The Balkans have always been the place for conflicts; a place at the end of Europe but in the heart of wars! History has always narrated conflict and new countries have been taking shape for the past 20 years. It is the place where people with the same nationality fight against each other. Yet it is also the region where crossing borders magically makes you forget this history.
Because of the common destiny cultures from different origin are sharing the same cuisine and dances and sometimes even the same words. As the poorest country in the European Union, Bulgarians have always perceived themselves as a small country, always neglected on the historical map and struggling for attention.
As the saying goes “God threw us to East of Eden”, but one incredible trip this summer with two Macedonians showed me that the big map is different. On the way to our Summer University, on the coast of Croatia, we decided to overcome all prejudice and explore the nowadays Western Balkans. Surprisingly the language was the connecting element. Travelling through scary Kosovo, forgotten Montenegro, still unorganized Bosnia and Herzegovina on the way to neighboring EU Croatia we found out that language is not a border any more. Speaking Bulgarian language with my Macedonian friends was not a problem since they have same origin and there are only some slight differences. Border after border we were facing smiles and hospitality once we started speaking our Slavic language.
Mutual understanding was not a problem. This could be because we have a common history and still share same dishes, same habits, and sometimes even same music. Culture is unique, tasty and grasping…especially if you are on the Balkans. It is truly a blessing to speak a rare language as Bulgarian as you can realize that there is no difference between lifestyles.
Have you every experienced this lifestyle on the Balkans, understanding the vivid colorfulness and even dancing on the Pop-Turbo fold rhythm? Are you looking forward to taste in at Agora Skopje? Don’t worry!!! AE
GEE-Sofia will give you the possibility to have an intensive “preparation course” for tasting and more important – understanding this completely different culture. Whilst having fun with the poker-game night and Cocktail Workshop we will decrypt for you the secret of Cyrillic alphabet, let you taste the most typical dishes for all the Balkan countries and will sprinkle all of this with the Balkan rhythm of Chalga (Pop or Turbo folk).
We will take you back two centuries ago and bring you back to experience nightlife in Sofia. Climbing the mountain is inseparable part of this rocky region so Vitosha mountain is included in the program, also. With the help of “Higher education days” project all the people will realize the power of Non-formal education and will analyze what they have learnt. This magical cocktail is not shacked for you from the cocktail WS master but with the special help “Cultural Action Days” Project.
If you want to experience Balkans fully and enjoy on maximum Agora Skopje – get prepared with AEGEE-Sofia. More information can be found at: http://www.wix.com/preagora_sofia/2011
written by Liliya Buyukliyska, AEGEE Sofia