Italian Journey: Umbria, Marc Carreras (German)

Italienische Reise: Umbrien, Marc Carreras

Link and Translation: "Lasst uns reisen!"

"Five intense days in Foligno", Elisa Alcaide (German)

"Fünf intensive Tage in Foligno", Elisa Alcaide 
Link and translation: "Lasst uns reisen!"

Meeting in Flensburg, Germany (Evaluation)

1.      Why have you decided to take part in first project meeting in Germany?

I looked forward to beginning to work for the project and I wanted to meet the colleagues with whom we were going to be partners for two years. // Because I thought it was necessary before starting work to meet all other partners, to share ideas and make decision, to check and revise cooperatively the two years activity and mobility plan of the project. // Because my director asked me to as I’m the Coordinator of projects in my school. // I am the project coordinator at my school. // To meet all the project coordinators, exchange ideas and organize the project. We also know the region of Flensburg and the education system of our German partner. // The first project meeting in Germany was planned in our project.  It was a proposal of the German school in Flensburg, which was one of the first schools interested in the project.  We decided so during the preparatory visit celebrated on the island of Menorca in January 2009. // I wanted to meet the participants, share ideas and how we could contribute the project for better.  // We decided to take part in the first project meeting to meet other participants, participate in the works related with the project to see the guideline of the project to be able to develop intercultural dialogue.

2.      What were your expectations connected with the first meeting in Germany?

Our mission consisted in setting up the mobilities, defining in a clear way the various activities of every partner and see how we were going to take part. Everything was very clear and we left with all the necessary information for our colleagues.  // It was our first similar experience, and we had many expectations. We  expected this meeting would give us the opportunity to be more involved in European partnerships, in getting to know more partners at the same time; we expected  to feel  happy and satisfied, to see a lot of different places and to meet nice and motivated collegues. The meeting not only met but rather exceeded our expectations leaving us fully satisfied. It was an opportunity to arise interest, enthusiasm and cooperation. The meeting helped to find solutions for future meetings (number of students and teachers and accommodation) and activities.  // My main expectation was to get knowledge about the Project and activities (mainly about mobility in Portugal) in order to can help in the organization.  // As we planned I expected we would decide about the organization of our project activities and mobilities as we really did.  We talked about our project not just during the working sessions but also during the whole visit.  I also expected to know the German school, Flensburg and the region according to the wonderful activity program prepared by the German team.  // To meet friendly participants in a friendly atmosphere and carry out a useful project.  // We expected to meet people from different cultures and share our experiences.  // Their culture to communicate with them, to learn what they are thinking about who we are.

3.      [ML1] How helpful was contact with the school coordinator of host school between the project meeting?

Excellent.  // The host school has created a suitable and warm atmosphere with friendly hospitality.  // Their hospitality was pleasing for us.

4.      What was the most interesting part of project meeting in Germany?

The teamwork with the European colleagues.  // There were very interesting moments during the meetings. The most interesting were the moments in the theatre where we watched the performances staged by the school.  // The welcome, our stay, the content and organization of events were all  fantastic,  and  we  were very happy to be there;  but  the  most memorable experience from the first Comenius meeting was  the  Farewell Dinner at Ox Island.  // To know about different realities of working in schools and to get information about the Project.  // If I delete the working sessions that were most important, maybe I can highlight the day trip, dinner on the island and Dinner at Horst house.  // The most interesting part of the project meeting in Germany was the possibility of meeting the German team hosting us in Flensburg and 12 more teachers from 5 different countries (France, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Turkey).  On the other hand, we had the opportunity of doing Tourism in Flensburg and its fantastic surroundings (Glücksburg, The North and the East Sea, Husun...).  The activities prepared by the teachers from Flensburg were also very impressive (“Who wants to be a traveler?”).  // The trip to the castle and meeting at the Horst’s house for dinner.  // The discussions took place during the meetings was interesting and beneficial for us. And the trip to the castle was good.

5.      What was your most memorable experience from the first Comenius meeting in Germany?

There were some experiences almost every day.  // The talks I had with other teachers.  //  The dinner in island, and the friendly atmosphere between all project partners.  // The dinner party on the small island in Denmark during the last evening. I have a very nice memory of this evening, the crossing on the boat to the island and the dinner itself.  I think we were 21 teachers.  It was the first project meeting with so many teachers.  // Debates during meeting with participants to develop the Comenius project.

