6.5m by the Bulgarian National Film Center “as it considers the

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Bulgarian film industry to be a driving force of economic growth”.

In 2002 the money spent in cinema was ten times less. The film industry have increased his value in the bulgarian economy and the National Film Center attaches the reason to the state support which was stabilized.

However the most well succeeded movies are from 60s and 70s, like The Peach Thief (1964, Vulo Rade) or The Goat Horn (1972, Metodi Andonov).

Croatia

If we compare Croatia with Romania we can evince important differences. According to CNC, Population Reference Bureau, International Monetary Fund, Croatia premiered almost half of the romanian movies (27 against 16) but has the double of admissions in cinema theatres per capita (0.46 against 0.95).

Croatian audiovisual center (HVAC) boosted the incentives for TV and cinema prodution since 2012 and according to KFTV website, “HAVC recently estimated that foreign film production spend in 2014 was almost as much as 2012 and 2013 combined”. The average budget for a Croatian feature is 1m euros.

Greece

Crisis made greeks stop to go to the cinema. If in the past was normal one movie gets 1 million entries, now that number is not even a half. Now there’s the forth generation of directors known by “Sons of crises” trying to make very intelectual and sofisticated movies which are very well sucessful in festivals and winning prizes in important festivals all over the world. But how can these directors survive and make movies? Periklis Choursoglou, teacher in the Film Department of Fine Arts of Thessaloniki, lists some reasons: 1. Greek Film Center supports this very young generation. 2. With mobile phones is possible make cheap movies very well accepted, “something like experimental, cheap and also very strong”. 3.

People all over the world are very interested in what happen now in Greece because of the crises. 4. Directors can find some money abroad, by circles, seminars, sending scripts that can be choosed to be funded and get enough money to produce movies. This new generation can be compared with the cinema of Theodoros Angelopoulos,

considered one of the most important director of the history of greek cinema. The teacher of the Fine Arts can describe some similarities: young directors don’t care if people identify or not with the characters and some movies are not easy to follow, are introverted. The good new is that the things are getting better. If in the 90s were made 20 movies per year, now the number is about 25.

Kosovo

The funding for feature films in Kosovo is very low: only 250M for all directors and according to Dimitris Kerkinos there are a lot of filmmakers. “There is also a problem of infrastructure, lacking equipment and exprerienced professionals in all departments”, he explains. In Kosovo are produced 1 or 2 films per year and a few short movies.

Macedonia (FYROM)

Republic of Macedonia produces only 3 or 4 films per year, according to the website Hollywood Reporter. The same website reported that in 2013 Macedonian filmmakers decided not choose any Macedonian movie for the best foreign language category Oscar because they were not “appropriate to be nominated”. The most important director of Republic of Macedonia is Milcho Manchevski, who won the Gold Lion the main prize of Venice Film Festival and was nominated for an Oscar in 1994 with the movie Before the Rain (1994).

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Montenegro

Like in Kosovo, the cinema production is minimal. “Perhaps 1 or 2 films per year, at best”, points out Dimitris Kerkinos. Otherwise, the website The Culture Trip wrote about a new breath in Montenegro’s cinema: “ultimately there’s an exciting period of creativity currently at work in Montenegro. A whole new generation of young filmmakers are expressively carving out the country’s cultural identity and guaranteeing a cinematic heritage for future audiences”.

Romania

Cinema in Romania, along with Greece and Turkey, is being very successful since 2001. Cristi Puiu and Cristian Mungiu are some of the most important directors.

These directors are part of the “Romanian New Wave” which have as main topic the liberty after the communist dictatorship.

The expert in balkan cinema Dimitris Kerkinos talks also about Porumboiu, Muntean and “a lot of younger talented directors” well known and awarded in the more important festivals like Cannes Film Festival. However and antithetically, less people is going to the cinema in Romania and the public funding is affecting the quantity of films being done.

According to CNC, Population Reference Bureau, International Monetary Fund, Romania premiered 27 movies in 2013 but the admissions per capita were only 0.46.

Serbia

In 2014 the Film Center Serbia funded cinema projects in 1.7m.

In 2011 the research “Film market in Serbia: development challenges and solutions of serbian film market” concludes that “basic economic indicators of the film industry development in Serbia show significant profitability and earning capability”. Also the researchers understood that Serbian film industry has traditionally been developing as an author film industry. The difficult of find finance made “aesthetical and artistic criteria highly valued”.

Belgrad International Theatre Festival has one of the oldest theatre festivals in the world and runs every year in september. Emir Kusturika is one of the most well succeeded serbian directors. He won two Golden Palms of Cannes Film festival and a Silver Lion of Venice Film Festival. The prized movies are When Father Was Away on Business (1985), Underground (1995) and Black Cat, White Cat (1998).

Slovenia

Slovenia produced 10 movies in 2012 and in that year the admissions per capita were 1.33 (compare with Romania and Croatia). The average budget of domestic films distributed in Slovenia in 2013 was 1m euros and it is stable despite the 2012 recession and government budget cuts.

Slovenia coproduced No Man’s land, the winner of Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2001.

Turkey

Turkey is the biggest exception in this portrait. “Turkey’s Ministry of Culture supports systematically Turkish cinema”, advances Mr. Kerkinos, aforementioned. Nuri Bilge Ceylan is one of the most important directors in Turkey nowadays, who won several prizes all over the world, including the Golden Palm in Cannes Film Festival this year, with the movie Winter Sleep (2014). Dimitris Kerkinos Kerkinos explains that “Turkey is the most thriving national cinema in the Balkans” and is one of the most profitable cinema industry in the world. It makes more money in the national box office from Turkish films than from Hollywood blockbusters.

Young turkish directors follow the biggest names of Turkey cinema, like Nuri Bigle Ceylan, Zeki Demirkubuz, Reha Erdem, Yesim Ustaoglu or Semi Kaplanoglu.

Ricardo Lima

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‘Feeding the 5000’ (Με-Νού για 5000 στη Θεσσαλονίκη) took place in the first week of November , at the White Tower square, in Thessaloniki. This free feast for 5000 people was organized by Feedback, Slow Food Thrace and other local groups (authorities and NGOs). Each one of the volunteers attended the whole process earlier on that day in order to help with the preparations such as cleaning the vegetables, peeling them off, cutting them, cooking and dishingthem out.

They served up a delicious free feast for 5000 members of the public, sourced entirely from fresh, top-quality produce that would otherwise go to waste, including misshapen potatoes, wonky carrots and oversized aborigines. There were also some events apart from the free feeding part, such as a concert.

