Konstantin, Serbia

«The crew taught us knots, and what we really learned was how to create bonds as human beings, so that even the most violent storm could not undo the knots we had tied (in Serbian, this makes even more sense, because “knot” and “tie” are pronounced the same way). Day after day, the shore, the chants, the games, and many other moments built something that we didn’t even realize: the exchanges turned into conversations after midnight, into nighttime swims, into writing songs. We learned to get to know each other to the point of imitating each other’s voices and accents, learning greetings in different languages, and preparing traditional dishes for each other. It was with such ease and spontaneity that we created deep connections.

The crew that boarded and the one that got off are, in appearance only, the same people. The bonds we have woven and the energy we have built have transformed laughter into conversations and smiling faces. Wherever we heard music, we started dancing; the entire city of Bari felt our energy. Strangers told us that we were beautiful and smiling, as if there were no obstacles for us. We have all become polyglots speaking the most beautiful of languages: the language of peace. MED25 is a unique opportunity to experience such an experience; it is a place in my heart where I will always find the strength to show the other path — the path of peace and not conflict — and to know that this is the true victory: consciously choosing peace.»

Konstantin