LINK #165

LINK #165

Februar y 2021

February Festivities

1st

Content K.A.NE. VOLUNTEERS & COLLABORATORS 4-7 QUOTES OF THE WEEK CANZONA DI BACO 8-9 MARIANO JOSÉ DE LARRA GET TO KNOW US 10 - 13 THREE QUESTIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS HOW TO SAY? 14 - 15 RALPH WALDO EMERSON MAIN ARTICLE I 16 - 19 CHINESE NEW YEAR MAIN ARTICLE II 20 - 27 CHINESE ZODIAC CULTURAL CELEBRATION 30 - 32 A FRENCH CULTURAL CELEBRATION MY PROJECT 34 - 35 CLARA IN THE DOG RESCUE CENTER MY SENDING ORGANISATION 36 - 37 ADICE INTERVIEW WITH AN ESC VOLUNTEER 40 - 41 INTERVIEW WITH CLAIRE FROM FRANCE ART REVIEW 44 - 45 ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER PLACE TO TRAVEL 48 - 49 CRETE EVENTS 50 - 51 FUTURE EVENTS PAST EVENT 52 - 53 PANHELLENIC PUPPET FESTIVAL OF KALAMATA RECIPES 54 - 55 RECIPES FROM GERMANY

LINK

Editorial

PIL AR

EDITOR

VIRA

DESIGNER

fb.com/kane.kalamata

instagram.com/kanekalamata

info@ngokane.org www.ngokane.org www.kentroneon.wordpress.com +30 272 108 188 2 Salaminos 8 24100 Kalamata Greece

VOLUNTEERS ANNALI SA Hello! I am Annalisa, I come from the wonderful city of Bologna (Northern Italy). I have an academic background in International Relations (European Affairs) and look forward to become a project developer in international cooperation, tackling social issues through the participation of civil society. I am spending a year in Kalamata, volunteering at the K.A.NE’s office, helping out with the design and management of youth mobility and social projects.

CLAIRE Hello, my name is Claire Madrigal and I am 22 years old. I am studying a Master 1 Social and Environmental in Montpellier, France. I come from the South of France so I have a very pronounced accent. I have already lived in Ireland for a year so my level of English is quite good. I came to Kalamata for the Lysos Garden project but also for other projects such as echitherapy and Dogshelter. I am a very smiling person and always happy!

CLAR A Hey, my name is Clara, I'm 18 and I'm from France, more specifically Lille.

I wanted to go abroad to learn English, get out of school before resuming my studies and discovering new cultures. I am now a new volunteer at the Kalamata dog center for a period of 6 months.

EMMA Hi, I’m Emma, I come from France and I’m nineteen years old. I’m in Greece for six month as volunteer to discover lot of things, as much as possible, to improve my English and why not to learn Greek. So I work in a horse therapic center.

KASSAN D RA Hello! I am Kassandra and I come from Germany. I am eighteen years old and I’ve just finished school, so now I have time to experience something new and to travel. This is why I take part in the ESC in Kalamata for one year and I am pretty excited about it. I work in the Dog Rescue Center, because I love dogs and I want to support them.

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LAURE I’m Laure and I come from Lille, in France. I'm a nurse and student of psychology. I’m interested in health, psychology and environmental fields. I’m in Kalamata for six months. I will work with people who have disabilities in garden farmer.

PI L A R Hola! My name is Pilar, I’m 25 and I’m from Meco, a little town in the southeastern part of Madrid, Spain. I’m in Kalamata for 2 months and during my stay you’ll probably find me working in the dog shelter, feeding and playing with stray cats or just losing myself at the city.

TANI A Yuhu! My name is Tania. I come from a town in the northeast of Spain.

I studied psychology, although now I don’t have in mind to dedicate myself to it. Honestly, now what I want is to know new places and live new adventures. My life plan is to live in as many different countries as I can. I will stay in Kalamata for a year and I’m volunteer in The Dog Shelter. I love the nature, sea, music, photography and enjoying the life.

VAL E N T I N Bonjour (hello in English). My name is Valentin and I am a student in France.

I'm 21. I decided to go to Greece for several reasons, the first one being that I love this country, I regularly come to Greece during my holidays. I am also here for my studies, having some English gaps I come to perfect my English.

Finally I hope to meet many people during my 4 months in Kalamata.

VIKT O R Čau, I am Viktor, a 20 years old dude from Czech Republic. I’ll stay here until August 2021 so I will be here for a one whole year. Actually I have just moved from my parents house and this is for the first time when I am living on my own. Most of my time I watch some TV shows or read good books. Looking forward to writing many amazing articles for you.

VIRA

Доброго дня любі друзі! My name is Vira, I am 25 years old. Last year I gra-

duated with a Master's degree of Marketing and International Communication from the University of Economics in Katowice. I always believed that if a person really wants to achieve something, there are no boundaries to get it. I think so, because 3 years ago, before I came to Poland, I had a surgery on the spine that changed my life. Volunteering is close to me because I believe that only by supporting each other, teaching, talking - we can succeed, improve our lives on this planet.

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COLLABORATORS FI L A R E T OS Hello, I am Filaretos Vourkos. For the last 15 years I am working in the field of Non-formal education as a volunteer, youth worker and youth trainer. 10 years ago, I decided to create the Youth Centre of Kalamata, in order to initiate youth work in Kalamata and promote active citizenship as factor for change.

