🇮🇹 "Healthy is the New Wealthy" - 07-16.06.2023, Messina, Italy

Updated: Aug 11, 2023

Hey, everyone! I'm thrilled to take you on a life-changing journey with me. I had the incredible opportunity to be part of "Healthy is the New Wealthy," a magical youth exchange organized by "Be The Change." Trust me, it was an experience like no other!

When I first learned about this project, I was genuinely excited. I and my friends noticed that more young people were becoming aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. But we didn't want to just talk about it; we wanted to make a real difference! That's why "Healthy is the New Wealthy" was born - a chance for us to dive deep into wellness and explore how we could spread this positive energy.

From the moment we touched down in Messina, Italy, I knew this was going to be epic. Our goals were ambitious, to say the least! We aimed to experience every aspect of a healthy lifestyle - from eating right to staying fit and nurturing our mental well-being. And the best part? We were doing it together, like a supportive tribe cheering each other on in our growth.

Let me tell you about my amazing adventure family! Participants from Italy, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, Germany, and Turkey all came together, and it was an instant connection! Our cultural exchange felt like a treasure hunt - we discovered fascinating traditions, shared laughs, and formed unbreakable bonds.

Our journey kicked off with a wild dance session that broke the ice. Name games followed, and trust me, they were hilarious! We quickly realized that our fears and expectations were similar - we all wanted to make this experience unforgettable.

Every day brought new thrills. Exploring the ancient wonders of Taormina was surreal - picture me wandering through narrow streets, feasting on Sicilian delights! And then we stepped into movie history in Savoca, the filming location for "The Godfather." It was like living inside a movie!

The heart of our adventure was embracing a healthy lifestyle. We brainstormed and let our creative juices flow as we crafted posters celebrating "Wellness Rocks!" But wait, it gets even better! We cooked up wholesome dishes and had a friendly culinary competition, "Healthy Master Chef"! It was a delicious and creative event that brought out the inner chefs in all of us. Each group was given the task of inventing and cooking a healthy recipe using fresh, nutritious ingredients. We made a shopping list, chopped veggies, and mixed up flavours with enthusiasm. There were colourful salads, healthy desserts, and wholesome main dishes that we couldn't wait to try.

When the cooking was done, it was time to present our masterpieces to the judges. We didn't just serve the food; we put on a show! Each team explained their recipe and why it was super healthy. The room was filled with excitement and delicious aromas. And let me tell you, the dishes looked so good that it was almost impossible to decide the winner!

In the end, the "Healthy Master Chef" was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of healthy eating and creativity. We all tasted each other's dishes, exchanged cooking tips, and celebrated our achievements together. It was a reminder that eating healthy can be fun, and tasty, and bring people together.

Healthy Recipes are good to taste and watch! 🎞️🍱

Now, let me tell you about the most fun day ever - our awesome sports day! Each team came up with a super cool game that everyone could play together. And oh boy, did we have a blast! Beach volleyball, mini-football, ring toss - you name it, we played it on the sandy beach, and it was amazing. Laughter, cheers, and support made us all feel like champions. It was a day full of joy and unforgettable moments.

As we bid farewell, tears welled up. I knew this was just the beginning. Our blog and e-handbook became a testament to our growth - a treasure trove of knowledge that we'd carry back home. We vowed to inspire others with what we'd learned, and I couldn't wait to make a difference!

"Healthy is the New Wealthy" transformed our life. I returned home with new friends, heaps of wisdom, and a newfound passion for wellness. I know that wherever life takes me, I'll cherish this adventure forever. So, here's to "Be The Change" and the magic they brought into our lives. Together, we'll keep spreading the love, one healthy step at a time!