January
It’s fascinating how quickly things are becoming more and more familiar here. I no longer need to use maps to get around, and I have my favorite places for shopping or grabbing a pizza. All of this is because my second month here has passed, and it went by so quickly, bringing about many changes.
The month’s beginning started nicely with a home party with Michalina to celebrate the New Year. The first few days of January were quiet around here, and I appreciated that because it gave me some time to reflect on many things. I also went back home for a few days to spend Christmas with my family and visit some friends. Time flew by, but at least I got to enjoy some snow, which I don’t get to see here.
Coming back here wasn’t easy, because it was also Michalina’s last day in Triggiano. But to really enjoy it, we had our “Last Dinner in Triggiano” in the traditional Italian way, starting with antipasti, primo, second, and dessert. I must admit, I wasn’t prepared for such a dinner, because we couldn’t finish all the food. I’m grateful to have had Michalina as my flatmate, even for a short period, and I miss you, BELLA.
This month brought also two new volunteers Ferran from Spain and Martyna from Poland, I hope we will get along and have some fun together.
The new project at a local school in Capurso has become a significant addition to my routine activities, alongside my involvement at Mensa – The social restaurant, assisting with English homework for kids, and attending Italian classes in Bari. Here, I teach English to first and second graders through storytelling. Although I was initially nervous, I’m now finding joy and satisfaction in this simpler, yet impactful way of connecting with the kids.
It’s truly exciting how quickly things are progressing here and how much I’ve learned so far. Being involved in all these activities allows me to discover much about Italian culture and so much more.
December
Hello there! I’m Daniela originally from Republic of Moldova and recently embarked on this exhilarating adventure. Fresh out of university with a degree in Communication and Public Relations , I’m diving headfirst into a new culture, fueled by my passion for storytelling and a thirst for new experiences.
Thanks to my dual citizenship, an opportunity from a Romanian organization opened doors for me to explore new horizons. And so, my curiosity and love for new experiences led me to Triggiano, in the charming city of Bari, Italy.
Why Italy, you ask?
It’s simple: the allure of its rich history, the promise of its culinary delights, and the opportunity to broaden my horizons. My journey here is supported by the incredible teams of @EuroSud and @GEYC, to whom I owe a world of gratitude .
During my first month here, in December, my focus has been on immersing myself in the local life. Learning Italian is at the top of my agenda. I’m eager to converse fluently with the locals, understand their stories, and become an active member of this community.
Here’s a snapshot of my first month:
Mensa – Ristorante Sociale: I’ve been assisting with food preparation and cleaning. I also participated in the Cena di Natale, embracing the festive spirit.
Community Engagement: I’ve been getting to know the lovely people here, capturing local events through my lens, and even making cotton candy! It’s all about connecting and creating memories.
Exploring Bari: This city is a treasure of culture and history. I’ve also been visiting nearby places like Monopoli, each with its unique charm.
Italian Classes: I’ve enrolled in a course to improve my Italian. It’s crucial for me to communicate effectively and deepen my understanding of this culture.
Capurso – Progetto Pleadi: Here, I’ve been helping children with their English homework and partaking in Christmas celebrations, filled with games and laughter.
Unique Experiences: I’ve had my share of adventures, like being lost in Capurso and celebrating Christmas on a beach in Bari. Each day is a new story!
This journey is not just about geographical changes, it’s about personal growth, learning, and building connections. I’m excited to share my experiences with you all. Stay tuned for more stories and adventures!
Until next time, Daniela
In April, I explored the north of Italy, visiting the stunning Lago di Garda and the charming city of Verona. But returning to Apulia, in the south, reminded me why I love this region so much. Back in Triggiano, I returned to my routine with activities like Mensa, Capurso school, Pleiadi, and Italian lessons. I also borrowed a bike from a friendly local, which made getting around easier. During this time, I also got the opportunity to meet my new mentor with whom I spoke different languages, we talked about life in Italy and some tasks of mine. I explored more by going to a car expo in Bari, a Photography expo, and took a guided tour in the Italian language of Palazzo Fizzarotti. Each of these experiences gave me a different view of life in Apulia. The month I have ended with two visits, to Alberobello and Putignano. I was very impressed with Alberobello, it’s a truly unique city, and nothing similar to anything I have visited before.
July was an incredibly full and rewarding month for me here. I spent most of my time volunteering in Triggiano and Capurso, and it’s been a mix of challenges, fun, and personal growth.
One of the month’s highlights was getting involved in two summer camps. My role was to lead activities in English, helping kids learn the language in a fun and interactive way. At first, I was pretty anxious—trying to figure out how to keep the kids engaged while teaching them something new. But as the days passed, I found my groove and realized how much I enjoy working with children. We did a lot of different activities, from water games that had everyone laughing and splashing around, to colorful crafts that let the kids get creative, to running games that kept them active and happy. Watching them learn and have fun at the same time was special.
Besides the camps, I also spent time volunteering at the Mensa sociale, where I helped prepare meals and keep the place clean. It was hard work, but seeing how much it meant to people made it all worthwhile. Something is fulfilling about being part of a team that’s making a difference in the community.
On top of all this, I also started working on my personal project—a blog where I’ll be sharing my experiences here in Italy. I’m planning to dive into the beautiful Apulia region, uncovering some hidden gems, and sharing tips and stories about the local culture. I’m especially excited to explore the lives of Romanians and Italians in this area, and how they’ve adapted to life here. If you’re curious to learn more, feel free to follow along on my blog, https://22andinitaly.wordpress.com/
July has been a month of new experiences, some stress, and a lot of learning. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!