JELEN A Hi, I’m Jelena Scepanovic, an EVS coordinator in K.A.NE. and a volunteer of the Youth center. I came from Montenegro in 2012 as an EVS volunteer.

I really liked the idea of the youth center and the work that K.A.NE. does, so I decided to stay and be part of it.

NAN T I A N A Hello everyone! I am Nadiana, ESC & VET coordinator in K.A.NE over the last few years as well as Greek teacher. I am passionate in travelling around, meeting new people and organising festivals.

SPIR O S

ANNA

Hello, my name is Spiros Koutsogiannis and since the beginning of 2020 I am a project manager and responsible for the Research and Development department of KANE. I hold a degree in Civil Engineering and I have been working in the EU funded projects field since 2010, having implemented almost 65 projects.

Hi, I'm Anna Charalampous. I'm here to help with K.A.NE. social media, website and administration. I'm happy to be part of the team promoting youth work, education and volunteerism, both locally and globally.

NANC Y Hello World! I’m Nancy and I have been working in K.A.NE. since 2017 as a Project Manager and EVS/ESC coordinator. I’m passionate about meeting new people and exchanging knowledge, experiences and ideas. I love the fact that many young people visit every year my hometown Kalamata and contribute to our society.

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Quotes

of the week

8

I

II

El mundo todo es

Quant’è bella giovinezza,

máscaras. Todo el año es

che si fugge tuttavia!

Carnaval.

chi vuol esser lieto, sia: di doman non c’è certezza.

English translation:

English translation :

The whole world is masks.

What beauty lies in youth

It’s Carnival all year round.

yet ever so fleeting!

© Mariano José de Larra “El pobrecito hablador”

Let him who wants to, be happy for there is no certainty in tomorrow. © Lorenzo de’ Medici, “Canzona di Baco”

Author: ANNALISA

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KASSANDRA Of course Carnival because these days you can have a lot of fun with your friends.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FESTIVITY AND WHY? ANNALISA There are many festivals I love throughout the year, and of course I’m a big fan of Easter and Christmas, but maybe my favourite occasion is the Bologna Cioccoshow (a chocolate fair).

There, you can find cocoa mixed into any kind of food you can think of. And it’s in November, which is notoriously an otherwise very boring month.

CLAIRE La chandeleur because you can eat a lot of crepes and share a good moment with your family.

Is the only moment of the year where you can eat a sweet meal with your parents. I LOVE IT. CLARA My favorite festivitie for me it’s Halloween, because I really like the historical origin behind Halloween, but what I appreciate even more is its regressive nature! Dress up, walk the streets to collect sweets and play pranks, admire the scary decorations ...Nothing wakes my child's soul more than the Halloween party.

EMMA For me it’s Easter or Saint Nicolas because I’m found of chocolate.

LAURE I was born on July 14, 1995. It’s a french national day to celebrate an important moment in the story of France. It’s an iconic day in french Revolution. Each year in each french city for this day there are beautiful fireworks. So for me it's also the moment to celebrate my birthday.

PILAR It’s difficult to choose but I would say Carnival.

It’s such a colorful and bright full festivitie! I love that entire populations go to the streets to sing, to dance, to have a great time, all while wearing costumes. A festivitie in which all the people go nuts in costumes? I’m all in.

TANIA The Verbena of San Juan on the night of June 23, a festivity where the summer solstice is celebrated and the streets are full of people celebrating with bonfires on the beach, fireworks, music and dancing. But, if you are afraid of firecrackers, this festivity is not for you...

VALENTIN I would say the gastronomy festival on the 23rd of September, because food and good cooking, as we say in France, is life.

VIKTOR I really like Día de los Muertos, I have never celebrated it but I would like to experience it one time.

VIRA Holi - is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the "festival of spring", the "festival of colours", and the "festival of love". The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil.

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I N YO U R CO U N T RY, DO YO U H AVE A S P E CI F I C F E S T I VI TY O R A U N I Q U E L O CA L TR A D ITI O N F O R TH IS MON T H ?

ANNALISA Carnival is a big thing in Italy, especially in some areas celebrations are overwhelming. In the village where I grew up, for example, in 1870 some local upper middle class citizens founded the current setting, where the “king” of Carnival, Sandròń Spaviròń (a character originating in the puppet theaters’ tradition) closes the celebrations by reading his testament in dialect in which he basically gossips about the whole village. After the monologue (rigorously in rhymes), the statue of Sandròń (made of glue and paper) is burnt in the main square, and his garments thrown to random people in the audience

CLARA Epiphany. Celebrated on January 6 (or the first Sunday following New Year's Day), it is also commonly known as “Galette des Rois Day”. ... In the French tradition, we therefore wish you "Bonnes Fêtes", a "Merry Christmas" and a "Happy New Year"!

EMMA La chandeleur, a family moment with crepes.

KASSANDRA Yes, I think the German Carnival is very famous and especially in the West of Germany it is a big day.

LAURE Of course we have the Chandeleur. Lots of french people celebrate this moment with the family.

People eat lots of crepes and pancakes. For example, my native region “Brittany” is known to do the best crepes in France. So it’s very easy to find delicious crepes in this region.

CLAIRE Yes, we have La Chandeleur, we can eat pancakes with everyone!

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PILAR In Spain we have a lot of local customs and events for carnival, but one of my favourites is the Drag Queen Gala of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (1998, Canary Islands).The Gala is an open public show in which the main event is a pageant of drag queens, including also music and dance performances. The drag queens have to do a musical performance, in which the artistic display,the dance, and the interpretation are valued. In the contest rules there is no gen-

der or sexual orientation limitation, althought the participants are mostly gay men. Because of coronavirus, the dates for Las Palmas carnival had changed, and it’s uncertain if they would be able to do the Gala this year as before, but this surely won't stop the drags to perform: show must go on!