6.      What difficulties did you face during the first project meeting in Germany?

We met no difficulty.  I would better have liked speaking English to be able to exchange even more.  // We didn’t face any difficulty except those arising from personal inexperience in this type of event.  // I didn’t feel any. // The Journey, of course. It took long hours to get to Flensburg. But the hospitality and friendly atmosphere compensated. // We had difficulties to get Flensburg by means of transportation. The trip was long and tiring for us but the organization in Flensburg was so satisfying for us that we for got all obstacles.

7.      What would you like to change in project meetings’ organization?

It could have taken place at the end of June, which would have allowed the teachers to have more time to prepare the implementation of the various activities.  // Absolutely nothing.  // As I don’t have experience on Comenius Projects I really don’t find anything to change.  // I really like people feeling free when they prepare the activity program in their own country.  We can improve learning from each visit.  Hosting schools should plan them their own way.  We just have to take into account the convenience of celebrating two or three working sessions during the meetings.  // Nothing. Everything had been organized in details.

8.      How helpful was the first project meeting in improving the international cooperation between partner schools?

This first meeting was most important to be able to bring to a successful conclusion our common project, we have now to exchange via the Internet so that our pupils can get in touch to prepare the next mobilities.  // The meeting was an opportunity to start interest, enthusiasm and cooperation. The meeting helped to find solution for future meetings (number of students and teachers and accommodation) and future activities.  // Good co-operation and plan.

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Boat Excursion Illa del Rei Port Maó (Comenius Week, 10.05.12)

Binigaus, Menorca

Sant Tomás has two beaches separated by a headland  . The eastern beach (Platja de Sant  Tomàs) is deeper with extensive dune systems and lies in front of the mainly hotels area which occupy the front line positions in the eastern part of the resort. The western beach (Platja Sant Adeodato) is a longer (extending towards Binigaus) less deep beach with lifeguard, beach bar (Es Brucs) plus water sports including wind surfing, pedaloes and Motor boats & water jet skis for hire. 

Further westwards is the huge virgin beach of Platja de Binigaus which is extremely beautiful, natural and less frequented. Its also a favourite location for nudists but everyone is welcome (no need to strip and plenty of space if you are shy). Sant Tomàs can suffer from quite strong water currents, so care should be taken ( keep within 40 meters of shore, make sure you are not drifting ) and keep an eye on the red and green safety flags.

Barranc de Binigaus is a fabulous valley ending in a huge virgin beach - Playa de Binigaus. Along the road route there is the well known landmark of Binigaus Nou country house.

Along the Barranc de Binigaus ( Binigaus Ravine ) you will find a spectacular cave called Cova des Coloms also known as the 'Cathedral cave' due to the sheer height of its ceiling (24 meters high!). Previously used as a place of pre-historic worship. Binigaus valley is reached in land from Es Migjorn Gran ( follow the red arrows down a track starting at the old cemetery ) and from the coast from behind Binigaus beach.

Balearic Islands' Government attacks Catalan Language / die Regierung der Balearen greift die Katalanische Sprache an

Menorca for Public Education: "Embracing the School" (Maó, June 6th 2012 - 12 pm)

Water Sports in Ferreira do Zêzere - Santarém, Portugal

 

What are the characteristics of this type of tourism?

Ferreira do Zêzere is a small area in the centre of Portugal. It has got this name because  river Zêzere crosses it and establishes its own limits.

The proximity to the lake Castelo do Bode or Lago Azul (Blue Lake) is possibly the key to the town’s popularity. It is located only seven kilometres from the town centre.

It’s the perfect place for people who love watersports: kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating and sailing.

What should there be in the bag of the traveler performing this trip?

The traveler will need some food, plenty of water, sunglasses, special clothes (shorts,       t-shirts), suntan protection and, optionally, a sleeping bag and a tent if they are planning to camp near the river.

How can transportation be provided for this trip?

The nearest airport is Lisbon Airport, which is about 140 km away. There are many airlines flying there (TAP, easyjet, British Airways, AirFrance, etc) so it is possible to find a cheap ticket if you reserve in advance.

