We had high expectations of this Youth Exchange and approached the project with a desire to learn more about German culture. Held June 20-28 in tiny Neuenhagen a few kilometers from Berlin, we can consider the “Fair Play” project an extremely positive experience.
Right from the start, we found a different environment from what we are used to, as we were sleeping in tents on a cot! Perhaps because of this, it was easy to settle in and make friends with all the participants, despite the cultural and linguistic differences.
The project was characterized by sports: there were soccer training sessions followed by short matches between the 4 teams formed, and it was precisely the Italian team, composed of Daniele and Jacopo, that directed the training and organized the matches.
The idea of using sports as a means of uniting cultures and young people, in this case, soccer, worked perfectly well. Clearly, there was no shortage of pure relaxation. In fact, for two afternoons we were able to enjoy the swimming pool in Neuenhagen.
It was an excellent opportunity to discover the traditions of other countries and practice English.
Other activities helped to strengthen this spirit: the excursion on the first day to the ‘climbing forest’ and the visit to Berlin. The latter in particular was extremely interesting: the organizers created a very detailed tour that allowed us to see the city’s main monuments and sites. Each of us had the task of briefly illustrating and explaining one particular point of Berlin so that we were fully immersed in discovering the city. In addition, we ate at an excellent Indian restaurant that allowed everyone to discover dishes other than the typical German ones.
Finally, the last evening before departures was made enjoyable by the barbecue organized by the local guys who delighted us with some very good sausage and grilled corn. No doubt we will try to participate in another project. A big thank you goes to the CESIE Association and the organizers who made this wonderful opportunity possible!
Daniele and Jacopo
