Svein Erik Helle, from Holmedal, Norway. Volunteer in Greece

Project: “Youth Club of Kryoneri”, 98 GR 7255
E-mail:

Why are you a volunteer?

Because I want to experience a new and different country, meet people, have fun, contribute to a different local community, gain experience (both professionally and personally), and not spend to much money doing all these things!

Why did you choose Greece?

I chose Greece because I wanted to go somewhere completely different from my country, and Greece was in my mind as different as I could find in Europe (and it is). In addition to this, I was sick and tired of the Norwegian winter, and thought that Greece would be a nice place to spend the winter months (I was wrong here, probably had more snow here than I would have had in Norway.)

What do you do?

I work in the Youth Information Centre in Kryoneri, and my work is mostly connected to computers, video and technical stuff. But I also do a lot of outdoor activities, fixing bikes, clearing footpaths and other stuff that should benefit the local society.

What is bad about being a volunteer?

That you don’t exactly can live like a king on the pocket money you get. But it is ok. Another problem for me is that I have too little time, and too many places and people I would like to go and see!

Three typical Greek things?

Cars (A Greek person without a car is no Greek person)
Hairy people (both women and men)
Cigarettes (which is really shit)

What was your first phrase?

Ime Kala! (“I’m Fine:, altso a title of a amazingly bad greek summer hit)

Your best Greek experience?

Difficult to rate…. I have had lot of good experiences here! Going to a tiny reggae club in the suburbs of Athens, A beautiful trip to Mycenae travelling through charming small Greek villages, walking through the Monasteraki market with my girlfriend, snowstorm in Athens, swimming in a warm ocean and lying on a sunny beach in January etc. But my overall favourite would have to be the carnival in Patra. It was simply huge!

Your favorite Greek food?

Pita with gyro ( pork- or chicken-meat), tzatsiki, tomatoes, onions and potatoes! And a nice Greek salad.

If you had optional things to do, what would you do?

Here in Greece
1. Travel all around Greece on a scooter
2. Do a Pita challenge
3. Teach Greek people how to play football.

The most important phrases in your job:

1. F*****g computer!
2. A big chocolate for me, thanks!
3. Ndaxi, (ok in Greek)

Greetings from

Svein Erik Helle, Kryoneri, 1 march 2004

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