TANIA The Burial of the Sardine is an old tradition that is celebrated not only in Spain, but also in Latin American countries. It serves to say goodbye to Carnival and welcome Lent, and mixes elements of both. For this reason, although with an appearance of mourning and formality, the streets are filled with carnival floats in which a sardine is mourned and finally burned, ironizing the great loss and extending the fun one more day.

VALENTIN In France we have Candlemas which is celebrated on February 2nd at which we put away the Christmas cot. It is the last celebration that concludes the Christmas cycle.

Candlemas is celebrated as a secular festival as a pancake day, so it’s customary to prepare and eat pancakes as a family.

VIKTOR In late February 1948, the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, with Soviet backing, assumed undisputed control over the government of Czechoslovakia, we call it “Vítězný únor”. This is really important to us not forget about this because that time we lost our freedom and we should be thankful for what we have now.

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VIRA Maslenitsa - is an Eastern Slavic religious and folk holiday, which has retained a number of elements of Slavic mythology in its ritual, celebrated during the last week before Great Lent, that is, the eighth week before Eastern Orthodox Pascha.

The date of Maslenitsa changes every year depending on the date of the celebration of Easter. It corresponds to the Western Christian Carnival, except that Orthodox Lent begins on a Monday instead of a Wednesday, and the Orthodox date of Easter can differ greatly from the Western Christian date.

The traditional attributes of the Maslenitsa celebration are the scarecrow of Maslenitsa, sleigh rides, festivities. Russians bake pancakes and tortillas, Belarusians and Ukrainians bake dumplings, cheese cakes.

W H AT D O YOU LIK E TH E M OS T A B OU T C A R N IVA L? ANNALISA As a child, the costumes and the colours. Now, of course, the food (in my area the specialties are fried pastries).

CLAIRE I don’t like Carnival sorry, it scared me bruh!

(Mostly the people on the big costumes, they are so tall).

CLARA I like carnival because I like candy, disguises and especially noise.

PILAR The imagination that people display into their costumes!

TANIA The atmosphere of fun and madness of the streets.

EMMA The mood with a lot of people, fun, costumes, and beers!

KASSANDRA To have fun with my friends.

VALENTIN I usually don’t celebrate carnival, but I would say the costumes VIKTOR I can put on a costume and for a short time pretend that I am someone else.

LAURE For my part, I love sparkling colors as coral, purple and I can find these colors during carnaval.

But, the main point for me it’s the music!

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VIRA Because it's a bright teaser that makes people shyless when during cold winter.

HOW TO SAY?

“ L ife wil l s h o w you m a s k s t h yo ur ca rn iva l s” — Ralp h Wald o Eme rs o n

L a v ie vo u s montrera d e s ma s q u e s q u i valent t o u s vo s c a rn avals

Ż y c ie p o k a ż e Ci ma s k i, k t ó re s ą war te ws zy s t k ich k a rn awałów

Η ζωή θα σου δείξει μάσκες που αξίζουν για όλα τα καρναβάλια σου

Ž ivo t t i u k á ž e masky, k t e ré s t o jí za v šechny t v é k a rn eva ly

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ha t a re wort h all

Das Leben w i rd I h n e n Masken z ei g e n , d i e a l l I hren Kar n eva l w e r t sind

La vita ti farà vedere maschere che valgono tutti i tuoi carnevali

La vi da te ha r á v e r m á s car as que va l e n t o d o s tus c a r n ava l e s

Ж итт я по к а ж е в а м маски, які в а р т і в с і х ваших к а р н а в а л і в

Author: ANNALISA

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CHINESE NEW YEAR 16

Author: PILAR

WHAT IS THE SPRING FESTIVAL?

T

he Chinese New Year in China is also called Spring Festival as this holiday used to mark the end of the coldest days. People welcome spring and what it brings along: planting and harvests, new beginnings and fresh starts. The Spring Festival is a time of celebration to welcome the new year and let fortune and happiness continue on. At the same time, the Spring Festival involves somber ceremonies to wish for a good harvest.

WHEN IS CHINESE NEW YEAR? For the holidays and special days in China is used the lunar calendar, so there is not a fixed date for the new year. This year it would be on Friday, February 12th.

HOW LONG IS CHINESE NEW YEAR? 16 Days. Celebrations last up to 16 days, but only the first 7 days are considered a public holiday (February 11th–17th, 2021).

WHAT ANIMAL IS FOR 2021?

Ox HOW TO WISH A HAPPY NEW YEAR IN CHINESE?

The Chinese New Year has more than 4,000 years of history and is the longest holiday of the year. In 2021,Chinese New Year begins on February 12th and ends February 26th with the Lantern Festival.

The Spring Festival is long and has specific activities and traditions for each day. As usual, they vary between regions.

Here is a short summary of what may be on the schedule:

THE LEGEND OF NIÁN: CHINESE NEW YEAR STORY

E

very year, the horrendous monster Nián would terrorize villages.

Hungry from its year-long slumber, Nian, a ferocious beast that strikes terror in the heart of every living being, would wake up to wreak havoc. It would eat everything, from mosquitos to human beings, It would descend upon villages and have its fill.

