25

Interview

For this LINK’s edition, I interviewed the one and only Marlena Kaczamarek, a volunteer from Poland, who was living in Kalamata for 2 months and is now leaving.

Interviewer: When you compare Polish and Greek mentality, can you see any differences? Marlena: Openness, I think that on the first glance the Polish people aren't that open. Also, here there is this popular 'siga siga' mentality. In Poland, I have never experienced such a thing, that people work and live that slowly. But maybe it's a good thing because they may enjoy life more. Also, that everyone here is late (including me): in Poland it doesn't happen that often.

Interviewer: What do you like about Greece and Kalamata the most?

ESC Volunteer

Name Marlena Kaczmarek Nationality Polish Hosting organisation K.A.NE. Volunteering project Unity in Diversity Place Kalamata | GREECE

Marlena: I love that wherever you go here, you might find something interesting like banana trees, basil bushes or palm trees. Sometimes you might bump into fig trees and accidentally steal some of their fruits. And of course I love the sea, it makes me calm.

Interviewer: Did you have any cultural shock on your arrival? Marlena: Yes, I had! To be precise, I'm amazed by this all the time. There are no beach thieves. I'm not afraid of leaving my phone on the beach and going to the water because I know that when I'm back, the phone will still be there. In touristic places I visited before, I would never just leave the phone on the sunbed.

Interviewer: Back in Poland, do you have any Greek stereotypes? And are they true? Marlena: We have this expression 'to pretend that you are a Greek' which means that you pretend that you don't know something, but the other party knows that you know it. Also, in Poland there's a stereotype saying that Greek people are lazy, but I dont think it's true.

Interviewer: What do you do when you're not working? Marlena: Cooking. I cook a lot here and also try to experience new things like new cousine, views (the best are from the mountains) or just go to the beach and relax there (boring, I know!).

Interviewer: Did you miss something from Poland? Marlena: My bike, I really miss riding my bike, exploring new forest paths and feeling super tired after all. Also, I miss pierogi - the best food in the world!

Interviewer: Did you have any expectations before the project started? Marlena: Well..I tried not to have any, but of course I had some, I wanted to develop myself as a person, gain new skills, learn new things and in the end prepare a podcast that I would show later to my future employer. But the reality is quite different, so let's just say that the expression 'don't expect anything' that is on the wall in the volunteers’ apartment is very accurate in my case.

Interviewer: Did you enjoy this project? Marlena: Yes, it was a nice experience, especially because it came after the quarantine. I felt that I needed to refresh my head and I did, so I'm really glad that I've taken part in it. And I would recommend it to anyone who's reading this right now. Give yourself a chance and go on ESC, it doesn't cost you anything except for your life courage.