There are many things that make the upcoming “Capital Cities” event special. For the first time in a great while (or, at least, as far as we can remember!), a New Year’s Event will take place in two countries by two AEGEE locals.

The lucky participants that will be selected will also have the chance to experience two different celebrations. But probably the most remarkable thing – this is an event organised by a Ukrainian local (AEGEE-Kyïv) and a Russian one (AEGEE-Moskva), proving that young people from both countries are willing to cooperate and are close friends. And all of it, in a very hipster-ish visual identity!

The AEGEEan spoke to Ksenia Lupanova and Mitya Blockhin, members of AEGEE-Moskva, and Anna Pykhtina, from AEGEE-Kyiv.

The AEGEEan: How did you come up with the idea of organising this event?

Ksenia Lupanova (AEGEE-Moskva): I think it started a long time ago, discussing events with our friends… but it actually happened this summer, I don’t even remember who started this topic. We realized that it would be a cool idea, two countries, two celebrations, two antennae… no matter what, just organize it together, as we have a lot of friends in AEGEE-Kyiv!

Anna Pykhtina (AEGEE-Kyiv): Ksenia and I have been friends for a long time, we met in 2013 at Network Meeting Lviv, later she was an organiser of our Travel Summer University “The Big Kyiv Theory”, and then we were together in all Statutory events – Agorae, the European Boards’ Meeting… and afterwards,  we met with other AEGEE-Moskva members, we realized that an event together would be such an amazing, unbelievable and brave idea! And without any hesitations, we started to brainstorm and discuss!

Two capital cities, two celebrations… which two special celebrations will participants experience?

Mitya Blockhin (AEGEE-Moskva): The first one is the New Year’s Eve celebration which is considered to be the most important holiday in Russia and Ukraine. I don’t want to show all our cards yet, I will just point out that the fireworks above the Red Square covered with snow are something magical!

Anna: The second one is the traditional celebration of the Orthodox Christmas. Svjata Vecherya, or “Holy Supper”, is the central tradition of the Christmas Eve celebrations in Ukrainian homes. The dinner table sometimes has a few hay wisps on the embroidered table cloth, as a reminder of the manger in Bethlehem.

The coolest thing in Kyiv will be the traditional Ukrainian Christmas which is celebrated in the evening of 6th of January. There are many traditions – we will have to cook 12 different dishes, fortune telling and also.. go to banya (sauna)! And my grandma agreed to share secrets of divination, so I can’t wait!

Which ones will be the main highlights of the program, according to you?

Ksenia: According to me, I would say the celebrations of New Year’s Eve and the Orthodox Christmas, but more remarkable to me is the night when we will cross the border in a night train. First of all, because I am a fan of the Transsiberian Dream, trains, and that atmosphere. It is incredible to have this possibility at the half of the event, to get everybody inside the wagon! It is a perfect change between programs, two busy and huge metropolis, the time to play all our favourites get-to-know games, talks and something participants will never forget!

Anna: I agree with Ksenia, seeing AEGEEans in our trains is lots of fun and always an unforgettable experience! One of the coolest highligths in the program is showing two countries in one event – there are so many things said about Russia and Ukraine, our relations, why not come and see everything by yourself?

And how would you briefly describe the best things of both cities?

Mitya: Moscow is a unique city, the whole history of Russia (sometimes glorious, sometimes terrible but always dramatic and complicated) is reflected in its architecture. Every district has its own atmosphere and walking through the city is like travelling in time where the domes of the old churches, the tops of the Seven Sisters and the Kremlin stars are the beacons leading you through the ages. Moscow can be busy and calm, huge and cozy, rude and friendly, so different and so similar. So, basically, as Russia itself.

Anna: Kyiv was the historic cultural centre of the East Slavic civilisation and a major cradle for the Christianisation of Kievan Rus’. The modern Kyiv is a mix of the old and the new, seen in everything from the architecture to the stores and to the people themselves. Khreshchatyk and Maidan Nezalezhnosti – the place where the real fight for democracy took place,  Andriyivskyy Descent (Ukrainian Monmartyr) with its romantic mood,  St. Sophia’s Cathedral and the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves), which are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites – and that is not all! Kyiv is different but kind and friendly city with many places for young people. And although Kyiv is smaller than Moskva, we won’t have time to see all of its beauty and you will have to come back again!

What is the story behind the “hipster”-ish visuals of the event?

AEGEE-Moskva & AEGEE-Kyiv: Well, when the name “Capital Cities” (as a famous band) appeared, it was already clear to try this direction. At first it was just a joke, we were making fun of all that hipster theme but at a certain moment we realized that, by opposing ourselves to this new mainstream trend, we didn’t differ that much from the people we were kidding about. So we accepted our hipster nature and c’était parti. What is more, when we saw for the first time a hipster thematic costume party, we were impressed how much opportunities and creativity people can use.  Moreover,  Moskva and Kyiv are cities with a very dense concentration of hipsters per square metre!