Everyone knew about the beast that would come down from the mountain on the eve of Chinese New Year.

One year,in a remote village in China, a beggar came to seek shelter, but everyone was hurrying away.

xīn nián kuài lè

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Only an old woman took him in and, in return, he promised to chase Nian away. He busied himself with decorating the homes with red papers on the doors.At midnight, Nian lumbered in but stopped short when it saw the red paper on the doors.

Suddenly, the beggar burst through the door banging loudly on a drum Covering its ears with its paws, the creature cowered in fear.

As it roared in anger, firecrackers suddenly sounded and it trembled in fear. When it saw the beggar, dressed in red, laughing at it, it could only run away.

The villagers came back the next day and were pleasantly surprised that the homes were all still standing.

THIS PUN REPRESENTS THAT GOOD FORTUNE IS COMING, OR IS ALREADY HERE The old woman shared, “The beggar whom you turned away last night taught me how to get rid of the monster. A Nian is afraid of the colour red,

bright flashes and loud noises!” Soon, news of how to keep the monster away spread far and wide.So the villagers decided that on that day, they would prepare a feast and dine before the ancestors for protection, as well as to decorate their houses with bright and loud red. At midnight, they also fire firetracteks to scare off Nian and prevent it from returning.

Usually, Chinese people decorate by hanging up certain words. The most common word is fu, happiness and good fortune. It is written with calligraphy onto a square piece of red paper.

These can then be pasted onto walls, doors or windows. As a play on words, many like to put fu upside down. The word for “upside down” Dào is a homophone of “here” .

HONG BAO

T

he most important part of Chinese New Year is the family reunion. Everyone should come back home for the New Year’s Eve dinner. But since in modern China, most elderly parents live in rural villages while their children work in the cities. The migration back home and to go on vacation is called chunyu, or Spring Migration: causing the largest human migration in the world due to china overpopulation.

It can be said that Chinese culture is based on Confucianism. This philosophy emphasizes manners, politeness and respect. Age, status and rank are in grained in actions.

Especially since having children and passing down the family name is one of the most important parts in Chinese culture. The act of greeting and blessing during Chinese New Year is called (bài nián), which literally means to pay a visit for the New Years.

Don’t forget to bring gifts! In return, the grandparents and elders will give the younger generation red envelopes with money: (hóng bāo).

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By giving the money to children, elders are hoping to pass on a year of good fortune and blessings.

Another version is given by the younger generation to their elders as a blessing of longevity and a show of gratitude. They can also be given between bosses and employees, co-workers, and friends.In some regions of China, rather than between generations, married couples will give red envelopes to their unmarried friends to transfer some luck. With the development of technology, digital red pockets are the trend now.

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CHINESE ZODIAC 20

SHENG XIAO

Author: TANIA

A

strology is one of the oldest Chinese arts.

For centuries, it has had a great influence on the lives of people and emperors. Today, it still has an important role in the lives of millions of people.

Unlike the western horoscope, where the sign of the zodiac is determined by the constellation where the Sun is located each day of the year, in the Chinese horoscope everything depends on the year in which you were born. Your date of birth determines the Chinese zodiac sign to which you belong and which, according to astrology, will determine your luck for the rest of your life.

The Chinese zodiac is a classification scheme based on the lunar calendar that operates on the concept of twelve animal signs and five elements that are paired in a rotating fashion to form a complete sixty-year cycle. Each animal in the Chinese zodiac represents specific years and each has distinct characteristics that influence the personalities of people born within a given year. In order, the zodiac animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.

in which they arrived determined the animal’s place in the zodiac. But there are many legends to explain the origin of the Chinese Zodiac.

Others say that Buddha, who before leaving for reincarnation, sent for all the animals on Earth to be summoned before him, however, only twelve appeared before him.

WHAT’S SIGN?

YOUR

ZODIAC

Y

our birth year determines your Chinese zodiac sign, but it can get tricky, as the lunar calendar varies from the solar, or Gregorian, calendar.

ORIGINS OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC

I

t is generally believed the origins of the Chinese zodiac are rooted in zoolatry, or animal worship, with the system dating back to the Qin dynasty, more than 2,000 years ago.

In ancient China, the use of the titles of the emperors and the ganzhi celestial system was applied to enumerate the years, thus in the year 2937 BC. The first Chinese lunar calendar was developed, according to which each sign consists of 60 years - time of the reign of the Yellow Emperor -, distributed in five cycles of twelve years each. It was from the Eastern Han dynasty (25-220), when the Chinese began to use the twelve animal signs in order.

The lunar year ends 10, 11 or 12 days before, so every certain years, one or two months are added, since it consists of 29 and a half days in each of the 12 months that comprise it, which ends up being a year in three ways: the first, with six small months (29 days) and six large (30 days), the second, seven large and five small months, and the last, with five large and seven small. Ending with 354 days, 355 days and 353 days respectively. Because the dates of Chinese New Year change every year, individuals born in January or February will need to pay special attention to their birth date in addition to their birth year.

Legend has it that the Jade Emperor summoned all the animals to his palace in a “Great Race” (or possibly for a banquet), and the order

Here we leave you a table with the years that correspond to each sign. Find your year of birth and you will know their Chinese zodiac sign: 21

I

f you already know your Chinese zodiac sign, or are curious to explore them all, you can read the different characteristics of each animal:

RAT

bility. Even if they run into difficulty during work, they’ll persevere through. They aren’t very romantic, but are patient and would never force themselves onto someone who doesn’t like them. They are usually quiet and keep their emotions bottled up inside. It’s hard for others to understand them. When they do lose their temper, it’s like an explosion and can drive others away.

