Thanks of Comenius programme in Italy
The new school year started with a knowledge, that in October we have a chance to take part in International European School programme and travel to Italy. Before our trip we worked hard in collecting materials and putting together necessary presentations. Out host in Italy was Co-Educational School of San Pietro. Kärla Basic School was represented by students : Ruth Rahnel, Margerite Mesila and Sander Õispuu, the headmaster Jaan Lember and teachers: Gerta Uus and Katrin Mesila.
What follows is a description of what we did and experienced during that week
On the first day, 13 October, we gathered in front of the school. At nine o’clock we went to school hall where the Italians presented how to save water and electricity in our daily lives. After that we had a tour of the school, where the students introduced their schoolhouse, how their tuition is coordinated and what happens outside school. We were divided into groups and we also visited school periods. After a break we were introduced to school grounds as well as the city of San Pietro. We were shown local architecture, different sculptures, as well as the symbol of San Pietro- a lion with wings.
A trip to Verona started at 2 o’clock. Verona is located on the Adige river. This town is from San Pietro about 15 km. In order to get there we had to pass over verious bridges. Verona is one of Italy’s oldest towns, with lots of beautiful architecture, which is very different from ours. We also visited Verona’s most famous church – Basilica de San Zieno Maggio. We walked through Verona’s streets to Piazza Erbe square, where we were amazed at the souveniers’ market. We visited Casa de Giulietta, the house of Juliet, whom Romeo loved. From there we went on to Verona Arena, which is on the square of Piazza Bara. It rained the whole day, only once we managed to find a shelter near the bridge of Castelveccio. Those, who wanted, also walked on the bridge to enjoy a beautiful view. Our guides were students from San Pietro, who spoke about the history of verious things we saw.
On Tuesday we visited Venice, which is set on the coast of Adriatic Sea. This is one of the world’s most unique and beautiful cities. We were amazed at the water channels of Venice, bridges, and houses. Streets over there are very narrow and most of the traffic is coordinated with the gondles on the channels. There were moving stores in the streets, from where you can buy souvenirs. We met up at the massive square of Saint Marck. On our way back to our bus we took the water-road, or so called waterbus. It was interesting and new experience for us.
Wednesday was a serious work day. At the beginning of the day we visited the local town hall and the presentations started, when we got back to school. French and Italian team had also made a small video to accompany their presentations. This in turn made the presentations fun to follow. There was also a competition for posters. After the presentations we went to another school, which had a vineyard. We were told how to take care of grapes, what conditions they grow in, about wines and how to make them. In the evening there was an international party with parents and teachers. The tables were full of delicious food, made by the parents. The evening ended with a dance, where we learned dancegames from different nations.
On Thursday we visited a windpark high up in the mountains. There we were told about the work and necessity of windmills. There were less windmills than in Virtsu but we got to go very close to them and there was lots to be curious about. What follows was a trip to the winery. There was also a small ground tour and we were told about recycling within growing grapes and producing wine. We got a better understanding about import and re-selling of wine. We were offered tasty snacks and the teachers were offered wine to taste and to buy. After that we went to lake Garda, which is the biggest lake of Italy. The trip there was quite long but it was worth it. We got to wonder at nature’s beauty at the base of Alpes, grand buildings and verious sights. At Garda we visited the local castle, bought lots of ice cream, because Italian ice cream is absolutely super!
The evenings were spent with the host families and friends. There were also different catherings with the local youth and visitors. We chatted, played football, shopped…The leaving party took part on Thursday. We ate lovely food, danced, chatted and said our goodbyes…It was sad…This was our last night in Italy.
The long trip home started on Friday. When we were met with the icecold air at Tallinn airport, we all missed Italy full of warmth, sunshine and kindly smiling friendly people.
Sander, Margerite, Ruth