How to run (more than just) a race

How to (more than just) run

What would you do if I gave you the opportunity to leave for two weeks and leave all your worries at home? Such an opportunity arose for me. One ordinary day, I received an offer to go on an Erasmus+ project about sports and a healthy lifestyle. I didn't hesitate for a second and immediately filled out the application. And it was truly worth it!

Upon arriving at the former pioneer camp in the middle of the Hungarian forest, I was greeted by a bald gentleman with a big smile on his face. Right behind him were members of the Slovak group, who were already impatiently waiting for the boy who had "gotten lost" on the way.

The good mood that prevailed that evening did not end even on the last day of the project, and since it lasted 10 days, you can imagine how much we enjoyed it. There's no point in describing individual workshops, life is about emotions after all, and unfortunately, I'm not a good enough writer to put them into words.

Although some were truly special - holding a rope a meter above the ground while someone walks on it? Anything is possible if we have a common vision. There was a lot of sports, deep discussions about healthy food too, but all of that is just one side of Erasmus Plus projects. What I definitely want to tell you is to imagine that one day you go to work or school, and the next day you become part of a team that for two weeks becomes everything you have. Without phone signal or internet, in the middle of beautiful green nature, you therefore have enough time to build relationships that won't end when you go home from this project. These are relationships that will always pleasantly surprise you when, after a long time without contact, you find a message: "Hi, I'll be in Bratislava in a few days, are you still there? Shall we meet?"

And your answer is: "Of course, yes!"... you know you'll contact them too when you're in their country.

And with hindsight, you'll realize that all the hard work during the workshops, as well as the relaxed moments during the international evenings, were worth it, so that you now have a head full of memories that you will carry with you forever.

-Tom

I was really looking forward to this project. I love sports, so this topic seemed ideal to me. During the first night, we were a bit scared, as our cabin was close to the forest, it was cold inside, and the toilets and showers were in another building. After a few days of endless fun, however, I got used to it. All the fear I had of meeting new people, language problems, food, and the program disappeared the moment I met the project participants.

Everyone welcomed me with a smile on their face and treated me very kindly. Thanks to the many energizers and activities we participated in together, we all learned something from each other (including skills). Thanks to the project, I also improved my English, many other languages, sports, communication in society, and I also learned a lot of interesting information about possible diets.

I really liked the peaceful place where we were accommodated, the morning yoga, the hikes, and all the international evenings. I must say that the time I spent in Hungary gave me a lot. I felt very comfortable with the people, had fun, and gained a lot of experience. I am looking forward to the next project.

-Dia