Renting a car at the airport is a comfortable option, but public transport is also available.  Buses connect the airport with the town centre. Trains drive you to Tomar every hour.

Where can the traveler accommodate during this trip?

Accommodation is possible in some hotels, houses and apartments from 49 euros per night. It is specially popular the Hotel Estalagem Lago Azul because of its nice location.

Some options can be considered clicking this link.

http://www.cm-ferreiradozezere.pt/pt/conteudos/turismo/Alojamento/5c242cbb-faf0-4858-be46-d99fd694a9dd.htm

How long does this trip last? (Minimum time -day)

A minimum of two or three days to be able to discover that beautiful area and practice some sport.

How much money is needed for this trip?

It depends on how long are you planning to stay and the type of accommodation you choose.

Why should a traveller do this trip? What will the traveller’s benefit be?

Because it's a good place to go on holiday. There are many activities and sports to do and there also are  interesting historical places. And it is possible to find great and cheap hotels!

Ferreira do Zêzere is always a good option.

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferreira_do_Z%C3%AAzere (Ferreira do Zezêre: general information)
http://desporto-ferreiradozezere.webnode.pt/ (sports in Ferreira do Zezêre)
http://www.tripadvisor.es/Flights-g642201-Ferreira_do_Zezere_Estremadura-Cheap_Discount_Airfares.html (how to arrive there)
http://maps.google.es/maps?hl=es&tab=wl (how to get there)
http://www.tripadvisor.es/Tourism-g642201-Ferreira_do_Zezere_Estremadura-Vacations.html (where to sleep)
http://es.lifecooler.com/lifecooleres/ferreira-do-zezere-categ2.htm (about the city)
http://www.gekkoportugal.com/rio-zezere-portugal-river-zezere.htm (rent a canoe)
http://www.visitportugal.com/NR/exeres/6BCBD81C-F9DF-4D33-B08A-050D6C05641C,frameless.htm

Elisa from Menorca has been travelling to Foligno, Italy

Hello my name is Elisa Alcaide Stumpf and I was born on the 16. June of 1995 in Mahon, Menorca, a small island in the Balearic Islands, Spain. The name of my father is Pedro Paz Alcaide, and he is from Castilla la Mancha and the name of my mother is Petra Stumpf and she is form Nuremberg, a German city, that means I have half family in Spain and half family in Germany, and it's very cool, because i can speak and understand the two languages very good.  I am 1.65 high and I have brown hair and brown eyes.  I am on the first class of humanities at the Joan Ramis i Ramis. My favorite subjects are history and German. The subjects that I don't like are philosophy and Latin, because they are too difficult for me.  In my free time I paint or draw, but also listen to music and on the weekends hanging out with my friends to watch movies at the cinema, going out for a walk or occasionally go to a nightclub. But this course is not leaving me much free time because I have to study to pass the next year and to graduate and go to the UEM (European University of Madrid) to study German philology, or another option would be to go to Berlin to study Spanish philology. But apart from philology, I'm also interested in studying interior design, because that's what I really like. I have to force myself to get what I want!  My favorite food is sushi and the food that I hate are the peppers.  My hobbies are painting, because it relaxes me a lot and is something that I love since childhood, and the Christmas holidays, Easter holidays or summer holidays I usually travel because I like to meet other countries.  In summer, if I have not to recover any subject for September, I go to the beach almost every day, I am with my friends and I go to the village parties that are every weekend.

Biel from Menorca has been travelling to Foligno, Italy

Hi, my name is Biel Villalonga, I am sixteen years old but in April I will be seventeen. I am from a small town in the Balearic Islands called, Maó, it is in Menorca. Menorca is a beautiful island, it i45 kms long and 14kms wide. There are two main towns Maó and Ciutadella, and in summer we have a lot of tourists.We have beautiful beaches and a fabulous summer, we have our local fiestas, with black horses and riders, and we drink a drink called ´pomada´which is a mixture of gin and lemon...but you must be careful not to drink too much.