People born in the year of the Rat like saving and collecting. They never have hard times financially and live organized lives. If you receive a valuable gift from a Rat, know that he thinks highly of you, because he doesn’t usually like opening his wallet for others. Rats don’t look for praise and recognition. They are very sensitive and know when there is trouble. When they do take risks, they’re usually successful.

TIGER

OX

People born in the year of the Tiger are independent and have high self-esteem. They enjoy being the leader and protector of average people. They love justice and never back down in an argument. Recklessness is their biggest

People born in the year of the Ox are hard workers and have a strong sense of responsi22

weakness, causing them to fail. However, they never truly fail. Tigers will always find a way to stand back up and succeed in the end.

People born in the year of the Goat have a pure and kind heart. They’d rather suffer silently than argue and ruin someone else’s mood. However, even in silence, they still hold onto their own opinion. In regards to their passions, they will do anything possible to fulfill their wishes.

Though kind, Goats have tricks up their sleeves as well. They are skilled at using soft power, able to patiently and politely persuade others into their favor.

RABBIT People born in the year of the Rabbit are gentle, quiet and polite. They are patient, intelligent and chic. Their sense of responsibility and attention to detail lead to great career success.

They take love seriously as well, and would never fall for someone easily. If they find the right person, they’ll love them to the end of the world and back.

MONKEY People born in the year of the Monkey do things based on interest. If it’s something they don’t quite care for, they’ll do the work sloppily. If it something they’re interested in, they’ll put their entire heart into it and work until they succeed.

They live a long life full of energy and curiosity for the world. Monkeys also value relationships.

However, spoiling children may be their weakness.

DRAGON People born in the year of the Dragon have hearts full of adventure and romance. It’s hard for people to understand a Dragon’s mysterious personality. At the same time, they are indifferent to things the average person worries about.

They may seem lazy, but once they decide to do something, they’ll be more ambitious and vigorous than anyone else.

ROOSTER

SNAKE People born in the year of the Snake are idealists. On the outside, they may seem cold but, deep inside, they are warm and enthusiastic.

Their desire of exclusive ownership is very fierce. It irks them if they can’t fully understand someone. Snakes are devoted and determined, but their worst enemy is laziness.

HORSE People born in the year of the Horse are never one to surrender. They are always positive and energetic, pushing themselves forward. Their biggest desire is to have the freedom to do what they like and be able to express themselves.

However, they also have various negative traits.

Horses are bad at keeping secrets and lose interest quickly.

GOAT 23

People born in the year of the Rooster are able to sense what the other person is thinking or feeling. They have quick reactions and high EQ. They make great friends, although some are cunning. Roosters are creative and talented in the arts, although few find a career in that field.

They have foresight and plan everything carefully.

DOG People born in the year of the Dog are conservative and full of justice. Because of their loyalty, Dogs are valued in the workplace. They rarely break rules, except for people important to them. In life, they only wish to live quietly with their family.

PIG People born in the year of the Pig think logically and are able to fix whatever problem they’re in.

They aren’t good communicators, but they’re kind and able to provide for the family. fault is that they lose their temper easily.

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Fundamental aspects in chinese astrology

your sign is Fire.

If you were born in a year ending in your sign is Earth.

8 or 9:

ELEMENTAL INFLUENCIES

If you were born in a year ending in your sign is Metal.

0 or 1:

A

If you were born in a year ending in your sign is Water.

2 or 3:

ccording to the Chinese astrological system, there are five elements - water, wood, fire, metal, or Earth - that also contribute certain additional characteristics that add more dimension to your personality.

THE BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF EACH ELEMENT INCLUDE:

The elements are determined by the Moon sign, that is, the year, the month and the hour of birth, and the element that predominates in a person's personality is the one that appears the most in his chart. Each element has a characteristic that applies to both animals and years:

Water - strong communication and intuition skills.

Wood - strong parenting instincts coupled with imagination and creativity.

WATER Rat, Buffalo, Pig. WOOD Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon.

METAL Monkey, Rooster, Dog. EARTH Being the center, no animal rules,

Fire - passionate about nature, intelligent and also ready to take action.

Metal - very reliable and useful to have around, especially in a pinch.

but lends some of its characteristics to some of the years.

Earth - very focused and reliable; a balanced personality.

Chinese time is measured in cycles of 60 years, a space of time that results from the multipli-

If you were born in a year ending in 4 or 5: your sign is Wood.

If you were born in a year ending in

6 or 7:

25

cation of the twelve animals and the five elements. This cycle is very important and makes every 60 years a special and unique period.

in the same way, however, it does not bring it out all the time, if not on special occasions and situations.

YIN AND YANG

The rising sign, also known as "the second self" and tends to decrease or intensify certain characteristics, for example, if someone's main sign is the Horse and the ascendant is a Dragon, then its characteristics will be more intense, because These two are quite similar and compatible within the Chinese horoscope and astrology.

C

hinese Astrology was influenced by Taoism, the ancient religion of China. The Tao (the Way, the Way, the Principle) is the term that designates the source, the dynamics and the driving force behind everything that exists.

Establishes that everything in the universe has a characteristic or aspect Feminine or Masculine, expansive or reserved, light or dark. Yin and Yang is a principle or belief of Chinese philosophy and culture, it represents the duality in everything that exists in the universe, good and evil, black and white, positive and negative. It represents two energies that complement each other, becoming dependent on each other, without one the existence of the other is impossible. It symbolizes balance and peace. Yang represents light energy, positive, white, yin represents passive energy, darkness, negative and black.

