Belgium in Wonderland

When I arrived in Osijek it was still winter, which means very cold with snow in this part of Croatia. It was quiet, grey and the streets were empty. People did not come out if they did not need to, as if the city was hibernating. So let’s say it was not love at first sight. But then I saw the transformation to summer and it was amazing. Where were all these bicycles, nice terraces and vibrant colours before? Osijek in winter Osijek is a city hidden in the outmost Northeast of Croatia, often forgotten even by Croatians themselves. ‘Really?’, the receptionist of a hostel in Zagreb answered in disbelief when I told her I liked Osijek. She probably hoped to hear a decisive ‘no’ followed by praise for her own city, the capital. I was not so sorry to disappoint her. Several months earlier, this time in a hostel in Rijeka, the receptionist wondered why people in Slavonia do not use their lands to farm and thus climb up the economic latter (‘they are more primitive there, you know’). H...

For 6,5 months I can call myself an EVS-volunteer at Volunteer Centre Osijek , Croatia. EVS stands for European Volunteer Service and is a program funded by the European Commission to promote solidarity and exchange within the EU. You can find all kinds of projects you can apply for, ranging from ecological over cultural to social activities but it is always for volunteers between 18 and 30 years old who go abroad. In this way there is always a social and cultural side to the project, because you drop yourself in a completely new environment. There are a sending organisation (from the volunteer’s country of residence) and a receiving organisation (where the EVS takes place) involved who organise the project and support the volunteer before, during and after this period. The volunteer (that’s me!) is supported financially as well as with travel costs, a place to stay, money for food, some pocket money and language training. There is also an on-arrival training organised by Red Cross...