Moreover there was a famous cook who was giving a small show like a demonstration of cooking skills for the people who were there. Finally the major of the city was there to support the event and give a short speech about it.

The aim was to highlighted the global food waste scandal and showcase the delicious solutions available in Greece and beyond. Aim of the campaign was ending food waste in every level of the food system. Another important issue of the campaign was providing delicious fresh food to people.

Actually, the main issue is not too complex to explain. Inhabitants of Thessaloniki were there as participants in order to increase awareness of sustainability and food sovereignty. Perhaps some of them didn’t fully understandthe main target of the event, but while they were enjoying their meals or fruit salads, they were contributing to the solution of these problems in a very simple way, without even realizing it!

Nowadays, the food production and consumption circle is harmful to the earth, to its ecosystem and to the people who inhabitit. More than a third of the world’s food is wasted, contributing to global warming, raise of the food price and also hunger. Forests are being destroyed so that people would use their fruits and other products to make food but at the same time nearly a billion people go hungry.

On the other hand, quality, biodiversity,human health, animal well-being and nature are coming under continuous attack. The whole process includes some main problems, such as chemical effects of using toxic substances, selection based on the external look of the product rather than its actual quality. For example the main criterion in choosing vegetables and fruits is what we see and not its actual quality. This way food which doesn’t look nice, such as misshaped, oversized vegetables etc as mentioned before, it automatically goes to waste.

Considering these facts, proper approach to solving this problem is based on three interconnected principles regarding food selection: good, clean and fair.

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Good: quality, flavorsome and nutrional value Clean: production that does not harm the environment (that doesn’t use toxic fertilizers etc) Fair trade: accessible prices for consumers and fair trade conditions for the producers These three arguments are used by all international organizations which aim at raising awareness about food issues. They strive for high quality food, produced in a sustainable way and, of course, food that tastes good! It is essential, not only for us, but also for the future of the earth to change the present food system. These organizations promote small-scale agriculture, protect biodiversity and fight food industry’s policies of endless – and often unethical- growth.

Hopefully, in the near future, there is going to be more events aiming to raise awareness about the food waste not only in Europe, but worlwide. Wishful thinking is not enough so the solution would be a more active approach to this matter, including campaigns and event that would inform and activate people.

Ozan Mert BALCI

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A

ccording to historical records, the first ancient Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. They were dedicated to the Olympian gods and were staged on the ancient plains of Olympia.

They continued for nearly 12 centuries, until Emperor Theodosius decreed in 393 A.D. that all such “pagan cults” be banned.

Olympia was a town located in Peloponnese, and this kind of games started not only for an athletic event, but also to envelop the culture, sculture, architecture, poetry and mathematics.

At the beginning, the games consisted in a simple running career, about 185 or 190 meters, after were added longer careers, pentathlon and combats. The pentathlon consisted in javelin throw, discus throw, cross-country careers, long jump and wrestling. Later, more tests were added, like boxing, horses careers with riders, long jump and a career with armors.

Usually the competitors were naked while they made the tests, maybe for this reason, the spectators of the Olympic Games, only could be men. The entry for the women was totally forbidden, and if some woman was discovered between the spectators, could be punished with the dead.

On one occasion, a woman dressed with a tunica entered with her son, and when she was discovered she was brought to the court for her execution, but she was forgiven because his son become an Olympic Champion.

Anyway there were some tests for the women, in tribute to the godness Hera.

The winners didn’t receive medals like in the modern Olympic Games, they receive a crown made with olive branches and a sculpture of themselves in Olympia. They became very famous after their victories. In their towns, they were honored with busts and love poems. Only the winners receive the crowns and the tributes.

And there were only individual tests, not in teams or by countries. Also the participants had to speak greek.

The spectators had to bring an animal which then should have sacrificed as a tribute to Zeus in his temple in Olympia.

The duration of the Games was five days every four summers. Since the year 395 to 1503, the Games where stopped, and in this year, a French baron, Pierre Frédy, recovered the Olympics that we can enjoy every 4 years.

Aurora Real

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JUSTICE OF & FOR EVERYONE

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t was October of 2012 when Paraskevi Kokoni and her nephew Kostas Theoropoulos were shopping in the municipality of Aitoliko, in the West of Greece. However, those shopping were interrupting when a group of local people appeared and they beat them up with punches, kicks and blows with different stuffs. What that beating was due?

Paraskevi and Kostas are gypsies and the reason of the beating was the racism. She adds that maybe she was chosen because of being a close relative of a local gypsy leader, nonetheless, this was not the only one racist attack, well the assault happened in a context of aggressions by groups that shouted out slogans and threats against gypsies in the same town between August of 2012 and January of 2013. Then, what is special about Paraskevi’s incident?

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The three assailants have been condemned as authors of a racist attack. On 4th of last November, the court of Missolonghi imposed them an eight months punishment in prison. This is the first step towards the social justice of the gypsy community, which has been affirmed by International Amnesty and the Greek Observer in Helsinki while an NGO has provided free legal representation to the victims. Giorgos Kosmopoulos, who is an expert of International Amnesty in Greece, has attended to the trial and he says that this sentence is only the first step to the justice and also it’s important that the magistrates in the court recognize now the racist motive of the felony.

In other case arraigned the last October of this year, the attacks were attributed to people associated to Golden Dawn of Aitoliko. Then, the district

Who are they?

attorney asked for the proceedings of the Member of Parliament and the diverse members of this party due of involvement in a criminal organization. Panavote Dimitrasa, who is spokesperson of Greece Observer of Helsinki, said that this is a historical sentence, because it is the fist sentence in Greece for violence against gypsies by people related to Golden Dawn, according to informs, above all owing to it has been pronounced by a provincial court.

When the written sentence is published, it will be known if the evidences of the racist motive have been kept in mind to condemn the three assailants, which is really important due of “if the court doesn’t recognize this attack as racist, the repercussions of this sentence would be seen limited to greater extent for the victims of hate crimes in Greece” said Mr. Kosmopoulos.

he Roma or gypsies (‘γύφτοι’ {gifti} in Greek, although other term has been widespread to other countries from the Greek word ‘Ανθίγγανος’ {anthigganos}, “Untouchable”) is a community that proceeds from old Indian region and every gypsies group has some common cultural characteristics, at the same time that they have enormous differences among them. In spite the fact that they are everywhere, currently many of them they move almost only around Europe and for this reason they consist its largest ethnic minority. On 8th of April is the International Roma Day.

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One of the most widely accepted theories affirms that they come from of the Punjab region (territories of eastern Pakistan and northern India). They migrated southward coast of Caspian Sea and they settled down in Asia Minor for the XIV century, then, they divided in different ways.

