Let’s cook in nature – Erasmus+ Youth Exchange

Ledupark

The Let’s Cook in Nature Erasmus+ youth exchange was hosted in a park around ten kilometers from Valsinni, a small town in south Italy. The two hosts were Francesca and Antonio, who were both very kind and caring. Antonio did not speak any English, but he tried. Sometimes it was a challenge to communicate with him, but it was definitely fun. Francesca’s English wasn’t perfect, but she tried too, and became much better at it during the exchange, so we are not the only ones to benefit from this program.

The camp was very cute, half of the students and Youth Leaders were living in tents, while the other half was living in bungalows. The ones living in the tents got a sleeping bag, a sturdy mattress, and a blanket, so the tents weren’t too uncomfortable. They were absolutely suitable for 3 students, even 5.

You had two options for the bathrooms; you could either use the ones in the bungalows (if the students living there let you) or use the bathrooms outdoors

The cafeteria was well equipped with furniture, and there were board and card games if you wanted to play something. There were always paper cups and water if you were thirsty during the day.

The national nights, along with most of the other activities, were hosted in the cafeteria.

There were also hidden statues, gnomes and little houses in the woods. Overall, the camp was well-equipped, beautiful and nice, the workers were also kind, and you could always ask them for help.

Mika Rácz

Outdoor programmes, excurtions

During the two weeks of this programme we had several outdoor activities, such as going to a beach, or visiting some beautiful cities.  We also visited a farm with animals and plants.

The first program outside of the camp was in the near city Valsinni. We went to a castle at the beginning, where they told us the story of the building and a medieval poetess with a tragic fate, named Isabella Morra. Then we took part in an interesting treasure hunting game, with the help of the people from the village. It was a fun activity except for the extremely hot weather.

A few days later we had our second program outside, this time in Matera. After a long ride on a bus, the hosts gave us a little tour in the town. After the tour, we had a few hours of free time to explore the city. It was really worth it because the city was beautiful. We walked up to some caves further from the city in the sun, but the view to the buildings was absolutely gorgeous.

The next time we left the camp we had two programmes. For the first part of the programme was in this organic farm nearby. We saw a lot of animals, and they explained to us how they maintain the plants part of the farm. After some time spent on the farm, we got on the bus for our first swim in Policoro’s beach. We spent a few hours by the sea, it was really fun, and the water was perfect. Overall, the day’s programme was good, but it was a bit too hot for the farm.

The next activity outside was a shorter walk to the nearby mountain, called Monte Coppolo. The hike started in the morning, to avoid the biggest heat. The hike was not too long and it was easy for everybody. The view from the top was beautiful. We spent some time on the top, but it was a bit too much.

The last outdoor programme was visiting a seaside again. This time we went to another beach, which was not as good, as the first one. It was small, and there were a bit too many people for me personally. Afterall I think the activities were enjoyable and fun, I am glad that I could  participate in this great project.

Ákos Pszota

Intercultural days, national evenings

The first national night was Italian. At first when we arrived to the dining place they gave us a bracelet. And they drew an Italian flag on our face. They invited a lot of people from Valsinni. The food was delicious, but nothing any special because while we stayed in this place, we almost always ate the same type of food. We ate tiramisu, pasta, dried peppers, and a few more Italian foods. After the dinner we watched some videos about Italy and played a Kahoot about Italian gesticulations. Then we started the party. At first, we sang karaoke and after that we danced Just Dance. I think it was a good national night with a good party.

The second national night was Hungarian. We prepared a lot for this night. We made “paprikás krumpli”, “babgulyás” and “tejbegríz”. When the guests arrived, at first we said a toast, after that they tried our food. I think not all of them liked our food, especially the Spanish and the Italian team. After dinner we showed them 3 videos about our school then we played 2 Kahoots about random facts, and Hungarian inventors. For the second Kahoot they didn’t have enough enthusiasm. When we finished the games, we gave them the samples of what we brought them from Hungary. After that we went outside and taught them the “Ördögútja” folk dance. They really liked it, but at the end they seemed very tired. That was the Hungarian night. I think everyone liked it, but I think, maybe the next time we should only do one Kahoot.

The third national night was Spanish. In the timetable the third night had to be the Polish, but they switched. When we arrived they didn’t do anything for welcoming. They made tomato soup, tapas, “patatas bravas”, “tortila de patatas”, and fur bread with cinnamon and sugar. They didn’t make enough food, so they ran out of everything and everybody was hungry. And during dinner they turned on the TV and started watching football. It was a bit embarrassing. After the lunch they showed us a video about Spain, and then we played a Kahoot. After the game they continued watching the football game. And that was the Spanish night. I think that was the worth night. They didn’t really care about their guests. They didn’t make enough food. Except the Spanish guys, I think nobody really enjoyed the night.

The fourth national night was Polish. For welcoming they were really nice. They dressed up fancy. They were so sweet. They made two types of fruit drink, apple pie, potato pancakes with sour cream, “pierogi” and a type of cheesecake. After the dinner we watched a video about Poland, then played a Kahoot. After the game they gave us tasters they brought from Poland. The snacks were good. For the end of the night they taught us two Polish dances. I really liked the dances, and I think others did too. And that was the Polish night. I really enjoyed it. The food was great, the Polish guys were handsome, the dances were good.