And how are AEGEE-Kyiv and AEGEE-Moskva preparing together the event?

Ksenia: As we agreed on concept, the visual design, the budget and the program division, now we are in process of selecting participants. As you could mention we create awesome an awesome PR program for Agora Cagliari – and a promo video, which was recorded in both cities!

We will polish our programmes separately, but regarding common points, like games, welcome packs and celebration of both holidays – we are discussing every single detail! Also, as I managed to pass through Kyiv on my way to Brussels, I will have α meeting with AEGEE-Kyiv organisers, and we will discuss details about them coming to the part in Moscow and of course more ideas! By the way, we are actually cooperating with answering your questions in one single on-line document right now.

Some people might fear high prices and visa issues, what would you tell them?

Anna: It is the first New Year’s Event that will take place in two countries, the fee includes the train ticket, staying in hostels, private housing, sauna, activities and so much more! And with AEGEE-Moskva you can get visa for free! And at the moment the currency exchange is so freakingly high that you will feel yourself like a king!

And, in just a couple of sentences: what would you tell someone who is doubting to apply?   

Mitya: Have you ever felt sad about celebrating NYE only once a year? Have you ever travelled by train for more than six hours? Are you interested in knowing if you are going to be rich and what the name of your future spouse is? No? Well, you have got a chance (and there will be no second one!) to celebrate NYE eleven times in one day, to spend some 12 hours on a night train and to know everything you ever wanted to know about your future at Christmas night. Do not hesitate, apply! #hatersgonnahate, #aegeeansgonnaorginize!

Written by Anna Gumbau, AEGEE-Barcelona

New Year, new day, new beginning – for a real AEGEEan there can be no better way how to start it, as taking part in a Winter University (WU). This New Year in Riga was specially spicy because 30 amazing participants from nine countries (Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Spain and Ukraine) took part in WU Sp(ICE) Matters: White Winter. They came for Black Balsam to mark the start of 2014 and discover the beauty of Latvia.

Even if the weather played some tricks on us and Riga was far from a white winter wonderland, it did not stop us from enjoying some typical seasons’ activities like ice-skating and diving into an ice-cold pond after a hot sauna. We even drove dog sledges in a misty forest and rang in the New Year watching the spectacular fireworks in the heart of Riga.

AEGEE-Las Palmas member Kamal Vasnani admitted that this event was very special because he managed to try lot of activities he had never done before, but especially thrilling for him was balancing on ice. “I was happy to overcome my fear of skating, and I think I made quite good progress. I even managed to do it on my own at some points, although most of the times I had the help of other people.”

Alina from AEGEE-Sankt-Peterburg stressed the festive, joyful vibe of Riga, but she relished also the time spent in nature. “If I have to name one activity I liked the most, I think it was the sauna, because it was so cool to be in the sauna and then jump into the lake and afterwards get warm in jacuzzi,” said Alina. “I think most of all I enjoyed the time that we spent in the guest house, I like all this nature stuff. And conditions were the best from all the places I’ve been with AEGEE.”

We made sure that everyone who took part in this WU will know how to survive in the wild and also wink wisely every time someone doesn’t know what to do with the traditional Riga Black Balsam – Latvias’ most characteristic drink (by the way – Mohito à la Latvian is a great idea). We learnt Latvian Christmas’ and New Years’ traditions and even performed a folk custom called “mumming”. What does that mean? We made traditional Latvian masks (horses, wolfs, haystacks and, yes, even death) in which mummers usually travel from house to house bringing a blessing to every place they visit.

“This WU roused a lot of positive emotions,” said AEGEE-Rīga president Lelde Pētersone. “I was able to laugh with joy and test my strength. I truly appreciated the participants’ willingness to plunge into all the adventures together with us.”

Those days starting from 27th December till 2nd January were full of amazing adventures and discoveries. We – the organizers – want to thank all the participants for making this event so special. And remember: Riga will always welcome you back!

AEGEE-Rīga wants so say a special thanks to the Fazer Bakery!

Written by Signe Apsite, AEGEE-Riga

AEGEE-Oviedo organized last December two outstanding events to celebrate their 25th anniversary, as The AEGEEan had recently reported. Firstly, a ceremony at the University of Oviedo with many remarkable members and the founders of the local. And secondly, they threw a big 25th Anniversary party with AEGEE members coming from all over Europe, which turned out to be a crazy New Year’s Event, too.