Some of them were to Central Europe and others of the gypsies moved about North Africa. In the end of XV century, both of them found themselves in somewhere of France or Spain.

The nomadism is other gypsies’ characteristic, at once that it leads to suppose one of their main exclusion causes. Traditionally, the headaches towards the gypsy community fell on the sedentary settlements, therefore this option was few attractive for them. So they carried out jobs which were itinerants and seasonal. Eventually, we can think that the nomadism is a cause of the pursuit and the marginalization, instead of a consequence.

The Roma people it’s possible to be classified based on their territorial, dialectical and cultural differences. The biggest gypsy groups are: 1. Kalderash, from the Balkans and some of them emigrated to America.

2. Calé, in North Africa, Iberian Peninsula and the south of France.

3. Manuches or Sintis, who get around Franco-German borders and Alsace.

4. Romanichels, in England and USA. 5. León, around Mexico and some clans of Occidental Europe.

Country Albania Bosnia-Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Greece Kosovo Montenegro FYROM Romania Serbia Slovenia Turkey

Population 120,000 17,000 370,908 14,000 140,000-200,000 50,000 5,251 53,879 535,140 108,193 3,246 2,822,710

Alejandro Robles de la Vega

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% 3,18 2,25 10,33 0,4 2,47 1,47 2,95 2,66 8,32 8,18 0,2 3,83

BREAD, EDUCATION AND FREEDOM

17th November parade, students.

the 17th November 1973 commemoration

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in Thessaloniki

sually when we think about Greece our mind goes to delicious food, beautiful islands and amazing panoramas surrounded by nature and archaeological ruins. As Europeans we look at Greece as the cradle of Western thought; art and philosophy developed here under the sun of the great polis, Athens. Democracy was born here too, on V century b. C. , when Solon, Clisten and Ephialtes built the first democratic system that it allowed to all the male citizens to make laws and to elect a government.

Despite the enormous heritage of her history, Greek nowadays democracy is young. After II World War a three years civil war (1946-1949) juxtaposed Communist groups, born under the Resistance, to the monarchic government held by the King Paul. This slowed the democratic normalization process. After the defeat of the Communist gropus, during the 50’s and 60’s the politic life of the country was characterized by a great ideological division and by a politic instability that shows his first crisis in 1963 with the assassination of the left politician Gregoris Labrakis in Thessaloniki perpetrated by right activists.

In 1967, as the situation was getting more and more confused

with social demonstrations and weak governments, the colonels Georgios Papadopulos, Makarezos and Ioannis Ladas took the power by setting up a military junta. Beside a programme of policies that encouraged the economic growth and the full occupation, the junta imposed the suppression of civil rights and reintroduced the torture as an instrument of repression.

During the six years dictatorship the internal opposition grew and in November 1973 took place the first step of the junta fallen. From the 14 to the 17 of November indeed groups of students barricaded themselves inside Athens Polytechnic (Politechniou) and by starting a radio program incited the city to revolt. In the junta period, as it was before and would be after it, Universities were an “asylum” in which police was not allowed to enter. On the night of the 17 of November this common law was broken, tanks stopped the occupation by shooting down the Polytechnic gates and killing 24 people. In the summer of 1974 junta collapsed and democracy was restored.

The following 41 one years have seen the rise and fall of Greek economy and politic life, this one controlled, for the most of the time, by Andreas

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Papandreou’s Pasok and, recently, by the alternating government of Pasok and Nea Democratia.

When in 2010 the economical crisis exploded, Greece seemed drawing in her debts and the social protest between 2010 and 2012 inflamed the streets of Athens and of the major cities.

Despite it all, the 17 of November celebration remains significant and is charged with new meanings. On that day Universities and schools are closed and students organize public demonstrations in the streets shouting new and old slogans. The most popular among them is “ψωμι, παιδεια, ελεφθερια” ( bread, education and freedom).

Created in 1973 as summarized of the demands that the people asked during the years of the junta, for the nowadays students it seems still to work. By meeting students attending the Aristotelous University several are the reason of this connection to the past.

First of all the economical crisis.

The European Union Austerity measures has lead the Greek government to cut the expenses for the education system and has contributed strengthening the extreme right groups and parties like Golden Dawn. “History is repeating herself” - says a young Architecture student member

of a political group inside University - “the quality inside our education is decreasing, when I will graduate my master degree will be toilet paper. I follow the parade from 4 years and every year the repression grows and the fascist groups too. We have to open our eyes”. Inside the school of Mathematics there are many students belonging to different political leftist groups.

They are sit on the desks talking about the occupation of the building, one of them says: “ The 17 of November is not a simple celebration, stilled in past memories. Those students fought for important things that are valid also for our generation. We have to fight for our rights and for our future. As example, here in Greece University is free but we have to cover many expenses for living and studying as the food, the rent and the books. Our families push us to study for 4, 6 years and then... .We are under pressure”.

In Greece all the universities are public but student access is submitted to an exam called Panhellenic. According this evaluation system the choice of the faculty and of the city is connected to the mark: higher is the mark closer is for the student the possibility to access the chosen faculty in the chosen University, otherwise the risk is to go somewhere and to study something else. The second option, for those who can afford, is attending the expansive private schools (frondistiria) operating alongside state schools teaching the basic curriculum and

preparing students for the exams, another option is going studying abroad.

Despite the great presence of political groups inside University, usually belonging to the leftist area, not all the student share this radical approach. “Four years ago, when I was at the high school, I followed everything concerned the celebration. Now I attend just the demonstration, on my own, without political groups, they are fanatics”- tells a young girl studying in the grass of the park - “They want just to enrol people.

But is important to go in the streets: education and freedom are still words full of meaning.

We want to be free to be ourselves and the society do not let us to”.

The 17 November celebration seems to be a living remembrance, it does not recall simply what happened that day but it is like a warning for the present generation. “I will join the demonstration. It is important remembering that just 40 years ago this country was ruled by an authoritarian government”,says a young boy lay in a big place inside University. On the question about the responsibilities of Europe and of the austerity measures he replies: “Maybe they are a bit guilty, but we can not help it.

Greek people voted following just their interests”.

As the punishment of retaliation in Dante’s Inferno, the fate the glorious students of 1973 was ironic, some of them just kept living their life, others followed a political career and became part of the establishment. One of them was Christos Papoutsis, Minister

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of the Citizen Protection and former President of the Greek National Union of students between 1978 and 1980. For the 17 November 2011 parade he stated the presence of 7000 policemen units patroling Athens streets and facing 50000 demonstrants.

When the 2014 student’s parade starts from the Polytechnic of Aristotelous University, it is already dark.

