Adam Leng “My Experience”

1. Adam Leng “My Experience” Think RO 14th – 21st May 2012

2. DAY 1 • After meeting most people briefly the previous night, Now we would get the chance to chat to everyone as we sat down in a class environment and our 1st task was to get to know the people sitting next to us. • I intervieved two pleasant people In Irena from Slovakia Veronika from Czech Republic then presented information about them to the group. • In our next task we were presented with the 9 types of intelligence, what they are and how we used them. • Linguistic / Verbal, Spatial / Visual, Bodily-Kinesthetic/Tactile, Musical / Auditory, Interpersonal / Social, Logical – Mathematical, Intrapersonal / Existential, Naturalistic. • This was something new to me as It really made me think which ones I use on an everyday basis. I decide 2 of the above I use more than the rest (Verbal & Vocal) however depending on the situation I may use any of the above. • Our thoughts on Romania and Learning the language, it was interesting to see the other peoples opinions on Romania as when I lived in the UK I thought the same. However as I have lived in Bulgaria and had a lot of contact with Romanian people my views did slightly differ to that of some of the group. • The Romanian language learning was very important for me as I would like to know a few words as it breaks the ice between people especially in my line of work. I found reading the words easy however pronunciation a little more difficult. To sum it up the 1st day was impressive and was looking forward to more.

3. Day 2 • In the morning we travelled to the Highschool of Arts “Marin Sorescu” to see some local students perform. I was very interested to see how the Romanian traditional songs and dancers are Below is me with a traditional Singer who graduated the school a few years ago. • We then went to see the the churches around the town of Craiova very impressive indeed. Learning traditional dancing - Not being a dancer myself I was a little hesitant however the 2 girls and instructor were very good and patient , All the group enjoyed the Hora Intercultural evening - This was something before the workshop I was really looking forward to and it did not disappoint was a great evening with each person presenting there country and along the way we learned a little about each one from Romania, Bulgaria/UK, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Turkey, Poland and Malta. (picture left)

4. Day 3 • Going to the museum of Oltenia, we went through the decades of the history of how the region was through the times. The discussion about cultural differences from the Uk is massive, this would have been a massive shock for me if I had never been to the Balkans before. • Workshop and Carving - my farther is very good at carving and this is a keen hobby of his, I also did this at school however that was a long time ago  . The teacher was very clear and helpful and in the end we all managed 10 or 9 and ½ carved spoons • Games evening a nice relaxing end to the night playing traditional Romanian games

5. Day 4 • A nice walk around the town of Craiova to see the most influential buildings in the town some lovely architecture Below university of Craiova (left) Muniplicity (right) • During the afternoon we had a presentation on the works of Brancuși, the presenter had studied the works for many years and was very passionate about his works. Which is always good when presenting it to a group.

6. Day 5 • We set of in the morning to the town of Targu-Jiu. A lovely town with a lot of history. • Here in the back is the endless column assembled by Brâncuşi's friend engineer Ştefan Georgescu-Gorjan • Later in the day we departed to a small mountain hamlet called Ranca, this brought back memories of my town in Bulgaria as it was a small ski resort with great mountain scenery and fresh clean air. (below Ranca)

7. Day 6 • Leaving early from Ranca to the town of Novaci, a very traditional town were we say a festival with the locals singing and dancing • After this we travelled to a large market in the middle of a large forest and had a magnificent traditional Romanian lunch. (the weather helped) • A visit to the Cozia Monastery followed in the afternoon • The evening brought a sombre mood as this was our last meal together as the following morning we would depart to Bucharest Airport 

8. Overall thoughts • My main reasons for choosing this workshop were to learn more about Romania and its people. I feel I acomplished this. • The program was just right taking in many parts of Romania its history and culture I know know I will use this in my everyday life and will help me in my future goals. • Not only did I learn about Romania I made 11 friends all from different countries who I really enjoyed there company Victor, Anca, Martin, Nansija, Kubra, Alper, Katrin, Irena, Vitalija, Bogus, and Veronika all of whom I learnt something from and who I would like to keep in contact with them. • I would like to praise both Anca and Victor for there professionalism throughout as I know Its not easy answering and looking after 10 tourists for 10+ hours a day, 10/10  • Anyone else who reads this and is thinking of participating in a workshop like this I advise do it you will not regret it, I feel this was one of the best experiences of my lifetime and I’am sure if you ask the other participants they will feel the same. I was very sad to say goodbye and leave. Adam Leng