Laura López Montero, member of AEGEE-Oviedo since Summer 2012 and current treasurer of the antenna, has been the coordinator of both events, which have unanimously turned out to be very successful. Hence, Laura has been elected as our Member of the Month in January for her hard work and enthusiasm. The AEGEEan has interviewed Laura this past week, and you can get to know her in the next EBM Lublin!

First of all, Laura, congratulations for being our Member of the Month! For those who don’t know you yet, could you tell us a few words about yourself? And when and how did you join AEGEE?

Well, I’m 23 years old and I’m now in my last year of Tourism degree. I am a member of AEGEE-Oviedo since Summer 2012: one of my closest friends was already member of this big family and he encouraged me to join. I started my way celebrating the fifth anniversary of AEGEE-Santander and since then I have been working as an active member and nowadays I am the Treasurer of my local and very proud of all of them.

You were nominated for your oustanding job in coordinating the events of AEGEE-Oviedo’s 25th Anniversary. What was your motivation to take up the challenge?

When we started talking about the event I realized there would not be another opportunity of organizing something like that again. It was a great moment to defend our identity. We had several goals: we wanted to celebrate an unforgettable birthday surrounded by all those people who made these 25 years possible, we wanted to show all our work and efforts to the university, while asking for their support at the same time and, of course, sharing this special date with AEGEEans from all over the world  to enjoy it like never before!

AEGEE-Oviedo had to be given its rightful place and finally my expectations were more than fulfilled.

We have heard that a wonderful Anniversary ceremony was organized in Oviedo. What can you tell us about it, for the ones who were not present?

Our 25th Anniversary Event was held at the Historical Building of the University of Oviedo with the presence of the founders of the Antenna, several members from that moment until now, the current board and some representatives from the University. It took about two hours and then we had lunch all together in a restaurant near that building.

It is always a pleasure to listen to old members; old members who still love AEGEE and can understand us better than anyone else. They gave their speeches and told us stories about their time as members of the association. They touched our hearts! In fact, more than one person ended up crying because of their words. It was amazing.

I have heard that you also invited many remarkable guests and speakers, who were they?

Well, we can say Luis Alvarado Martinez, current president of AEGEE-Europe, was with us somehow. He could not come to the event, so he recorded a video for us from Brussels. Miguel Gallardo Albajar, current projects manager of CD, was one of our guests. He was also member of our local some time ago. It was a great honour to welcome him. And, as I told you above, the founders of the antenna and some other people who made these 25 years possible gave their speeches. Besides of AEGEE, some representatives from the University celebrated this important day with us.

You also organized a New Year’s + 25th Anniversary event. From the point of view of the coordinator, how was it?

It is complicated, I cannot deny it. Of course, there are moments you feel tired and overwhelmed because of the situation but finally every effort has its rewards. After all, you only keep the good memories. That’s the truth. Furthermore, I was not alone along the way. Other members of my local supported me and we worked together as a team. This is the key. Without them, it would not have been possible and this is also their success.

And did AEGEE-Oviedo get many gifts for its anniversary?

First gift was its anniversary logo, made by one of our board members. Besides that, we received many others. From original videos and photo albums to a pretty girl for our mascot (Castorín)! Our participants thought of every one of us and they made Castorín happier than ever.

What are your tips for other AEGEE members to organize events? What have you learned in this time?

Just love what you do, motivate yourself every day and everything will come to you in the right moment! Learn to be patient and to trust people, build a good team, and everything will be fine.

AEGEE-Oviedo has some very active and experienced members in the European level. What about you; would you like to get involved in it?

Of course I would like to do it, it is one of my next goals. I don’t know when and how, but I will do it. There are several topics I’m interested in, I just need to find some time and everything will be done! I’m looking forward to taking one step forward.

Which has been the most inspiring AEGEE member you have met?

Not a member, but an event. Without any doubt. It was a Youth in Action project which took place here in my country more than one year ago. It was a great project and an awesome team, I was really really lucky! After it, I started helping my local until now. Contrary to many other AEGEE members, I enjoyed my first SU after being an active member for almost a year.

Tell us a bit more about yourself: which are your hobbies outside AEGEE?

It is not so easy organize your time when you have to combine your studies with AEGEE, but anyway I always find some time to go to the gym and do some exercising or read some pages before going to bed. I like languages too and I attend my Russian lessons twice a week. I’m also lover of speed, so any time of the day is good to go for a ride by car and switch off from the world!

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Stubborn, cheerful, and open-minded.

And what about your AEGEE plans for 2014? Are we going to meet you in any event soon?

Continue working hard and learning. My next goal is EBM Lublin. It is the only statutory event I haven’t ever been to and I’m really excited about it! I’m looking forward to living this new AEGEE experience.

We wish Laura the best in her next plans and we look forward to meeting her! And remember that YOU can nominate the next Member of the Month at the following form. We look forward to your nominations!