There is a lot of people, not just students, there are the political parties the most recognized one like the Communist party KKE, that held the main speech in front of the faculty, and other minor ones characterized by elder people. The aim of the parade is to arrive at the doors, obviously closed, of the American embassy. The junta coup was made with the approval of US intelligence. The numbers of police men is about 5000 units someone says. There is no music,

17th November parade, Women Association of Thessaloniki. just the screams of the crowd against the fascists, against the junta, and there is also the main one: “ψωμι παιδεια ελεφθερια, η χουτα δεν τελειωε το εβδομιντα τρια” (bread,education, freedom, the junta did not end in 1973). Except for some disorders along the parade the event was peaceful. Also for this year the memory of the 17th November 1973 is safe. The struggle for democracy is not over yet.

Michela Sartini

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This quotation full of sense confronts us with a reality! Indeed, beyond the purely artistic aspect of somes “Tag”, the street art is also the way for many to express themselves. The walls of streets are an accessible support which has the advantage to be seen by a lot of people. Some people will say that these Graffiti are harmful because they “make dirty” walls and picture of the city, others will say that they are a democratic mode of expression and an art.

Free in each to interpret this mode of expression and this art. In this period of crisis, it would seem that the number of Graffiti increases, including to Thessaloniki, a rich city in “Street expression” as you can admire. We have decided to make a tour in different areas of the city: Ano Poli, Railway station and Aristotelous University. What we have seen is a public free of expression that speaks out against poverty, discrimination and reclaims tolerance, democracy, freedom. In the city the graffiti technique is wide: from the simply writings and tags, like in Ano Poli and at the University, to stencils and colorful artistic ones, like in Valaouritou and at the Railway station. Despite the artistic side, the most common graffiti are the ones that have a political meaning and try to promote anarchist and anti-fascist ideals.

In the end in Thessaloniki there are as many graffiti as the cats in Ano Poli!! Enjoy!

Text and photos by Kevin Casse, Michela Sartini and Tommaso Sartori

Freedom To STRATURI, Hunger Strike. Claiming for the freedom of a prisoner . The street entertainment also serves to plead for the freedom.

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I am a boy, I like to play with dolls and to wear dresses. Ode for the tolerance, the fight against the sexist prejudices and the discrimination.

Your swag doesn’t worth in these street Because the power and the wealth are of no utility in the street.

Because the strength of a message does not depend on powers of the one who wrote it.

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“one way to escape”: For the artist anarchy is the only way the escape this reality that doesn’t let us free.

“ rEVOLution”: a word inside another word. For some people the revolution is just a violent action but it can be also a way to show how much we care about something

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“Live”: “If we move, talk, think as the others want we are doomed to live as the others want. LIVE CHAOTIC”. A strong accusation to our society where sometimes we’re not free to choose our future. For the artist confusion and chaos are the only ways to reach the freedom.

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“white is the air, the race, the white prison, doctors white coats, the dead’s bed”. Notes of katerina gorgou poet

“fascism come at first for “the others” and then for everybody”

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“Skeleton and kid”

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7 hours, but you can always enjoy it, since the view from the train is really nice.

If you don’t have friends or people that can host you, you will easily find a place to sleep in Sofia.

We found a very nice hostel in the city center and we paid 9 euros for bed in the dormitory, breakfast and dinner, isn’t it cheap? However, if you don’t like hostels, you can also find many hotels, also wome of the international luxury chains.

From Thessaloniki you have many solutions to reach the first destination of the trip, Sofia. For example, you can rent a car, maybe the most expensive solution but also the one that lets you be more independent. Usually, in Thessaloniki you can rent a car for 25-35 euros per day.

Another possibility is to take the bus; there are many private companies that can give you a

good service for 20-25 euros.

By bus the trip will last more or less 4-5 hours.

Initially, I was a little bit doubtful about this city but in these three days I really changed my mind. The city is a cool mix of ancient history, communism style and modernity. It’s possible to see Roman ruins near the skyscrapers and government’s palaces. We joined the 2 hours free tour of the city and I really suggest it. It gives you a general idea of the most important places of the city.

After it you can enter these places and discover others.

Overlooking hitch-hiking and car-sharing websites the last opportunity is travelling by train. We prefered this one because it’s the cheapest and it costs 17,80 euro. Furthermore, we liked it because we could stay all together in the same cabin. The trip is longer, almost

The main attraction is Alexander Nevsky Church and close to it there is also Saint Sofia’s Church, that gives the name to the city. You can also visit the Royal Palace, the Presidential Palace, the Synagogue, the Mosque, the National Theatre and of course

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the ruins. For people who like rock climbing or hiking, it is possible to visit Vitosha Mountain, really close to the city center. Two days are enough to visit the city, but if you really want to discover secret aspects of its life, it is better to stay more.

After Sofia we made a day trip to Plovdiv. It’s really easy to go from Sofia to Plovdiv. By bus is faster but more expensive. We chose the train, 3 hours and 7 lev 3,50 euros more or less.

Plovdiv is the second city of Bulgaria and one of the oldest city in the world and it’s full of Roman ruins. There you can find the ancient theatre, medieval walls and towers, Ottoman baths and mosques and also the old quarter from the National Revival period. There are numerous museums, art galleries and cultural institutions. The ancient theatre and the ancient stadium are the most important attractions. The city also applied to be Heritage of Humanity for its old quarter, with its beautiful houses in Bulgarian Renaissance architectural style. One of the most beautiful places is also the top of the highest hill of the city (there are 7 hills in the city, like Rome). The old fortress was set there. From this position you can enjoy an amazing view of the city.

The last suggestion is about food and drinks. If you are very hungry and thirsty, it is the perfect place for you. Everything is very cheap and you can have a complete meal for 4-5 euros. There are different kinds of salads, one of the most tasty is Shopska salad, you can try a lot of cured meats, like Lukanka, many different soups like Tarator, and a lot of meat plates like Gyuvech, Yahniya, Plakiya and many bakery’s products, like Mekitsi and Pogacha. Also Kiselo Mlyako and med (yogurt and honey) are very important bulgarian products. About drinks, you can find more than 20 brands of beer and many hard liquors, but the most important is Rakija.

In conclusion I really suggest to visit Bulgaria and these two cities, especially if you don’t have a lot of time and money. You’ll have a very nice surprise.

Tommaso Sartori

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t takes time. You just don’t realize it. More than 10 hours flights and when you step your feet down, still, a sunset and 26°C hug you, warmly. Same smiles, same doors, not the same stamps. Airports seems all the same, people go, people come, people go to the toilet, they rush for boarding,they walk past you, they bump into you; metaphor of life. Languages are mixed up, but the essence of communication is kept safe as a new creole personal language could bring you anywhere, you just don’t realize it.

