Arts Lab 7.0: Aya Hossameldin Saad Mohamed | Month IV - Love Romania - Exploring What Lies Beyond Borders

This month was short, yet rich in adventures, new experiences, and the crossing of personal boundaries. At the beginning of the month, we worked on completing several products and Christmas souvenirs. It was a wonderful atmosphere of celebration and genuine engagement; I truly felt the spirit and joy of Christmas. During this time, I also began learning about the history of the Rroma (Gypsy) people and the extent of their suffering throughout history. The commonly circulated narratives about this community differ greatly from their lived reality.

After a brief pause, I returned to this subject once again. This Christmas holiday marked the first time in my life that I travelled alone, relying entirely on myself outside my personal comfort zone: Egypt. During this break, I wanted to experience Romania more deeply. Let us break the boundaries of distance: I chose a remote historical city called Sighișoara, approximately thirteen hours away by train. It was quite an adventure, and the longest train journey I have ever taken. Although the trip was physically exhausting, it was also enjoyable, allowing me to witness new cities and landscapes along the way.

After nearly half a day of travel, I arrived after nightfall, which made it difficult to see the city. In any case, I was extremely tired. The following morning, however, I was truly amazed by the city’s beauty - the colors of the buildings, their varied architectural designs, and the overall atmosphere. Sighișoara is a multicultural city visited by people from all over the world. I met individuals from many different nationalities and formed new friendships. Everything felt different: the food, the weather, the people, the multiple languages spoken around me, the colors, the cobblestone streets, the old churches, and the famous Clock Tower. I fell in love with this city. In many ways, it reminded me of my hometown, Alexandria, as both cities are multicultural and rich in artistic and architectural heritage.

I spent two days enjoying the city before deciding to embark on another adventure: visiting Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula’s Castle. It is a historical fortress built in the 14th century atop a high rocky hill. Climbing the castle’s staircases was, in itself, a powerful introduction and a strong sense of adventure. I had watched many fictional films about Dracula and various mythical legends, yet reality differs greatly from myth. Nevertheless, visiting a legendary place allows one to uncover the historical truth behind it. I learned a great deal about historical facts concerning Vlad III (“Dracula”), his period of rule, and how the castle was later used as a royal residence by Queen Marie of Romania.

I will certainly never forget this adventure - the knowledge and historical facts I gained, as well as the spirit of exploration that surrounded me throughout this enriching experience.

I also spent New Year’s Eve on December 31st in Sighișoara, where I watched fireworks and witnessed people celebrating the occasion. This was another new experience for me, as it was the first time in thirty years that I spent New Year’s Eve outside Egypt and away from my family. Of course, I missed my family and friends deeply, but I remain grateful for this rich and meaningful experience. In the future, I certainly hope to explore and enjoy many more Romanian cities. I do not want this program to end before I visit other historical places.

Returning, Then Beginning Again

After this long journey, I returned to Târgu Frumos, where we began working on the Rroma (Gypsy) artistic residency. This time, I will be working alone, as my Turkish colleague has left the program. I felt a sense of disappointment and loneliness, uncertain whether I would succeed in this experience on my own, especially since I will be working with older students compared to previous sessions.

I began by visiting the school and selecting the class I would work with. My aim is to teach them traditional dance as well as the Roma anthem, which powerfully reflects their history and suffering. At this age, students tend to feel shy and reluctant to participate, fearing judgment from their peers or becoming the subject of ridicule. Nevertheless, I am doing my best to encourage them, introduce new knowledge, and engage them in diverse artistic activities.

The journey has not yet reached its conclusion, but we shall see what this experience ultimately leads to and what outcomes it will produce

This monthly report was written by Aya Hossameldin Saad Mohamed, our Egyptian volunteer taking part in a seven-month Arts Lab 7.0 mobility, co-funded by the European Union under the European Solidarity Corps.