Hello friends! I'm Kerem, currently volunteering in Sirvintos, Lithuania as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project. As I reached my 6th month, I noticed the weather starting to warm up a bit and the days getting longer. April is still a cool season in Lithuania; temperatures typically range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, with frequent rainy days.
We've started organizing more activities outside of the Youth Center. During Ekaterine's arrival month, we participated in the opening event of Cold Coffee and Kupalas. We played volleyball outdoors and had a great time meeting new people.
New volunteer Ekaterine from Georgia came and became my new roommate. When we first met, I loved his energy and sincerity. Every moment I spent with him made our volunteering experience even more colorful.
In mid-April, I had the opportunity to visit Cologne for a week. Cologne is renowned for its rich history and culture. Getting from Frankfurt Airport to the city center was quite challenging; I hardly slept that night and ended up exploring the city on foot. Cologne Cathedral was truly magnificent with its historic architecture. As I wandered the streets of Cologne, I experienced its vibrant and lively atmosphere firsthand. I was also surprised by the significant Turkish population in the city, showing me how different cultures coexist.
The higher cost of living in Germany compared to Lithuania posed some challenges, but it was a valuable learning experience. It provided me with new perspectives and cultural awareness, strengthening my spirit of volunteering.
Back in Sirvintos, a municipal guide showed us the sculptures around the city, sharing their stories with us. Later, we joined the 100th-anniversary celebrations at Sirvintos High School, where we played Kahoot with students and enjoyed live music. Spending more time at the Mobile Youth Center in Gelvonai and Musninkaie has been fulfilling, engaging in activities with local youth and feeling more connected to the community.
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