ECE, that stands for the three magical words “Empowerment”, “Creativity” and “Entrepreneurship” it’s a project co-funded by the Youth in Action Program (EU Commission) and organized by AssociaçãoCheck-IN (in Portugal) focused on those three main topics through which participants developed local activities, international training courses and seminars, in great cooperation involving two Continents: Europe and (Latin) America and a bunch of great organizations (both from private and public sector).

Always been there, many times my thoughts brought me already there. Imagining Brazil. Only thoughts can bring you fast enough to stay for good, for a life, or less. 50 years ago many Italians started their dream over there, so far away from everything they had. Unknown lands, unknown words and faces. They took a boat, months long ride through the wide open seas, they did, realize it. It’s easy, now. Everything is so fast, that the time it could take you years ago, you just don’t have it now. Thoughts are even faster when life allows us to sit and ride through them. They are the easy way. They were, for us, since the ECE call came.There we go. Fortaleza, Brazil.

The objectives of the ECE project was mainly, to provide tools, methods and sharing best practices in the fields of empowerment, creativity and entrepreneurship through the already mentioned activities being especially focused for youth workers and educators in order to act as multipliers.

In middle October you are used to start wearing warm jackets and hoodies, long pants and sweatshirts. In our luggage only t-shirt and swimsuits, shorts and flip-flops. It’s summer again.

Surf, sun and coconuts. I start recognizing words, a sweet and musical sound of that language that I deeply loved some time ago when I started learning it. I’m slowly understanding where I am. 6 hours back in time and on the coast of an Ocean so big that when you imagine to have overflown it, goose bumps are allowed. You meet new people coming from all around that Continent, America, you’ve always only read on the History books or saw in the movies. Feeling of closeness grow as the days passes, a group of people working together, no matter the countries, histories, attitudes, values, humor and wills. Everything is unveiled slowly and reveals each time the human beings’ nature.

One, not more.

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Greece-Brazil: E+C+E² Swaying through Continents (You just don’t realize it)

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he first Training Course held with the topic Empowerment, Creativity and Entrepreneurship happened in Beja (Alentejo, Portugal) from 19th to 25th March 2014.

19 people, youth workers and educators from the 10 participating countries: Brazil, Portugal, Peru, Spain, Argentina, Italy, Ecuador, Greece, Mexico and Slovenia coordinated by Check-In Association and with the support of the Municipality of Beja discussed and developed ideas towards the main goal of the training course.

Theystarted working on the tools, methods in order to share best practices in the fields of empowerment, creativity and entrepreneurship. The outcome was that participant could apply the multiply effect in their countries, in the associations they are involved in, by making use of the given resources and so spreading their knowledge about the three fields of ECE. You see skyscrapers and favelas, fit bodies and sand, surfboards and palms, caipirinhas and forrò. The differences between people are exposed from the sunshine till the sunset. In the meantime people struggle, work, run, study, volunteer, have their

dreams, change their mind.

The night seemsto be the main fault, something to have fear of but at the same time something that gives life to smiles. Words are exchanged, thoughts are shared and music starts. Your feet moves around an unknown crowd that suddenly becomes well known.

Brazil can surprise at 5. It can astonish and scare no matter the time. That’s when Europe seems far.

All the Partner Organizations organized local events (Workshop and Fairs) with the aim to empower youngsters, enhancing their creative skills and introduce them to the entrepreneurial local reality. All the activities of the workshop were focused on the methods of non-formal education that highlighted the creativity of the general target group. The follow up of the workshop was a fair, that connected the two Continent together through a skype call that brought the results live streaming to all the partners and youngsters presented their ideas, work and steps necessary to realize their dreams.

After the International Seminar, there were implemented 5 online trainings, to provide more tools and as a follow up activity. Being online, these trainings were open to a wider

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target group, participating youth workers, educators, youngsters and volunteers.

People hug you and their daily challenges. They go further, they bring in their creative thoughts and produce an own, new reality that does not exists nowhere. It’s only here and now; that surprises you, amaze you. Continuously.You do realize it.

We do realize it. Sergio Gonçalves Coordinator and Trainer of the ECE – Empowerment, Creativity and Entrepreneurship project gives his view on an amazing project that for sure will have long lasting results on the youngsters, youth workers, educators, organizations, people touched by it.

What was your first thought when you started to write the ECE project?

My first thoughts were about the challenge that there would be, since it would be our first project outside of Europe, but we had to do it to grow and connect these 2 continents.

In Latin America the work done with youngsters is much more creative and using the resources they have, as in Europe we are more used to have other opportunities and to be easier to travel. So, the combination of these methods

and experiences would be great for everybody.

That’s how the idea of having the topics of Empowerment, Creativity and Entrepreneurship combined in a single project with 2 continents started to grow and make more and more sense to develop.

and cooperate. For example to have an online meeting we had to think about all the time zones, so in Portugal at 15h would be 9h in Mexico and 17h in Greece. The other essential skill is to talk different languages, as the Spanish and English were essential to be able to communicate with all partners. Between Portugal and Brazil it was easy due to the fact that both countries speak Portuguese. But above all these things, the main strength of a project like this is to have a great team that you can count with, in your organization and at international level. That was really the secret for the success of the project.

A yearlong project with two different Continents involved, different cultures and people with so much diverse background and ages what you think are the main qualities/ strengths you need?

As coordinator of a project like this, one of the main qualities is to be patient. There are different rhythms and time zones that we need to understand and respect. When we work only in Europe it is quiet easy to communicate

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What were the biggest obstacles/difficulties you encountered before or during the whole project process?

Could you foresee those obstacles and tackle them with good results?

As already stated the biggest challenge was the different rhythms and time zones.

We were already predicting this, but in practice is always different. Also to explain how Youth in Action works for the Latin American countries was a challenge, because for European organizations it’s already part of our normal life.

They did not understood well why European Commission was supporting a project with Latin America. Other difficulties were to have everything on time, like the list of participants and travel details, and to make sure that everybody was developing the local activities.

What is/are the things you are most proud about the ECE project?

What I’m most proud is the commitment and involvement of all organizations and participants, and how they cooperate to achieve the objectives, especially with the local activities (the number, dimension and work developed within). Also the cooperation between all, to realize that all participants are friends now

and that everything caused a great impact on them. One thing that I realized that had the best impact was definitely to have a visit to IPOM, the organization in Brazil, and see in practice their work with children and youngsters.