On the other hand, if his main sign were the Rat and his ascendant a horse, this would present internal problems and the characteristics of the Rat would be less intense due to the incompatibility between these two.

BEN MING NIAN (ZODIAC BIRTH YEAR)

M

aybe you think your zodiac year ( ben ming nian) will be lucky. It’s your year after all. However, it’s the total opposite.

In addition to the basic characteristics of each sign, colored by the influence of an element, each Chinese astrological sign is governed by an energy force that is Yin or Yang. Each sign can only occur in yin or yang: the dragon is always yang, the serpent is always yin, and so on. Also the years can be yin or yang. Odd years are yin and even years are yang.

It’s seen as a hurdle you have jumped over. The way to protect yourself from evil spirits and bad fortune is to wear red underwear every day for the entire year. Even in modern times, it’s still treated as a real concern.

In some places, married men even have to be accompanied by their wives when they go out at night during their year!

The positive aspect of yang, and the negative aspect of yin should not be taken as something directly good or bad, since both Yin and Yang have their good and bad aspects, everything would depend on the situation in which the person is presented. you assume the worst, you should know that everyone has both, it is just a cycle. For example, you start with yin, until you bloom and switch to yang.

YEAR OF THE OX (2021)

T

he Ox is the second of all zodiac animals.

According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived at his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal.

SECRET OR ASCENDING SIGN

The Ox is in the terms of yin and yang (yīn yáng), is Yang. Although chu is associated with earth, the years also cycle through the five elements of nature (xíng).

T

he secret sign or the Ascendant in Chinese astrology is that astral sign that is determined by the time a person was born.

This influences the personality of the individual 26

In Chinese culture, the Ox is a valued animal.

Because of its role in agriculture, positive characteristics, such as being hardworking and honest, are attributed to it.

The year of a person’s birth sign, known as Ben Ming Nian, is believed to be unlucky because of its conflict with Tai Sui. Therefore, 2021 will be a turbulent year for the Ox. You may encounter unexpected challenges, especially in your career and studies, which can leave you feeling stressed out, distracted, and emotional.

The heavenly stem Xin of 2021 belongs to Metal, which will help the Ox to some extent. The key to overcoming any potential bad luck is to strengthen your morale.

Use this time to cultivate your relationships. With the support of your family and friends, you will likely manage to navigate any difficulties and gain a deeper appreciation for what you have.

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La Chandeleur A French cultural celebration

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Author: CLAIRE

L

a Chandeleur, which takes place every year on February 2nd, is both a pagan and a Christian feast.

This celebration, which composes the Nativity cycle with Christmas and the Epiphany, commemorates the presentation of Christ in the Temple of Jerusalem.

At the time, Jewish tradition required that the first born be taken there forty days after their birth. It is also on February 2nd that the cribs are removed.

In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I abolished the pagan Lupercal feasts and introduced the candlelight procession symbolizing the presentation of Jesus as the light of the world. The name La Chandeleur comes from the Latin expression "festa la Chandeleur", understand the festival of candles.

Why do we eat Crepes during La Chandeu?

T

he first explanation would come from Pope Gelasius I. The latter used to offer the many pilgrims who came to celebrate the feast of Candlelight something to eat. Lacking bread, he gave them instead thin pancakes that some consider to be the ancestor of the pancake.

The second explanation would comefrom a pagan tradition. In the month of February, period of the first seeds, celebrations were made to invoke the deities favorable to the harvest and 31

fertility.

These rites consisted of eating round, golden cakes that evoked the sun and the return of spring after winter.

Pancake recipe for 6 people :

For cooking

• 250 g of flour • 4 eggs • 1/2 liter of milk • 1 pinch of salt • 2 packets of vanilla sugar • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Using a soaked piece of paper, lightly oil your pancake pan.

Heat it up and then pour a small ladle of batter.

Preparation Sift the flour into a bowl. Add the salt, powdered sugar and vanilla sugar, then add the eggs and mix. Then pour in the milk little by little while stirring to avoid lumps.

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The more batter you put in, the softer the pancake will be and the less batter you put in, the crispier it will be.

Bon appétit!

Louis Béroud (1852–1930), The Staircase of the Opéra Garnier (1877), media and dimensions not known, Musée Carnavalet, Paris. Wikimedia Commons.

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MY PROJECT

Hello! My name is Clara, and I started my project in October.

I worked in the dog shelter for 6 months. In the dog rescue center abandoned and stray dogs are taken off the streets, cared for and given the chance to find a new home. The project requires a high level of commitment from the side of the volunteer, a sense of solidarity, tolerance and a willingness to work within a team.

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Author: CLARA

Volunteer tasks: - cleaning the shelter and looking after the facilities.

- feeding the dogs and taking responsibility for their hygiene.

- taking the dogs for a walk.

- preparing the dogs for adoption.

- assisting with the daily running of the animal shelter.

name of the project Dog Rescue Center place of the project IDASH Dream Of A Safe Haven Dog

People I work with: I work with other volunteers who come from different countries, like Germany, Spain...

What I like about the project: I love the contact with animals, the fact that dogs are always happy, grateful‌ bring me the greatest good.

I like to see the puppies grow as they go and see their health improve day by day.

