A Canarian EVS in Poznan! 5

Yes, I am the new EVS! My name is Esther, and I come from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, (Spain). I am here to continue during one year, this work as part of European Voluntary Service (EVS) in Stowarzyszenie Na Rzecz Spółdzielni Socjalnych (Association for Social Cooperatives).

Laia, my predecessor, has left an emptiness among her friends, a great work done in this organization and to me she left a notebook that saved me from loneliness during my first weekend and the rest of the days in this new city. She knows how grateful I am, but I leave even more perseverance in this blog that she began, now, a year ago.

This book has been a treasure for my. Places to visit, events, contacts of people, up to a map drawn by herself! As if it was the film “Pay It Forward”, I promise to do the same with the next EVS… Because in the end, is that: Do to others what you want them to do with you, especially in this type of situations…

Well, I come from Gran Canaria, one of the seven islands that make up “The Canary Islands”, an archipelago of the Atlantic ocean 100 km from the African coast, belonging to  Spain  and European Union. The island is “redondita” (An affectionate way to say that  something is  round. In Spanish language we often use diminutives to say something in a  affective way…), multi climate and beautiful… as the rest of the Islands. It is said that is like a    continent in miniature. Here, some of its landscapes…

 WHY POLAND? Many, many, many, many people ask me. I think I’m going to record the answer to this in the automatic phone answering…

And I wonder, have I chosen Poland or Poland has chosen me? Maybe both. I saw the profile that the organization was looking for and I felt totally identified: “communication, photography, international cooperation, social field…” All called me to send running my CV and cover letter.  In addition, Poland and I were big unknown, both for me, my family and friends. Geography, language, culture… A world to discover. So I thought to myself, why not? Let’s learn about something completely new! Like that began this new journey…

I had my first contact with Poland about two weeks ago. Landed in Warsaw, and in Warszawa Zachodnia, I had my first vital experience in this country. Is said that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. As well, once I’ve been in Zachodnia I believe I can face everything in this country! = P

Poznan and I are becoming intimate friends. Going by tram is like going in my dear “Guaguas” (In canary islands, we call “Guagua” to the autobus) The Sun is appearing from time to time, a charming old man is giving me extra flower each time I buy a bunch of them, and I meet friendly people… So I start to feel very grateful and very well received by  this city that I see with less suspicion and more like a new home.

Impatient to eat “Pierogi”, discover more this city, Poland and Europe!

Thanks Stowarzyszenie Na Rzecz Społdzielni Socjalnych (Association for Social Cooperatives) for choosing me and giving me this opportunity. I hope  to give my best and learn from the team and the experience =)