The last national night was Ukrainian. When we arrived, they said that we were going to saw a traditional Ukrainian wedding. When we step in all the Ukrainians were there. We sat down and we didn’t have to stand up for food because they served us. They made rice, eggplant roll filled with some type of sour cream, filled TV pepper, and crepe with homemade jam and sour cream. The food was delicious. They were so handsome and smiley. After the dinner we went outside, and they showed us a traditional Ukrainian dance. They were really good. After that we danced with them and played seat holder to Ukrainian songs. It was fun. Then we had a party, but after a while the Spanish team got the speaker and only Spanish songs followed. That was the Ukrainian night. I think it was the best. They prepared the most for this night, and it was noticeable.

Véta Varga

Workshops

The topic of this Erasmus project was sustainability, learn to cook with organic, bio, natural ingredients. Participants had the opportunity to learn cooking from a professional Italian chef, Antonio, get to start from the beginning step by step integrating healthy food into our diet. One day a food dietitian came to visit us, she did such a lovely presentation about mediterranean cuisine, talking about food pyramid, how can we get all the supplements, nutrients just with food, without the need for extra vitamins, pills. She explained the secret of the mediterranean cuisine for example they eat a lot of veggies, fruits, freshly produced local dairy products, meat. She talked about natural and produced fats, sugars, and how to find the balance in our diet as well. She mentioned all the diseases what we can have if we don’t eat healthy, and how important it is to being aware of what we put into our mouth. After the presentation we had group work to create a healthy meal which represents our national cuisine.

Next day a man, called Stefano Bellomo did an excellent workshop with us, it was such an amazing work we did. So first he talked about climate change generally, and greenhouse effect, global problems which affects everyone, but mostly people who live in bad conditions, no drinking water, hot area without education, schools, food etc. We were talking about climate justice, activism. Next, we created groups and we had to draw a Venn diagram with 3 circles. First all of us did sketch writing down the things give joy to us, second the things we are good at in, finally the actions, things the world needs. And then we wrote into the circles the words which were common, same for many of us. At the end of this workshop we presented our Venn diagram, and our mission, goals, plans how to make the world better, more sustainable and livable for all of us. We found the solution in education worldwide, for women as well, because that’s the base of everything to be educated, have knowledge, and be aware of what happening around us to actually take good actions. At the end of our project, we had to do a video about food waste, zero waste lifestyle to show a good example how easy it is to reduce our waste. My team did an animation about food waste, especially how we can avoid it. For example, giving leftover food to homeless people, cook a new recipe from leftover ingredients, dying your clothes with vegetable skins (beetroot, onion) and so on. I really enjoyed to draw all the pictures, icons.

Overall, it was an amazing learning process, I met amazing presenters, who had a huge knowledge about the topic, they taught me a lot, and I never forget these workshops.

Eszti Rosta

Cooking in the kitchen

The exchange students helped make lunch and dinner. There were about 5 of us working in the kitchen at any given point, plus our team leader, the chef, and sometimes more staff. This meant we could work very efficiently and without much of the discomfort that can arise from cooking alone. We didn’t have to juggle five different tasks, so work was rather chill, and if someone didn’t want to do a certain task, they could simply switch with someone who did. Of course, even with so many of us working simultaneously, there was still much to do, so there wasn’t much standing around, but you could go and drink a glass of water and the kitchen would not fall apart and burst into flames.

We made quite a few pasta dishes, which was unsurprising, but still very welcome. Besides pasta, we mostly ate veggies and some fruits, and not a whole lot of meat.

We learned quite a bit about kitchen safety, in both a cleanliness way and a not-cutting-your-fingers-off way. To elaborate, we now know how to properly clean and disinfect our tables and such, and we know how to peel and cut things safely and how to work around very hot surfaces and appliances.

We had the chance to work with an oil frier, which was a completely new experience for me, and as scary as it was to use it at first, I now know how it works.

We learned quite a bit about what foods to use too, for example, what parts of veggies we should cut off and what parts were safe to eat. We also had a specific “food waste” bucket, which was quite a smart idea, in my opinion.

The knowledge I have obtained here is very useful in day to day life, so I’m glad to have attended this Erasmus. 

Borcsi Hős

Collaboration

As a group leader, my primary responsibility was for the Hungarian students. I had to ensure their preparation beforehand and make sure they always knew what their tasks were during the event. We encountered unforeseen force majeure situations that we had to resolve (e.g., missing our bus due to a delayed flight, arriving at our accommodation at dawn instead of in the afternoon, hungry and soaking wet, etc.). Once again, I was proud that the Hungarian team was absolutely cooperative and creative. We organized a fantastic national evening and cooked a delicious dinner. The Italian hosts also highlighted that the student of Poli could be relied upon at any time.

Another area of collaboration involved regular meetings and coordination with group leaders from other countries. While the hosts were very kind, there were situations where I had to suggest changes to the pre-planned program to prioritize my students’ interests. Additionally, it was sometimes challenging that not every country’s group leader was equally active and motivated. Fortunately, open communication once again proved helpful, and we overcame the difficulties, enriching our experience throughout the project.

Szöllősy Zoltán