08.12.2008

Pretty uneventful day, except for meeting Andreey; a representative of the Polish National Agency; and SALTO EECA- which is basically this organisation based in Warsaw which co-ordinates volunteering and youth programmes in Eastern Europe and Caucasus. He is monitoring SFERA in order to compile a report on how to expand EVS projects throughout eastern europe. Volunteering is a developing idea here, it's only been happening for aboutten years. In fact, I am only the second volunteer from the UK, with EVS. And during our on arrival training we were told about a group of volunteers that built some sort of mural in a russian village; the villagers- terrified, destroyed it the next day. It is a truely uncomprehendable idea for some of the older generation. we sat down in one of those modern snazzy bars that are just so completely contrary to the russia outside, where theres an obnoxious barman twirling glasses aroundhis elbows and prissy woman drinking expensive coctails and were basically invited to whine. He asked us questions about our accomodation, projects etc. in order to see how the process could be improved. Andreey is polish, andsomething like the eighth reason why i love Polish people. Although a professional, with his name printed on a leaflet, completely at home in the showy bar; even tellinga waitress to turn down the music, he had the most mischievious cheeky little shy smile he would unconsciously and suddenly flash, seeming to squeeze up his shoulders as he did so and nod his head like it was all part of this mischievious rhythm. He made semi-serious jokes about ordering vodka, and pressed us for 'cakes'. he was just jolly. and listened with enlightened curtesy to extended sermons. I like him.