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address Epar.Od. Messinis-Kiparissias, Messini 242 00, Greece website https://dash-dogs.com/contact-us/ email julie_wilkinson69@hotmail.com telephone 0030 694 796 2410 0044 7852 950 412

MY SENDING ORGANISATION

www.adice.asso.fr

ADICE Association for Development of European Citizenship Initiatives

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I

got to know this association thanks to a

Author: CLARA

friend who had already done an EVS a

in European and International mobility actions,

few months before, so I engaged in 6 months

which will allow them to develop social skills

volunteering in Greece.

(open-mindedness, autonomy, critical thinking, solidarity, self-confidence), professional (te-

This association was created in 1999 in the city

amwork, technical and linguistic skills) and in-

of Roubaix. Adice sets up European and International projects with the aim of improving its educational support and working tools for its participants.

Adice acts for the social and professional advancement of the public by allowing everyone to benefit from an international experience, taking into account the capacities and aspirations of each, in a logic of promotion and fostering a dynamic course.

name of the organisation ADICE: Association for Development European Citizenship Initiatives address Roubaix, France

of --

website www.adice.asso.fr email adice@adice.asso.fr

They see mobility as an opportunity for learning and development that allows them to enrich their values and resources and acquire useful skills to carry out their personal and professional projects.

Adice offers them the opportunity to participate 37

facebook www.facebook.com/adice.europe.direct. roubaix instagram adice.asso.cied

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INTERVIEW In this LINK we interview our new colleague - Claire, the volunteer from France

1

When did you arrive in Kalamata and how long are you staying in Greece?

Claire: arrived in Greece around the 15 of November and my project lasts 6 months. We confined ourselves for 5 days to be tested before joining the other volunteers.

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2

Why did you decide to become an ESC volunteer ?

Claire: I took a gap year before continue my studies in France, I wanted to discover new things and to travel.

3 What is your project in Kalamata?

What do you like the most about this project?

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How do you spend your time in Greece in Kalamata apart from volunteering ?

Claire: I visit a lot of places , I like sports: I play tennis and also I do horse riding. I meet Greek friends…

ESC

Claire: I work in Lysos Garden, I am supposed to work in a garden with disabled people, take care of the vegetables… but with the covid I didn’t start my project...

4

What are the difficulties you encountered in Greece ?

Claire: The toilet paper into the bean, and the Greek language is to haaard to understand.

5 How do you feel in Greece ?

Claire: I feel good, I think I develop myself as a person.

6

How do you feel with the other volunteers?

Claire: I met very nice friends, we are doing a lot of things together, we do parties, we learn other languages.

7

What are you going to do when your project ends??

name and surname Claire Madrigal nationality France hosting organisation K.A.NE. place Kalamata, Greece volunteering project Lysos Garden project

Claire: I will resume my studies in France after my project.

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Interviewer: EMMA

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ART REVIEW

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Author: VIKTOR

B

ased on the books with the same title written by Seth Graham-Smith, the film reveals two faces of one of the greatest figures in American history, the respected President of the United States of America and, at the same time, a vampire hunter. In this story, his main goal is to avenge the death of his loving mother, Nancy Lincoln.

The intelligent and educated woman built, in little Abraham, his lifelong resistance to slavery since childhood. However, the mother's influence does not have to last long. Abraham witnessed her mother attacked by a vampire , this event later would lead to her death.

The brutal murder is caused by a monster which the boy knows as a local businessman: Jack Bartis. Lincoln decides to escort him out of the world, but without preparation he will almost pay for this with his own life. Fortunately, he was saved by Henry Sturges, a cultured and charismatic vampire hunter who takes Abraham into his teaching. Henry has no understanding of Abraham's desire for immediate and in44

“For this issue about

february festivities I’ve chosen the movie Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012).

You may wonder why. I chose this movie because in February we celebrate Abraham Lincoln's day, also known as Abraham Lincoln's birtday (12/02/1809). T his movie is an utter fiction about his life, and I found the core idea so ridiculous that I had to write about that.

�

sane revenge. On the contrary, Henry teaches him to control the anger and direct his will and passion, not only to fight vampires, but also for the good of humanity. Soon he realized that the existence of vampires in America is closely tied up to the slave South: where black slaves are bought, not for work on plantations, but for food.

The end of slavery would, therefore, pose a threat to all vampires.

Abraham Lincoln thus becomes not only an avenger, but also a politician fighter against the slave South which is supported by powerful vampire leaders. All these events lead to a great clash between the South and the North.

But there is another battle, the battle between humans and vampires.

When you think about the fact that someone wanted to make Lincoln a bit of a supernatural character, and you focus on the action, you'll have a lot of fun. The whole movie is such a “Guilty Pleasure�, because the idea is just absurd. Even though I enjoyed the movie, please, nevermore. If you want a biographical drama, avoid this movie and watch Lincoln(2012).

www.imdb.com 45

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PLACE TO TRAVEL

Heraklion Crète 48

Author: Laure

I

CHOSE TO SPEAK ABOUT HERAKLION-CRETE. When I was nine years old, I have could to go in that place. I was child but I have kept lots of memories about this beautiful place. This city is situated on Crete’s island. In my opinion it’s an amazing place. In my native city, I have presence of sea but not mountains. When I came to Heraklion I remember, I was very enjoy to discover association between sea and mountains. I was impressed by those imposing mountains. There was a big swimming pool in our hostel and I spent a long time. Each day when I woke up I remember to be very happy because I could to contemplate beautiful landscapes from my room.

