Day 1 Travel day 6/10;
Day started chaotically, because one of the younsters that was supposed to go on the exchange with us, bailed and didnt want to come. Luckily we were able to choose his replacement, and everyone was really okay with the new plan. First we took a van to the airport in Ljubljana and waited for an hour and a half to go up in the air and towards Belgium. We landed in Brussels and waited for team Italy at the airport so we went on the same train. Belgium leaders and organizers waited for us at the train station and after another hour of driving, we reached the destination. It was dark already but it was love on the first sight anyway. The place we were staying at, was build by youngsters and it is like they thought about everything. Very nice house with small details that make it look like home and so comfortable and the nature surrounding it that invites you to enjoy it. We all loved it. The evening was easy going, we got to know each other a bit and went to have a sleep, so we could enjoy what was coming for us the next day.
Day 2 7/10
Day started with breakfast and after that we had many games, that helped us get to know eachothers names and conect even more. Everyone was colaborative so we had quite some fun. For the evening activity we had a quiz. The day passed by really fast and in the night time the teambuilding spontaneously took place in front of the house, with dancing and singing together.
Day 3 8/10
After a nice breakfast we headed outside, to hear a few thing about comfort/stretch/panic zone theory. We tested the theory with the exercises we did and got to know ourselfs better by doing so. After the lunch and break we split in two teams, one headed to the field to play some sport games and the other one went to climb in adventure park in front of our house. Throughout the whole day we had a lot of fun, did sports, learned things and in the evening we enjoyed the intercultural evening where each country presented some tipical foods and facts. We also danced and it was really nice .
Day 4 9/10
Whole day was reserved for the hike, so we took cars to the begining of the path. The rain didnt go easy on us, so we put the raincoats on and went on adventure. We had some tasks while doing the hike and we completed them all. Despite the weather the energy was amazing and we had a really nice day. When returning, the fight for the showers was on, and after it we enjoyed the free evening, that we spend conecting to each other. Some watched movies, some played games, some danced.
Day 5 10/10
Day stared with heavy rain outside, so we decided to play some games inside. After the rain stoped we went outside also and did some more activities there. After the lunch we took vans to the outdoor education center where we got mountain bikes, helmets and a map. We divided into groups and started the adventure. Riding bikes through forest, fields, puddles, mud… Going uphill and downhill was a lot of fun, also a big chalenge for some, but we all managed to make it. With all the rain pouring down on us the hot showers were again very much wanted and needed. Also the dinner after that.
Day 6 11/10
Yesterday we were busy training our leg muscles on mountain bikes and this day was for arms, because it is kayak day. After breakfast we headed towards the river. We gor our floating vests and paired up for a kayak ride. Splendid adventure was ahead of us and we all dived in…some of us literally. We found out how important it is, to have good comunication with your pair in a kayak, otherwise you are just going in circles. A little bit of goofines was of course involved, that is why we needed water bottles, to get water out of kayak so we wouldnt sink and the bravest among us even tried a rope jump into the river. What we definetely agreed on, was that kayaks are amazing and a lot of fun. In the afternoon we had some activities, that slowly started to show how the group is formed and where did we get in this week. How much can an individual relly on the group, how do we work together when we face problems, how safe is the space we all created together. After these activities, after all week of mud, rain and dirty, wet clothes it was finnaly a time, to ger fancy. A dinner in a restaurant with trying some belgium specialities was exactly what we needed. As if the day was not ful enough we had the last night goodbye party. Some danced the night away, some enjoyed the firepit warmth.
Day 7 12/10
Waking up for the last morning in this marvelous place Habbykrats. Working together to make it clean again and ready for others to enjoy it. We packed everything, remebered to take a group photo, said our thanks to the place that showed us hospitality in this past week and then off to Brussels. Train ride was nice and calm, since nearly everyone was tired from week, activities, last night and from absorbing everything that they got thoroughout the week. After arriving in Brussels we made ourselfs comfortable and came together for one last reflection. Telling eachother some nice things, giving feedback and reflecting on the week that we spent together. After we finished, we all agreed that a big group hug around organizers is very much needed, since they planned everything so good and the ride with them was smooth and a splendid adventure. And well, leaving Belgium without tasting their delicious fries would be a shame, so we walked to the city center to have some. The night didnt stop us from exploring and discovering beautiful corners, streets and buildings of Brussels. Last hugs and goodbyes and the day to fly out was here.
Day 8 13/10
Fast morning with packing again, catching the train and then up in the air we went, to fly back home. Our hearts are ful of love for new people we met, our head filled with knowledge we got and our life book thicker for many new adventures and experiences we just wrote in. The exchange might be over but the memories will stay with us forever.