That day was quiet emotional and touched every single participants. An experience to be implemented again in future projects. The materials produced were also one of the things that made me proud in the end, how it is possible with a project like this, to create something to be shared with the world and that can be useful.

Overall, looking back are you satisfied of the accomplishments of ECE project? If not, what are the things you think are to be improved?

Yes, definitely. It’s quiet surprising to look back and see everything that was achieved.

When you write a project like this, you try to imagine all the possible situations and what will be the results, but in the end when you reflect on it, and you realize that reality overcome the imagination, it just feels great. When you see in the eyes of the participants the bright of joy and the heart full, that’s when you know that you accomplished something great.

Anyway, there are always things

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to improve and it’s a continuous process. In next cooperation, will implement new methods of communication, be clearer with everything, and understand better each other rhythms and culture. And for future projects, I know I have an amazing team behind me to support in all process, and this team just grow in size and quality with this project.

Any other thing you would like to add.

Sometimes we don’t realize the importance of this project, but they really make a deep impact in many people lives.

One thing that I have to point out is the support of European Commission at all time. Anything that I needed, any e-mail that I sent, I had immediately response, very fast, simple and kind.

Congratulations for amazing work and for sure we will apply to more projects directly to European Commission. Last thing to add…. Thank you all (participants, organizations, team, supporters, European Commission, etc.) for making dreams come true!

Matteo Scarpa

The Debate Has Been Settled For a Generation

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The debate has been settled for a generation or as Alex Salmond has said, perhaps for a lifetime.”, that’s what exactly said PM David Cameron for the result of Scottish indepence referendum or “indy ref ” as how it is called. On 18 September 2014, Scotland voted no with %55.3 of the voters, for being independent country and separating from UK due to Edinburgh agreement between Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Alex Salmond which is signed on 15 October 2012.

Yes Scotland was the main proindependent campaign which was backed by Scottish National Party(SNP) and on the other side, Better Together was the main pro-union campaign which was supported by three main parties in Westminister. Chief debate issues for independence were the currency an independent Scotland would use, public spending, EU membership, North Sea oil and defence & nuclear weapons and many other issues included in those debates had been taken part during propaganda campaigns.

Before mentioning elaborately about debate issues, it’d be better to glance the history of union between Scotland and England.

England and Scotland have been ruled under same monarch since 1603 with death of Queen Elisabeth I and leaving no heir behind. Then, her cousin King James VI of Scotland started to rule two countries with the name King James I of England. After some unsuccessful attempts to unite those two countries in 1606,

1667 and 1689, Acts of Union, which united two countries and its thrones, signed in January 1707 and took effect on 1 May 1707, on this date parliaments of two countries formed a joint parliament in London, Palace of Westminister which is home of English Parliament. In 1745, the claimer of British throne, Bonnie Prince Charlie, led the Jacobite revolt against Hanoverian rule

by London. Despite reaching as far south as Derby, that ended in crushing defeat at Culloden in 1746. From 19th century, Scotland enjoyed British rule, its economy got strong, its cities boomed and its citizens had key roles in British system.

As a result of Acts of Union, Scottish Parliament was adjourned on 25 March 1707.

From that time, many people and organizations had supported idea of creating a Scottish Parliament.

From late 19th century, with arousal of Home Rule movement, which aimed to obtain autonomy for Ireland with keeping British rule, in Ireland, similar demands inevitably found its supporters in Scotland. After some unsuccessful attempts at Westminister, most notable ones in 1913 and 1979, a Scottish Parliament was formed in 1999 with some devolved powers from Westminister government. In 2011 Scottish parliament elections SNP had a crushing victory with gaining majority of Scottish parliament and with an important promise of legislating a referendum which was the harbinger of a possible referendum.

The UK government took a risk

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with leaning on the opinion polls in 2012 which were showing only one-third of Scotland is supporting indepence but two years is a long time period and nobody could predict that how political opinions will change and develop into something else and what was feared back then, happened, in last weeks of independence debates, polls were showing a narrow win for pro-unionists with 51 percent.

That made three main political figures in UK move together in order to save union, David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg left their rivalries in politics and travelled to Scotland to stop pro-independent campaign’s surge and a haemorrhage of their pro-union case in last week and he announced that if Scotland will vote no, with the support of the two other opposition parties, they’ll imply a “devolution revolution” with this last minute offered concessions, the PM wanted to ward off to weaken his union’s position in the international community. For example, could the “Disunited Kingdom” justify retaining a seat on the UN Security Council? Also for Ed Milliband this trip held a big importance, his party would lose its chance to govern the residual UK completely because the Labour Party is quite popular in Scotland; on the other hand, Tory party only gained 2 seats from Scotland in last election. In their joint message they stated that “There is a lot that divides us – but there’s one thing on which we agree passionately: the United Kingdom is better together”.

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n the other side of debate, Alex Salmond, first minister of Scotland described the trio’s decision to travel north as “the biggest blunder of the campaign” and claimed the Westminster establishment was “in a total and utter panic” as its campaign disintegrated. But what was the reason of this significant surge of pro-indepence support which caused a great panic for the trio of main party leaders in Westminister to step into debates personally? Here are some reasons, alienisation of Tory England to Scotland, widening economical inequality, end of welfare state and privatisation of NHS, long years of Tory governments since 1945 and Scotland’s centre-left stance, slavishly pro-American foreign policy of the UK, growing Eurosceptism in UK, a possible UKIP government in future,

maybe having most mistrusted Westminister politicians in Scotland, anti-nuclear tendency of Scottish people and lastly, North Sea oil revenues which would go directly to the Scottish treasury in the case of indepence.

Alex Salmond had managed to capitalise those issues and pledged a sovereign state for Scottish nationalists and a old school welfare state for common Scots who have been losing their state benefits to the neo-liberal economy politics day by day.

Moreover, not coalescing round one particular leader and not having distinct leadership at the no camp contributed to the situation, also there were some contradictory statements about further devolutions, which will be implied if Scotland will vote no, between elements of No camp.

Nobody had any idea about which further powers will be delivered to Holyrood and formulas of

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devo-max or devo-plus were not clearly defined. It was too much to afford those mistakes for No campaign because they already started with a disadvantage which is support of Tory party.

Despite all those disadvantages of opposite side and a big leap of support for Yes camp, why it did not succeed? There’s only one word to explain it correctly: uncertainty. That was the only reasons for the Scots to refuse this generous indepence offer and the leader of SNP which was spearheading for pro-indepence campain, Alex Salmond, instead of minimizing those worries, he nourished them with his ambiguous attitude and answers.