Honestly, I don’t remember main Heraklion’s monuments. My only concern at this moment was to go in hostel’s swimming pool.

Now I can do correlations between Heraklion and Kalamata. In my opinion, the main attraction in those cities it’s the place of Nature. At Kalamata I have the same feeling that when I was to Heraklion. This feeling to be close with Nature. Personally, I feel security a lot in myself when I’am in connexion with Nature.

I am very grateful to be in Greece and to have the posibility to be near to this Nature. Furthemore for people who search relaxing moments I think it’s a very good place.

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FUTURE EVENTS ΜΑΘΗΜΑ ΜΑΓΕΙΡΙΚΗΣ ΣΤΗΝ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙ

ΓΕΥΣΙΓΝΩΣΙΑ ΕΛΑΙΟΛΑΔΟΥ ΣΤΗ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑ

Cooking course in Messinia

Olive Oil tasting in Messinia

When: all year round from Monday to Saturday Time: 9.00 a.m.

Where: Departure to Kalamata, at the desired location Organizer: Mama’s flavour Price: 120€ per person Link: https://messinia.mobi/el/article/ drastiriotites/mathima-mageirikis-stinmessinia/2568

When: Visits can be made from Monday to Saturday, except during holiday periods Time: 9.00 a.m.

Where: Departure to Kalamata, at the desired location Organizer: Mama’s flavour Price: 130€ per person Link: https://messinia.mobi/en/article/ drastiriotites/geusignosia-elaioladou-stimessinia/2567

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7th Peloponnisos international doc film festival When: 5 - 14 February 2021 (Online) Time: at 9.00 am Where: Mpenaki 11, 24100, Kalamata Greece Organizer: Peloponnisos International Doc Film Price: Free Link: https://www.peloponnisosdocfestival.com/ en/ www.peloponnisosdocfestival.com

Private Kalamata Historic Center walking tour When: all year long Time: at 9.00 am Where: Ypapanti Church Organizer: Viator Price: 60â‚Ź per person Link: https://www.viator.com/tours/Kalamata/ Kalamata-Historical-Center-Walking-Tour/ d30156-12242P8

www.viator.com

Messinian Story When: all year long Time: open from Monday to Sunday from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

Where: Koryfasio, 24001, Messinia Greece Organizer: Messinian story Link: https://messinianstory.gr/

messinianstory.gr 51

PAST EVENT Πανελλήνιο Φεστιβάλ Κουκλοθέατρου Καλαμάτας - Panhellenic Puppet Festival of Kalamata When: 14-18 October 2020 Where: Evripidou 2, 24131, Kalamata Greece Organizers: Puppet Theater Academy Link: http://puppetfest.gr/el

T

he puppet theatre festival is a very important institution for the city of Kalamata. Despite the pandemic, the festival has managed to bring 18 performances of unique quality to the city.

The festival had three main focuses: Initially, groups of famous puppeteers working in Athens were invited but restrictions were made on the choice of artists.

picture by www.eoskal.gr

Secondly, a training programme with puppet teachers leading thematic workshops on animation and puppet making.

Finally, the birth of a new group of amateurs and professionals after the 3 previous editions of the festival, who now use puppet theatre for both artistic and pedagogical purposes.

The organising committee of this event would like to thank all the participants for their work and wishes to repeat the experience next year.

Author: VALENTIN

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Author: Kassandra

RECIPES FROM GERMANY SAUERKRAUT WITH POTATO NOODLES

Easy 30 min 4 servings

INGREDIENTS: • 500g potato noodles • 1 glass of sauerkraut, (= 850 ml) • 2 onions • 100g pork belly, smoked

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil • salt and pepper, freshly ground • ground nutmeg • 1 bunch of chives

PREPARATION: Prepare sauerkraut according to the instructions on the packet.

Peel the onions, pat dry the pork belly and cut into cubes with the onions.

Wash the chives, pat dry and cut into rolls.

Heat oil, add onions and diced bacon and fry. Add potato noodles and fry them, mix with the sauerkraut and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.

Sprinkle with chives and serve.

Guten Appetit!

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Author: Kassandra

RECIPES FROM GERMANY DONAUWELLE

Hard 3 h 15 min 10 servings

INGREDIENTS for 2x 18cm form : • 1 large glass of sour cherries (~ 750ml) • 250g + 80g soft butter • 250 g flour • 225g sugar • 1 pinch of salt • 4 eggs

• 2 teaspoons of baking soda • 1 tbsp cocoa • 1 large cup of vanilla pudding (300ml) • 50g + 75g + 200g dark chocolate

PREPARATION: 1. Drain the cherries. Grease a round 18cm springform pan (e.g. this one) with a little butter and lightly flour. Preheat the oven to 175 °.

2. For the dough, stir 250g butter, 225g sugar and a pinch of salt until foamy. Add eggs one at a time and stir in. Mix 250g flour with baking powder and mix into the mass. Transfer half of the batter to another bowl and set aside.

3. Melt 50g chocolate over hot water and stir in half of the batter together with the cocoa.

4. Pour half of the light colored dough into the mold and smooth it out. Then half of the dark dough.

Press half of the cherries almost all the way down. Bake the dough in the oven for 35-40 minutes and then let it cool down.

5. Remove the cake from the mold and repeat steps 2 # to 4 #. Of course, if you have two forms, you can bake the bases at the same time.

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The volunteers responsible for this publication are hosted in Greece in the framework of the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Commission. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.