Arts Lab 7.0: Annalisa Schettino | Month I

When I left Italy, I had so many fears and questions running through my mind. Would I be able to adapt to this new life? Am I really enough for this project?

But the moment I arrived in Romania and entered my new home, all those worries started to fade away. The other volunteers were kind and respectful, and it was surprisingly easy to connect with them. The first few days passed slowly, as we didn’t have much work yet, but then the weekend arrived and we officially got into the thick of the project by joining the Târgu Frumos festival. I was in charge of face painting with the children, a very intense start! The kids kept coming non-stop, but seeing them so happy, and feeling the curiosity of the local community, was incredibly rewarding.

The second week was much livelier. We took our first trip to Iași together. I went to the Botanical Garden with Monica, Kerem, and Andres. It was a peaceful and fulfilling day that truly felt like the beginning of new, shared memories.

Later, more volunteers arrived, and we spent time getting to know each other through activities at home. That weekend, we joined the Cucuteni Jazz Festival, a small but beautiful local event with mesmerizing music. I also had my first taste of authentic Romanian food there! We danced under a perfectly clear sky filled with bright stars. Coming from a polluted city, being surrounded by so much nature felt deeply meaningful to me. The next day we went to an Erasmus party in Iași. I’m not really a party person, but I ended up having a great time. It was amusing to experience the city at night.

The third week began with an intercultural activity at the French Institute in Iași. I really enjoy every trip there, each visit reveals a different side of the city.

Then we started our Folklore Residency, working with children with special needs and visual impairments. Even though I felt I could have prepared a more engaging activity, the experience turned out to be truly valuable for me. The children were affectionate and full of warmth and I learned many new teaching approaches. The language barrier was the biggest challenge, but this obstacle turned out to be also stimulating somehow.

That weekend, we decided to go to a rock festival in Iași. The energy there was amazing! People were completely immersed in the music, totally vibing with it, it was contagious.

The following week was the most intense and emotional one so far: we attended the Folcloristica Festival in Heleșteni, where they chose the most beautiful village at the end of the event. The Mayor welcomed us with open arms and I even tried the strongest alcoholic drink of my life! Everyone was so kind and made us feel instantly comfortable. Later, we met a local dressmaker who lived with her mother in a dreamy-like cottage. Her hospitality was heartwarming, and even without words, her artistry spoke for itself. We also visited a small but fascinating museum filled with handmade tapestries, and then met a shepherd in a breathtaking countryside field. Running with his goats is definitely my favorite memory from that day. It made me feel completely free. 

During the Folcloristica days, I had the chance to taste an incredible variety of traditional food.  The people’s kindness and their willingness to make us feel part of their community were truly heartwarming.

We also had an intercultural performance on the stage, I was very nervous. I didn’t feel ready. But everyone was so supportive that I managed to face my fears and enjoy the experience. Watching the other performances was a delight, and the joyful energy of the festival made it all unforgettable. Seeing Romanian folklore come alive felt like witnessing something truly unique. 

On my free day, I had the chance to explore the nearby countryside, going up the hill and seeing all of Târgu Frumos from above. I always feel grateful whenever I have the chance to lose myself in nature. By the end of the month, I was exhausted but happy. We closed this first chapter with a fun day trip to Iași, shopping and laughing together. The perfect ending to a month full of growth, discovery, and connections.

This monthly report was written by Annalisa Schettino, our Italian volunteer taking part in a seven-month Arts Lab 7.0 mobility, co-funded by the European Union under the European Solidarity Corps.