Io sono Rona, vengo dalle Filippine, venti siette anni, sono in Europa. Yes, I have been learning the language in two weeks time already. Thanks to our Italian course and to my friend Vale who I share the apartment with. Before I came here I had a crazy adventure on my way. In the 30 hours travel time in total, my experience in Hongkong airport was the most memorable. It was the 14th of April when I arrived in the airport at 11:40 pm, the next flight is one hour away. As first timer of course, I tried to be assertive as much, asking for the right direction to get to my next destination. I was led by an airport employee to the immigration queues, it was past 12 and the lines are still long, I’m getting worried. I should be boarding by now. 12:10am I made it in front of the officer. He asked me “So you are going to fly now? Like now? He knew I was in trouble. I answered back. He told me to hurry or I miss my flight. I ran as fast as I could, I reached the wrong floor, I was thinking of giving up but I kept on running, just like in movies I was catching my breathe. I’m almost in the boarding gate. I felt I’m going to pass out. No! I can’t! I shouldn’t be! Not in Hongkong! I know no one here! I heard my name being called all over the place. 12:25am, in a minute or two the gate will be closed. I handed my boarding pass to the lady with the strength left on me. I made it! I arranged myself in my assigned seat and smiled. I arrived in Sardinia the next day at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon.
The weather was a bit cold but I was welcomed very warm by the TDM2000 and TDM International staff.
Everything to me feels interesting, Italian hand gestures, their greetings to each other, catching up the bus, the food, I looooooooveee the food! Pizza, Pasta,Wine, Mirto, Ichnusa and Chocolato which is my favorite! Tasting the food here makes me want unload all my clothes in the luggage and replace it with the goodies so the folks in the Philippines can taste what I have been talking about. I am still trying to figure it out until now actually.
I am by the way doing the EVS (European Voluntary Service) under the EuroAsi Program which is funded by the European Commission. TDM2000 International applied for this program under Erasmus+ and it was granted.
What is European Voluntary Service? This activity allows young people aged 17-30 to express their personal commitment through unpaid and full-time voluntary service for up to 12 months in another country within or outside the European Union. Mine is 3 months. Young volunteers are given the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organization dealing with youth information and policies, young people’s personal and socio-educational development, civic engagement, social care, inclusion of disadvantaged, environment, nonformal education programmes, ICTs and media literacy, culture and creativity, development and cooperation.
The fantastic team of TDM2000 and TDM2000 International were able to maximize our stay in Sardinia because we were provided with clear orientation and they always involve us in their activities. For someone who also works in an NGO like me (Philippine Red Cross Boracay-Malay Chapter), everything that I am doing here is essential. Analysis for proposals, call for partners, visibility, communication, working on presentations, observing the best practices, being part of best practices and intercultural exposure enhances my skills and knowledge to something that is International in level. Yes, that feeling of fulfillment.
During weekends, we have the time to explore the magical Island of Sardinia, I believe that we, along with my fellow Indonesian EVS buddies Reza and Daniel arrived in the best time and season in Cagliari Sardinia. EVERYTHING that’s wonderful is happening like trekking in Sella del Diavolo on a perfect weather, seeing upclose the Amerigo Vespucci, witnessing the Sant’ Efisio Festival, seeing the flamingoes and dolphins, and meeting the kindest people in the island.
I have too many stories to tell, I think I will not end if I allow myself to continue this. Everyday just keeps on getting better. I feel so blessed to be able to experience this opportunity. This is a once in a lifetime indeed and I will forever cherish.