His indy-lite formula which wanted to keep the Queen as the head of state, the pound as the currency which will be used in independent Scotland, the Bank of England, British bases, British passports, the consular corps

and Rupert Murdoch, inevitably failed because it was too far to convince pro-unionists and it was leaving loads of question marks for the people of opposite side. Mr. Salmond wanted to use the old benefits of being in same union with rest of UK but also wanted to have a wiggle room for Scots to move independently but obviously his vision had some conflicts with rest of UK. Biggest issue was monetary union and keeping the pound as the currency of independent Scotland but it was strictly stated that the UK won’t accept such an offer to have a monetary union with Scotland and Mr. Salmond’s answer was not anything but funny, “So what? We can continue to use pound as currency. It’s not George Osbourne’s property”. Of course, Scotland could keep the pound informally, without asking a permission but interest rates would still be set by Westminister government and that situation could effect Scotland’s financial stability and this formula had been used by Republic of Ireland until they joined Eurozone but that period was not a big economical success period for Ireland. Even though, reluctance of UK government, independent Scotland likely would have an agreement with UK government because during financial crisis UK bailed two Scottish bank out and with a belated agreement on a fair share of Scotland’s debt of UK, those two countries could have a monetary union but Scotland’s interest rates and financial stability would set by a foreign government and Westminister

government could set some government spending measures (likely during economical crisis times) in order to protect its currency and taxpayers and it would be totally something diminishing notion of indepence for Scotland. Another issue was EU membership, Holyrood was suggesting that they would get a membership inherently from UK’s membership in EU but as EU officials objected that Scotland would have to apply for a membership in EU as all the independent countries have done so far, so there’s another conflict of visions and Spain openly stated that they’d veto a possible application of Scotland because their situation in Catalonia might follow the same steps in a similar situation. As a last thing, Mr. Salmond and his campaign seemed to so much rely on North Sea oil revenue to build a Scandinavian style welfare state and most of his arguments were based on this but oil is volatile asset and relying on oil prices is not always a good choice, as it’s seen in Venezuela, a sharp fall of oil prices caused a big crisis in the country. Also, some of researches showed that there might been less oil reserves left than previously estimated reserves. During all campaign, Alex Salmond had given no satisfactory and consistent answers but he attacked to his rivals and blamed them in every debate.

As a result, people of Scotland made its final decision and they chose current situation over uncertain future. Alex Salmond resigned because of referendum

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failure and seemingly, he’ll be succeeded by his deputy first minister, Nicola Sturgeon and time will show which further powers will be delivered to Holyrood government under Sturgeon and how it will effect on Scotland’s future and prosper.

Ozan Serhat Aka

Thessaloniki loneliness text and photos by Katerina Triantafillou The idea of this Project was to portray moments in the city of Thessaloniki in the morning time.

Daily habits and people who might have chosen to just enjoy alone. Sometimes passing unnoticed by others. Some photos are creating a strong sense and are designed to show how impersonal can become big cities. But the pictures can showing far more than the words.

Enjoy...

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Merry Christmas… albums of 2014

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ast year, we had the chance to listen to one of the best Christmas albums of all times

by Kelly Clarkson, entitled “Wrapped In Red”. Many artists, watching the success of this record, decided to release Christmas albums, doing some covers of famous classic songs of this time of the year and writing some new material, hoping to succeed the critical and commercial reception of Kelly’s “Underneath The Tree”.

Of course, all the music attempts have something to say because at Christmas we love to listen to Christmas music from different

music genres.

First, we are happy to announce the release of one compilation album by the artists of the musical drama series of ABC, “Nashville”. The amazing Clare Bowen, Lennon &Maisy, Sam Palladio, Hayden Pannettiere, Connie Britton and others singers and actors, cast members of the series, are singing some of the most famous classic Christmas songs, like “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” etc.

The highlight of this amazing record is the original festive song

by The Stellas, Lennon &Maisy, entitled “Christmas Coming

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Home”. Written by her parents, Marylynne Stella and Bradley Stella, this song has the potentials to become classic and help the career of these two young sisters.

It was released by Big Machine on November 4, 2014. The album was produced by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts.

Country music loves Christmas, so a big number of artists of this music genre release festive albums. Darius Rucker, Sara Evans and LeAnn Rimes. Darius Rucker has reinvented himself in the country music and he now transfers his talents to a Christmas album, which features classics like “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”. The name of his record is “Home for the Holidays” and it was released on October 27, 2014, through Capitol Records Nashville. It received mostly positive feedback from music critics and many referred to his two original songs, “What God Wants for Christmas” and “Candy Cane Christmas”. The highlight is, of course, Rucker’s collaboration with Sheryl Crow, a cover to the classic “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”. The producer is Frank Rogers. In addition, Sara Evans released her first holiday album, “At Christmas”, on November 17th by Sony Music Entertainment. LeAnn Rimes, from the other hand, released her first holiday EP (Extended Play), entitled “One Christmas: Chapter 1”. Itfeatures holiday classics like “Silent Night, Holy Night” and

“Blue Christmas”. The subtitle suggests it’s just the first in a series of holiday EPs coming from Rimes.

The “queen” of Christmas music releases this year is, without a doubt, IdinaMenzel, the voice of the Oscar-Winning song “Let It Go”, from the animated movie “Frozen”. Her new holiday record “Holiday Wishes, Christmas Wishes”, includes 11 covers of classic holiday songs and one original song, written by herself, entitled “December Prayer”. Also, Idina collaborates with Michael Bublé to a cover of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”. Produced by Walter Afanasieff, the Christmas pop album by Menzel was released by Warner Bros. Records on October 14, 2014.

The iconic R&B, soul and funk band, Earth Wind & Fire, released on 21st October a new album, entitled “Holiday”, to celebrate this time of the year.

Their new record is comprised of such seasonal fare as “Winter Wonderland,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Joy

to the World” and “Jingle Bell Rock”.

“I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is the holiday compilation album produced by L.A. Reid and Epic Records. A new addition for your holiday collection.

The extended play was released on digital retailers on November 24th. Meghan Trainor wrote and produced the new heartwarming original, “I’ll Be Home”, herself.Beside, Fifth Harmony make the Mariah Carey classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, totally mistletoeready. Meanwhile, Fiona Apple breathes new life into “Frosty The Snowman” and Tamar Braxton adds a little soul and R&B flavor to an energetic “Sleigh Ride”. Sara Bareilles& Ingrid Michaelson team up for the blissful and beautiful gem, “Winter Song”.

Fifth Harmony also provide their own take on the Latin staple “Noche de Paz“, while A Great Big World send Santa Claus an important message with “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas”.

