Day Three: Wednesday. “To the Mines…..”

At school we observe a lesson prepared and run by the students on “European Diversity.” Much to our initial horror it takes the form of the quiz “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” and we are the ‘Ask a Friend’ element – supposedly as the fount of knowledge on everything and anything to do with our own countries! Fortunately, the students prove themselves to be extremely knowledgeable and we are only called upon a few times. I answer a question on a ‘famous Liverpool pop group from the 1960’s.’ Perhaps owing to my advanced age I am able to supply the answer. (‘The Beatles,’ for those too young to remember!) We leave the lesson impressed with the students and relieved that none of us delegates brought shame upon our respective countries…

Next it’s off to Krakow and a visit to the famous salt mines. Once there we meet our guide and start down the stairs, followed by some more, then some more, yet more and so on. I lose count after the first five hundred or so, but eventually we reach what feels like the centre of the earth. Our guide informs us that in fact, this is only level 3! (There are 9!!!) Apparently the atmosphere is really good for your respiratory system. We all breathe deeply, and then Felis (one of our Turkish delegates) starts to cough…. We see some spectacular sights, but at the back of my mind is a concern as to how we will get back to the surface. Much to my relief there is a lift. We wait patiently and then spot a group of American tourists who look as if they’re next. Cue much batting of eyelashes and we charm our way into their group. I don’t know what kind of lift I had in mind but nine people at a time are crammed into sections of the ‘lift’ and we begin the ascent. I feel I know my companions extremely well by the time we see daylight again. Reunited as a group we head into the centre of Krakow. Guided by hunger we have dinner and are let loose for an hour’s shopping in the market square. The eyes of the women in the group light up at the sight of so many shops – the men’s shoulders hunch and their ears go back…Anyway, Krakow is an extremely beautiful city and I can highly recommend a visit.

Day Four: Thursday: “Presentations.”

We meet at the host school. Waiting for us in the hall are the students. We’re treated to some truly amazing renditions of traditional Polish folk songs. Then it’s our turn. Luckily for us (and them) we’re not expected to sing, but each country’s delegate has prepared a power point presentation on their school, region and country. It’s interesting to ‘see’ the students and schools involved in the project. It’s not really surprising to find how very similar teachers and students all over Europe really are.

After the presentations we retire to arrange the finer details of future visits.

In the evening we attend a poetry recital given by a famous local poet and journalist. Unfortunately, no translations are available, but we enjoy the atmosphere. I get a poem autographed. The poet looks slightly panic-stricken as I approach, but despite the language barrier all is well. For dinner we head to an Italian restaurant. Franco and Giovanni look very pleased…

Day Five: Friday. “The Final Flurry…”

This is where the real work kicks in. First of all we have a meeting with Mayor of Bytom, talk a little bit about education and politics. The conversation finishes when the state of Polish roads is mentioned  ( I wonder why......).  

Anyway, it was lovely to be there and now we hope to have a nice cup of tea with Boris in October

J

Back at school where there is a final evaluation meeting and reams of notes are taken. (There are photographs to prove it!)

As light relief we visit the Museum of Bakery. All of us have a go at plaiting some dough – some efforts are more impressive than others! The curator takes us off to a classroom. Worryingly for me, the desks and inkwells are like they were at my first school! We then look at some old household implements – again, I seem to know most of them…

The meal that evening is a chance to enjoy a chance to relax and appreciate the good working relationships that have developed. Oh, and the food was good too.

Day Six: Saturday. “Homeward Bound.”

Off to the airport. Ryanair live up to my low expectations by insisting that I haven’t booked in – this despite the boarding pass I have clutched in my hand. Still, Miss Depta and I sort it out, and at least there’s no fog. We land safely and I know we’re back in England because…it’s raining!

It’s great to be back and I feel that the Project will be a great success. We hope that future visits will give the students of all the schools involved the chance to experience different cultures and meet new people throughout Europe.

 Miss Richards

 To find out more about the Comenius Project click on the link below 

http://www.britishcouncil.org/comenius.htm