Our latest addition to the RE:PRESENT team, Jonas Eriksson, reflects on his fresh experiences at the World Youth Congress…

“THE ZONE”

The only way to survive the 5th World Youth Congress is to create some creative zones. Sanctuaries in the chaos where you can get your head together and rebuild your body and mind. I found mine yesterday.

At lunch hour I temporary lost my motivation after seeing the chaotic line to the restaurant. Just imagine 1 500 people waiting for food. The giant worm of people didn’t get any shorter so I decided to get back to the accommodation. Next problem. I had no key and the door was locked. So I turned around and was about to leave when another participant shouts to me from down the hall…

“Do you want a beer?”

The most beautiful words I’ve heard. I desperately needed some place to get away. Get away from the crowds. Get away from the heat. Get away from the feeling that everything you do will be eaten by this machine called ‘World Youth Congress’.

"The Machine" ©ndhct

And, as I imagined, that zone was one of the best experiences so far. Perfect chilled beer and a great discussion about community spirit and the solutions to the biggest challenges of our time. I didn’t understand it then. But I think that hour saved my faith in this event.

“The opportunities are here. We just have to grab them, my host said.”

So finally, after five day at the campus, I´ve found my zone. Get away with a few participants and have a discussion about the big picture. And I will be doing that throughout this event.

So, power to the participant, and stay away from the machine!

Jonas Eriksson
http://twitter.com/joney
jonas@joney.se