16-31 July 2005 Cadiz, SPAIN

Organized by SCM - ASTRA 

The exchange youth program – it happened to be the best way to experience Spain. The hosts made unbelievable time for the youth group from Bulgaria, Estonia, Italy and Germany. The Spanish organized amusing games that helped us to learn a lot about each other, about our countries and certain stereotypes. In this friendly atmosphere we discussed the problem of alienation - which was the main topic of the exchange program. The most entertaining part when all our artistic talents were exposed, was the theatre where every group presented their view on alienation. There we noticed some true stars…

The program was rich and full of activities in wonderful places. It included the sunny beach of Cadiz, the famous beach of Tarifa “Punta Paloma” and this followed by the natural park of cork oak groves. We all conquered the Peak Picacho, some of us wearing sandals, including myself. We also climbed on the rocks like real alpinists.

We have the change to visit Gibraltar. We saw Morocco in the mist and learned a lot about the African immigrants that risk their lives to reach Europe. Some of us made friends with the Gibraltar monkeys. They were not afraid of their relatives and felt comfortable to sit on our hands or even on our heads.

We enjoyed the Spanish landscapes, the windmills, the vineyards. In Jerez we degustated original Cherry like experts and now we still remember on the tongue and the palate the taste of number 4 and 5. Jerez amazed us with the Arab castle, it’s gorgeous garden, the zoo.

I simply cannot miss the parties with sangria , the dancing lessons of salsa and the Spanish music that turned our evenings into romantic summer nights. The Spanish were so friendly – they organized for us flamenco show and a trip to El Puerto, where life begins in the evening.

At the end of our stay each group had to present their country and to prepare national lunch or dinner. We had to match the high standart of Spanish food – so we work as a team, concentrated but still singing while cooking. At the Bulgarian national night we were singing and dancing and it came straight from our hearts. Bobby with his deep and powerful voice made us very proud, singing “Yovano, Yovanke”.

At the next day we had to leave. We keep best memories from Spain and hope we will keep in touch and see again in the future.