Written by Anna Gumbau, AEGEE-Barcelona

Last year, AEGEE-Utrecht organised a Winter University with the theme name “Try Before You Die”. This event took place in three different Dutch cities: Utrecht, Amsterdam and Gouda.

Before the event took place, the committee, consisting of Adinda Werkman, Josje Hiddink, Sanne Bleekers, Simon Bak, Johan van Houten and Miriam Frantzen, selected twenty enthusiastic participants out of 53 applications. The participants came from the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Ukraine and Russia. In the end, however, a group of thirteen participants participated in the New Year’s event.  The group was accommodated at a very nice and central location, the Office for Refugee Support, in the Telingstraat, Utrecht. The event officially started on the 27th of December, 2011. On the first day the participants were mostly occupied with ice breaking games such as “try before you die” speed dating, krantenmeppertje (name game) and other fun TBYD games. They were also given free time and were accompanied by local AEGEE members who showed them the city. Because the event was called “Try Before You Die”, the showers were not, as one would expect, at the location, but a 15min. drive from the city center. This evening the whole group went to the “Poema” where there was a big international party. Later on in the week the participants got acquainted with the lovely city of Utrecht during a city tour and an exciting city rally. They also got acquainted with Dutch hospitality with the imitation of the Dutch TV-program “Nu we er toch zijn” whereby the participants had to ring doorbells and ask if they could stay and enjoy the hospitality of the Dutch people by being invited for a chat, drink or dinner at people’s homes.

At the European night the participants presented typical food and drinks from their countries and were partying all night long. Later that week the participants were introduced other “try before you die” games such as making sandwiches as dirty and nasty as possible which other groups had to eat. We also had games such as a contest in jumping/walking in big bags to the finish, egg throwing in a big circle, and twin and quartet soccer playing.

Another interesting part about this week was the discussion about the gay community in the Netherlands, and what the differences were between the acceptability of gay people and gay relationships in the Netherlands and in the countries where the participants came from. Later on that week we experienced the gay scene in Amsterdam where we visited some gay bars in small groups of participants. The participants also got the opportunity to show their cooking skills where they were presented with a bag of different products and had to improvise a meal out of the available products. After dinner, the groups prepared themselves for a night walk, a “dropping” as one would say in Dutch. The groups got in the car where they got blindfolded. They got some clues about where to go, and what to do and after some hours of walking and getting cold the lost participants were picked up and brought back for a hot shower and some glühwein.  On the 30^th of December, we all went to explore the city of Amsterdam where we had a city tour, and visited the Heinkenmuseum. After that we had dinner and went to explore Amsterdam’s gay and heterosexual nightlife.

The next day we had a busy schedule in front of us. After the participants were divided into couples, they had to try and hitchhike to Gouda. Everyone started to hitchhike at the official hitchhiking stop. After waiting for some cars and asking drivers if they were going into the direction of Gouda, the first couple managed to get a ride in less than half an hour.  Everyone arrived in Gouda safe and sound where they were awaited by an AEGEE guide who was ready to give a city tour. After this, it was time to go back to Utrecht by train to enjoy a special dinner where the tables were covered in aluminum foil and everybody was able to make a drawing of mayonnaise or ketchup.  A lot of fries and some typical Dutch snacks like “frikadel, kroket, and kaassoufle” were placed on the aluminium covered table. After everybody was ready, we all went to the van Lieflandlaan party to celebrate New Year’s eve. This was a big party with around 300 people. At 23:50 everybody went to the roof of the building and waited till the year ended where the crowds started the countdown to 2012. At 00:00 everyone screamed “Happy New Year!” and started to kiss everybody and celebrate the beginning of 2012. From this floor, you could see the amazing fireworks which were lid everywhere in the city. On the 1st of January everybody just slept for a couple of hours, recovering from the night before. However, we had to be gone before 11:00 for the New Year’s dive.

After bringing the swim clothes and towels everyone was brought to the  “Maarsseveense plassen” (lakes) to participate in the New Year’s dive. Having arrived, the group saw a new challenge; they should start the New Year a bit different where they all ran in the water at 12.00 with a group of 40 local people. This was the way to start the New Year.  After this freezing moment, everybody got some typical Dutch sausages and pea soup and could hit the showers. Around 18:00 everybody prepared themselves to go out for a farewell dinner. After having enjoyed their meals, the group went to club “Ekko” where there was a lounge party. After hanging and chilling, the whole group came back to the location, where they played some card games. On the 2nd of January it was time to say goodbye. That was the end of an amazing event full of new memories from nice people, activities and crazy anecdotes.

Written by Miriam Frantzen and Johan van Houten, AEGEE-Utrecht

Photos by Simon Bak and participants