Northeast Ohio native Jim Brickman joins in the holiday spirit with a Christmas album, entitled “On a

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Winter’s Night: The Songs and Spirit of Christmas”. It features a version of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey and also guest appearances from John Oates, Kenny Rogers and others.

It’s time for “Holiday For Swing” by magnificent Seth McFarlane. Seth MacFarlane’s Christmas-themed album “Holiday For Swing” features the comedy star delivering his version of 1940s and 1950s show tunes.“Holiday for Swing” was released on September 30, 2014, through Republic Records and received mostly positive reviews from music critics. The album, produced by film and television composer Joel McNeely, is a collection of Christmas songs and contains collaborations with artists including Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles. It also features Frank Sinatra’s bassist Chuck Berghoffer as well as a 65-piece orchestra.

Various artists from Motown Records and Capitol Records join

forces on “Motown Christmas”, which was released on November 24. The compilation album features unique collaborations between artists young and old, like Smokey Robinson, Ne-Yo, Kem, Toni Braxton and Babyface.

The famous drama series, Dowton Abbey, makes us a surprise. In case you can’t get enough of popular show “Dowton Abbey”, you can now hear some of the stars of the show tackle Christmas classics. “Christmas at Downton Abbey”, whichfeatures hymns, carols and seasonal tracks by actors Elizabeth McGovern, Julian Ovenden and Jim Carter,was released on 10 November.

For those who love listening to the christmas music with a classical tone, this year has the solution. Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Deborah Voigh released a live album, entitled “Let The Season In”. Of course, it’s a christmas record full of seasonal music. “Let The Season In” was recorded during the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s 2013 Christmas shows in the LDS Conference Center, with special guests operatic soprano Deborah Voigt and actor John Rhys-Davies.An album and concert DVD were released on October 14. It’s the follow-up of the last year’s “Home for the Holidays” featuringAlfieBoe. We’ve left for the end the two most interesting musically christmas albums. The amazing a cappella group Pentatonix, are ready to slay the charts with their new seasonal record, entitled “That’s Christmas to Me”.

It is their second holiday release following their 2012 EP,“PTXmas”. It was released on October 21, 2014 through RCA Records and it includes 11 covers to classic holiday songs and one original song, “That’s Christmas to Me”. Their harmonies, their vocals and the fact that they don’t use music and instruments, make this album unique.

Last but not least, Grammy winning Christian artist Michael W. Smith gets a little help from his famous friends, like Carrie Underwood, Vince Gil and Jennifer Nettles on his new holiday album, “The Spirit of Christmas”. It’s a Christmas album by Michael W. Smith, released on September 30, 2014, through Capitol Records. Smith’s previous Christmas album, “It’s a Wonderful Christmas”, was released in 2007. This one includes 14 songs (one original song written by Smith, 10 collaborations and three others).This album features duets with several country music artists, including Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Martina McBride, and Vince Gill. Other artists on it include U2 frontman Bono, Amy Grant and Michael McDonald. It’s the best christmas album of the year and many critics characterize it as a “masterpiece”. The whole production by Robert Deaton, David Hamilton and Smith himself, makes it perhaps and one of the best albums of the year generally.

Christmas is close and we have to prepare our playlist for these special days. Of course, we love, respect and appreciate the old classic holiday songs, but nobody said that new christmas songs or covers are not good.

Give them a try and then decide.

Alexandros Tsonis

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How passed the time?

It is like I came yesterday here but not because I came here 10 months ago. The time passed quickly.

How I learned about evs ?

If I start to explain my story from begining I have to turn to Istanbul. Everyting started with a Project of GEO(Global enviroment organization). I met many valuable friend there and I heard something about evs and I started to search it . I wanted to learn English in abroad but I did not wanted to spend money this is a reason evs was a good opportunity to learn English and new culture for me. I was not afraid to live in abroad with foreign people who I don’t know. Because I went many times to different countries for folk dance festival and I love the European poeple who are so friendly and open. But I have never lived long time in a foreign country and I wanted to learn new culture.

Finally I had decided to do EVS and I started to search for a project (http://bit.ly/1r7upaD). I found many projects but there was none related to my proffession and then I found a Project in Thessaloniki about media and communication. I thought when I was Istanbul I dont go to lesson of my university and I said myself okay it is not necessary to suspend study and I talked to my coordinator and I got permission to come Istanbul for my exams.

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First impression Everything was going good and I came to house which has great view and great housemates in Thessaloniki.

In the my first days were strange because first time I was sharing house and room with someone.Firstly I learned how to cook to survive . Thanks to our friends we tasted different foods from Spain and Italy. We shared our experience and what we know. We were crowded in home and we had to be careful and to respect to others that is why we have to obey the rules.

What are we doing at office ?

I started to go to work,we had a good office .But we had hard road to reach to office. We were writing something about everything to publish per 2 months in our electronic magazine and we had live radio broadcast. After Burak came we started to take video and I think it was more effectively than magazine and radio. You can watch in this link (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3v6UeNPy0KI&list=UUo2ri60MZ60Y4wgItuTTJsA&index=29) what we are doing in office. But dont laugh :) We tried to be our best at office .

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What are we doing out of office ?

Out of work we had many times to learn culture of Thessaloniki and we went different tavernas(restaurant),cafe , bar , museum, old monuments ,and symbol of Thessaloniki. Because of population exchange in 1922 we touched to many stories with Greek friends. I dance horon and play kemenรงe that is why I attended many events with people whose ancestor came from my hometown in Turkey. We had fun so much I am so pleasure to know all of them. We have holidays to travel around the Europe and we went to Balkan countries with friends.It was quite nice trip and it took 10 days.We visited more then 4 countries and met many great people.

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Thessaloniki is European Youth Capital 2014 Thessaloniki is european youth capital 2014 and there were many events which I was interested in. Many Turkish journalist and diplomat came to Thessaloniki and meeting them it was easier than meeting in Turkey. I was not regretful to be here because I like to young generation here we got along well with them and they dont have any bad opinion against to us. We asked to people what is the first thing comes to your mind about Turkey?

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Good Relationships We met with volunteers of Thessaloniki and we were together many times and we went to somewhere and we had fun so much. We did different Project. One of them aim was to teach Greek language people who want to learn and could not find chance to listen native speaker. We had friends with especially Turkishs because we shared many things. Firstly I was dissapointment when I learn I will live with 3-4 Turkishs because I came here to improve my English but then they helped me and I improved English thanks to them.

Also they teach me many things thanks to Trex to chose a good people who have good personality. We were sad when they left and we made song for them.

I am so pleased to be here and to lived here. Now I am leaving to Istanbul with unforgettable memories.

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut I will be back! Şahin UzunŞimşek

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