Arts Lab 7.0: Marah Isnaf | Month I

It’s my first month here in Romania, in Târgu Frumos, and it went by so fast! It honestly felt like a rollercoaster ride, full of ups and downs, until I finally started to find my balance. Now I feel like I can function better, managing my work, social life, and emotions in a more grounded and steady way. 

From the first days in Heleșteni, I was struck by the authenticity and generosity of the Romanian people. Their way of welcoming guests, with open hearts, homemade food, and traditional rituals,  immediately made me feel at home. The mayor and local families greeted us with traditional bread, salt, and the symbolic “water of life,” a gesture that spoke deeply to the Romanian spirit of hospitality. 

A highlight of the month was participating in the Folcloristica Festival, where local and international participants came together to celebrate Romanian music, dance, and tradition. Although I initially felt nervous before performing on stage as a Palestinian, knowing that representing my country carries so many emotions for me. But the support from my peers and the warmth of the audience gave me confidence and joy. The festival was more than just a performance, it became a living exchange of cultures, emotions, and mutual appreciation. 

 Looking back, I realize that every “up and down” taught me something, about patience, adaptation, and self-awareness. This first month wasn’t just about settling into a new place; it was about learning how to find stability within myself.

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