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ESC for beginners: pickles in one hand, life lessons in the other
Chapter 1 Even before I finally finished packing for one year abroad (which felt like cramming a circus into a shoebox), I was already imagining what I’d write in this first report. I had been reading all the other articles from volunteers, thinking of what I’d say when it was finally my turn. Now that…
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VOICES September 2024
Once we were an earthling. Cherishing the simplest moment came together with breathing. We would open our eyes and smile to the sun tickling our cheek through the window or greet the rain knocking gently on the windowsill. Having a coffee with a tint of milk or a fruit tea in the cosiest place at…
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Embracing a healthy lifestyle: A simple guide
Living a healthy lifestyle means making choices that help you feel good both physically and mentally. Being healthy doesn’t only mean eating well or exercising, it has a lot more to it. It’s physically and mentally important to stay healthy, it also has a lot of benefits. Here’s how you can do it in a…
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Fierce struggle in cool water
We know that water is life and we can see it everywhere. 70% of Earth is water. But did you know that there are more than 50 water sports in the world? Some of them are done in pools, but some of them in natural waters, like rivers, lakes, seas or oceans. Let’s investigate open-water…
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Into the uncanny valley
Imagine watching a high-budget movie, where animated characters are almost indistinguishable from real actors, yet something about their movements makes your skin crawl. Maybe you’ve seen those eerie human-shaped robots that try to mimic human behavior, but end up feeling more alien than familiar. Or a face with too much botox that seems normal, except…
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Art and Activism in Abandoned Railway Stations in Greece
The abandonment of train stations in Greece invites reflection on the country’s socio-economic transformations and infrastructural challenges. Once bustling hubs of activity, many of these stations have ceased operations, creating a stark contrast between their vibrant past and desolate present. This has sparked discussions among local communities about the underlying causes. Key factors include the…
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Tako Mako – The Gemstone of the Old Bazaar
Sometimes, when you least expect it, you meet kind people who invite you to share a meal. This happened to me when my aunt visited Skopje in March. After the sun had set, we walked from the Kale Fortress to the Old Bazaar, searching for a coffee place. To our surprise, the streets were empty.…
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Small winged miracles on earth
Butterflies have existed in the world for centuries. With their many varieties, we think of their beauty but also their short lifespan. However, there are a lot of interesting facts about butterflies that we do not know. There are approximately 150.000 species of butterflies known in the world. More than 100 types of butterflies live…
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Get Poisoned By Art: Stendhal Syndrome
People can be poisoned by the food they eat. When the right chemicals do not enter the body, our body tries to create a reaction to this and fights the poison. So, what happens to us if the food we feed our souls is poisonous? Art is food for the soul. In other words, any…
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Syriac Orthodox Church
The Syriac Orthodox Church is one of the oldest churches. It was founded by the Apostle Peter in 34 AD. The Syriac Patriarch carries the office of the Apostle Peter and is his legal successor. The number of people belonging to the Syriac Orthodox Church is approximately 5,500,000. They speak Aramaic, the language spoken by…
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Galicnik Wedding – a timeless tradition
After driving through the curvy roads of Mavrovo, you can find yourself in one of the oldest villages in Macedonia. The Mijaks (Мијаци) first founded Galičnik, which was one of their main towns, but traces of them can be seen all over the country. They were known for their craftsmanship, especially their talent for wood,…
