Hello Argonautas!!

Welcome back to this vlog :)

This month, there are so many things I need to tell you about!

Honestly, I feel like I lived several different lives within just 31 days. It was crazy, intense, and amazing all at once!

It all started on the 1st of May with our second Youth Exchange: Entrepreneurship Goes Green (EGG). Ona and I were really excited about it for many reasons. First, it would take us out of our routine. Second, it would give us the opportunity to see our friends from the training course again. And last but not least, we would meet new people, take part in new activities, and, well, who knows what can happen during a youth exchange? Ahah

And all of that happened! It was a wonderful experience. On both a personal and social level, I was very happy to be there and spend time with so many great people. Being able to have fun, connect, and share experiences with them was amazing. Professionally, I also felt much more confident. I knew what I had to do, and I was already familiar with Juan and Lucija's way of working. This time, there were no unpleasant surprises—just good organization and great results!

The week after, Ona's family came to visit her, and it was finally time for me to meet the family in law for the first time, ahah

They were incredibly kind to me and took me everywhere with them. Thanks to them, I was able to visit Zadar and its beautiful Sea Organ, as well as what I consider one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen: Plitvice Lakes National Park.

On a sunny day, together with Ona and her family, we explored Croatia's stunning lakes and waterfalls. It was absolutely breathtaking—like stepping into a fairy tale! I am very grateful that they took me there, and more generally, I really loved spending time with all of them. Getting to know her family also helped me get to know Ona even better <3

Then, just two days after they left, we found ourselves packing our bags once again for a new journey and a new adventure: Türkiye! :))))

This trip was for a project called Life After Erasmus, which Ona is coordinating. Our task was to interview former participants from Argonauta's accreditation programme, including participants from Youth Exchanges and Training Courses.

We had already conducted some interviews during the previous months, but many of the people on our list happened to be from Türkiye... so of course, we had to go there. Such a shame, right? ;)

To be completely honest, we mainly used this opportunity to visit friends we had met through Youth Exchanges and Training Courses over the past months. And let me tell you: it was the best trip of my life!

We were hosted by friends of our friends, and together they showed us their city, university, and association. They introduced us to their customs, traditions, games, and food. I think the fact that we experienced all of this with them made everything even more special—they were truly the highlight of the trip.

Of course, we also worked. We filmed the interviews, but even that turned out to be a really enjoyable experience.

Besides the interviews, we also held a workshop about our experience as ESC volunteers with Argonauta for people interested in volunteering themselves. It was a very enriching experience because we met many interesting and inspiring people.

Ona and I genuinely believe Argonauta should pay us extra for that workshop—we are literally Argonauta's biggest ambassadors! Ahahah

To finish the trip on the best possible note, we spent one day visiting Istanbul, and it was every bit as beautiful as you can imagine.

Okay, let's be honest, the journey back wasn't quite as amazing as the rest of the trip... Our flight got cancelled, and instead of returning home in one day, it took us two days and three FlixBuses. Lol

But anyway, we made it back home. After a day dedicated to laundry and recovery, we returned to the office and our usual routine. Yet I didn't find it boring for a single moment because summer had already arrived, and the atmosphere was completely different.

On top of that, I was finally able to fully focus on my personal project. I sent out the application form and received authorization from the municipality for the exhibition. The feeling of satisfaction that comes from seeing your project slowly come to life is simply incredible.

To conclude this amazing month, on the 30th we went to the Kornati Islands for a project, and we had the opportunity to swim in this idyllic place and enjoy a free boat ride. Ehehe

Anyway, I think this month has reminded me that I have the chance to do so many different things here.

There are opportunities everywhere, but it is up to me to make the most of them, to push each project further, and to make sure I experience everything to the fullest.

So, dear new volunteers, don't be afraid to do the same. The girls at Argonauta will always support your initiatives, so go for it and enjoy every moment <3