DId you know that there is a Sahara in the Netherlands?

Well, I didn't know either!

Not until I took part of a youth exchange, ReMOVEit, in the little town of Ommen. It looked like a cluster of gingerbread houses and the Christmas decor, although it was already February, was still on full display in the streets.

The exchange was all about body movement and, along with 60 other youngsters from all over Europe, we danced, jumped, moved to the rhythm of kizomba (I failed), tried acro yoga (I rocked), stretched, ran, did improv theater and a lot of other fun things.

It was intense and my muscles started aching after a few days. But the energy we felt during those classes was incredible.

The group itself made you break out of your comfort zone and try new things without feeling embarrassed. It was all about encouragement and movement.

I will always remember waking up one morning, only to hear my roommate say: ‘‘Isa, I smell snow’’.

And, sure enough, there it was - it covered the ground in a thin white layer and frosted the old river.