Romania .. a land that might seem quite far and unknown, but actually hides so much more than one could guess at first. It brought together 9 very different young people all over Estonia, each with an aim to participate in a youth exchange on the topic of „Eco life.“ This kind of opportunity was provided by Seiklejate Vennaskond, what provides and also carries through different projects, bringing together people from all over the world. Of the 9 Estonians who participated, only 2 had an experience with this kind of thing, meaning that for the most, it was a first experience of this kind and it did not disappoint. The project took place quite far from the capital city of Bucharest, in mountainous Poiana Negrii. The place of the accommodation was marvellous, with the main house and smaller houses for sleeping. Worth mentioning is the fact that accommodation, food and different activities are all free for the participants and even the transportation costs are paid back later – incredible! Like every project of this kind, the first days were spent learning each others names, getting used to the surroundings and everything like that, because there were so much to do and so many people. Countries who participated were Estonia, Lithuania, Spain, Czech Republic and Romania. Every day there were group activities, games and other these kinds of activities and the evenings were for the cultural nights. All this helped to create friendships, that still last. It is worth a mention that we also took a day trip to Vatra Dornei, a little town nearby and had a hike in the 12 apostle mountains. All this was in defiance of different weather conditions, like rain, hail and snow, but still, there was also sunny weather sometimes. One of the most memorable things was definitely the Oscars Gala – during the day we worked in groups and each group had to film a video clip, that would bring attention to the ecological lifestyle. In the evening, during the gala, the best movie and best male and female etc. were chosen – everything felt like the real Oscars gala.
One thing that definitely described the whole youth exchange was the fact that perception of time disappeared completely. It was because there was so much to do all the time and spending time with great people makes you forget the time passing. So that’s why it was so sad to say goodbye to Poiana Negrii after almost two weeks and the goodbye for many people was happy and bittersweet at the same time. Even though I have been to project before through Seiklejate Vennaskond, I can surely say that every youth exchange and training is different, but the experiences you get are all worth it. I can surely say that none of us 9 would have never gotten to this kind of place like Poiana Negrii on our own and that is why these Erasmus + projects are a great way to explore new places, get new experiences and make friendships that last a lifetime.  
​Read more in project blog.
Summary was made by Renata lukk. 

What is well-being? Thanks to Seiklejate Vennaskond, to Erasmus+ and the European Union, five Estonian women had an opportunity to participate in the youth exchange named the Happit (happy+habits) from 17th to 25th of October in Iasi, a beautiful city in Romania. From Estonia, Poland, Italy and Romania the participants shared life’s pearls and stings, analysed causes and practised healthy activities, such as yoga, hiking and aerobics. Not less important was the karaoke night out, where the group gained local popularity, and the international evening, where everyone danced together in Romanian, Estonian and Polish national rhythm. In the end of the exchange the group shared their positive energy with disabled kids in the local school. It was a challenge at first, but the group handled it very well and the goal was accomplished: kids were active and left with a big smile on their face.

One important ingredient in well-being is to create values. Everything, that was shared in these days, released laughter, warmth, courage and honesty, which all are priceless values. Laugh from the bottom of the heart is the best cure, and if one is warm inside, then no minus degree can push them to apathy. It takes great courage to show light to shadows and to stay honest in doing so. It’s important to understand, that a beautiful crust doesn’t mean anything, if the core is broken. A happy life is not a naive fairytale, it’s a decision and something we all are worthy of.

In the youth exchange everyone opened themselves more and more. The activities and story-telling revealed to everyone something about themselves, which had existed for long and quietly and had eaten their energy. The exchange shaped a perfect example of a well-operating community: people, who want the best for themselves and to each other. So that a refreshing breakfast would welcome each one in the morning and a rich dinner in the evening, everyone had to contribute in it themselves. For that, four-member groups were formed and every group took care of a meal on a specific day. Despite of the lack of sleep or an exhausting day, all the groups took this commitment as a holy, because it was definitely something, that influences the well-being of the community. Let there be said, that every evening all sat together at the table as a family and every dish was praised.
​
All that happened in these days made things in life more clear in its cultivating nature: this exchange improved knowledge, taught behavior and enriched emotionally.

Read more: http://www.thehappit.eu/

Summary was made by Anna Luther.