DiscoverEU with Marios

My experience with LevelUP Greece, traveling on a DiscoverEU Inclusion Action project named "The Greek Getaway!", was more than just a journey to the countries of the European North. We traveled to three Scandinavian nations: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, spending a week and dividing our time equally in each country.

Our team had the opportunity to explore not only foreign countries and cultures but also our own capabilities and, ultimately, ourselves. My experience was multifaceted. To begin with, I managed time and a budget with a group of five people, none of whom I had met before. It was also my first time managing digital money. Additionally, conducting practical research for our needs and wants was crucial, and I learned to consider all variables for the well-being of my group. This included food, transportation schedules, and the opening times of tourist attractions.

It is important to mention the great beauty we witnessed in these countries. Traveling by train allowed us to see the Swedish and Norwegian countryside, which was remarkable. Furthermore, we used alternative means of transportation, such as electric scooters, with which we explored our surroundings quicker and in motion. The main cities we visited were all beautiful in their own ways: Copenhagen for its traditional architecture and museums, Stockholm for its excellent transportation system, beautiful metro stations, and greenery throughout the city, and Oslo for its blend of modern and traditional aspects, along with its green spaces, gardens, and statues.

I want to emphasize the importance of communication and emotional intelligence during this journey. Traveling with five other adults would not have been as functional and smooth without direct communication skills. Moreover, I value my interactions with the locals even more, as they were a significant part of my experience. Some locals shared with me that people in the North tend to be more reserved, and they found our interactions refreshing and heartfelt. We exchanged ideas, emotions, and feelings, and overcame language barriers. While English was our main language of communication, I was bold enough to ask locals to write Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian phrases in my pocket journal, which I used whenever possible. The locals were all so kind and hospitable, making me feel like a part of the European community. Despite being separated by sea and thousands of miles, I discovered a deep connection between us that I had not known before.

This, I believe, is the spirit of discovering Europe, and I am truly proud that I had the opportunity to travel and experience this journey in such a vivid and fulfilling way. It felt like a dream come true.

Updated on utorok, 17/02/2026