Anyway, now back to me, I am tall and slim ( although I eat a lot) and I have straight fair hair, and brown eyes. People say I am friendly and sociable, and I think this is true because I have a lot of friends and it isn´t difficult for me to make new friends. I am quite a good student, my favourite subjects are history and PE and I dislike Maths. My passion is football and I play with a team called CD Menorca, I have played with this club for 12 years. I train 4 days a week and I play a match every weekend.

In my freetime, I like to be with my friends or my family. I have a elder sister she is 22 and she is married, and a younger brother who is six.

I am really looking forward to my visit to Italy. I have never travelled abroad, so I am nervous, but at the same time I am also excited. I think it will be a wonderful experience, because I will meet new people, I will see another country and how the people live and I will learn about a new culture.

The Menorcan Comenius Week on the Television News (IB3, 7.05.12))

Erzin Kaplicalari - The Erzin Source - Hatay, Turkey (5th June: World Enviroment Day)

 ''The Erzin Source Gives Recovery''

The recovery and mineral water which comes out from different places of the rocks in the Amanos Mountain, is in a small village named Başlamış near the city of Erzin in Hatay.

The sources of running water  are 3 km far in the east Erzin and espacially in the summer, this place is important for the domestic turists. Particularly ,people come around for finding cure to their illnesses by drinking the water which is 24C,with pH 6,7 and mixture of bremide, calsiyum, magnesium, carbondioxide,  bicarbonate, sulfate and sulfur. The good benefits of this water are helping the people who have problems with their digestion, kidney, urin organs and metabolizm.

Başlamış is another small and old village which is taken place in the forest surrounded by the mountains. You can find a lot of cheap motels and pansions there. The streams coming from the sources are flowing through the village. At the end of the village  there are stairs leading to this place. On the way,you can see the fantastic nature of Hatay. You walk on the stone path which is surrounded with old trees decorating everywhere. On  the way, you can hear and enjoy the wonderful sounds of the running water. This place is very good for relaxing. There are several bridges over the large river and a lot of places on the ground or small rocks for sitting on. The source of the river  is in a cave in the mountain. Next to the cave, there are a lot of holes in the rocks where mineral water comes out. There is a special place where you can make ''care mask'' with  the mood of the rocks. It is claimed that it makes  your skin soft, beautiful and   younger. Next to this place,there  is a bath with warm water from the source. This warm water is very good for every part of your body espacially for your bones.

After this tour , you will feel yourself more relaxed. Not only your body but also spiritually cause of the climate in the nature. The best season for this trip is spring and summer. In the winter, the water is naturally warm.

Some tips for this trip:

*it’s better if you wear comfortable shoes; because of the much rocks there.

*if you cant drink bitter water then dont forget to bring your own bottle because you cant find another type of water.

*for sure you will jumb into the water, so dont forget to bring your swim suits and towels.

*there arent  any benches, this is why it will be better for you to take a small blanket if you cant sit on austere grounds.

*if you want to go on foot, take a map with you cause there are more then one way to there.

The benefit of this trip:

I advise to visit this place for finding cure in the hot water from the sources.

Accommodation

*Uğur pension

-0544 694 63 35

*Çağlar pension

-0505 562 14 64
-0326 694 64 13

Ojcowski National Park - Poland (5th June: World Enviroment Day)

1. What are the characteristics of this travel activity?

Ojcowski National Park was established on January 14, 1956. It takes its name from the village of Ojców, where it also has its headquarters.

It has an area of 1,890 ha of which forests occupy 1,349 ha, and 251 ha fully covered with forest which are under strict protection. It is a second smallest among the Polish National Parks. The wealth of the Ojcowski National Park includes rich plant and animal life, an unusual landscape made up of canyons, and white limestone cliffs containing great amount of caves (in fact about 215), formed by the eroding action of water. The Park's Museum, located in Ojcow, contains a rich collection of examples of the region's flora, fauna, geological samples and archeological discoveries. The village of Ojcow, with the ruins of a castle, and nearby Pieskowa Skala Castle, are tourist centers located within the park boundary.

2. What should there be in the travelers bag performing this kind of tourism?

The traveler who wants to discover the amazing power of nature should be well prepared for such trip. He/She should provide comfortable shoes and suitable clothes. T-shirts and trousers should cover arms and legs, even if there is hot outside. The traveler shouldn’t take any electronical equipment beside the camera because of the respect to animals living there. Besides he/she should take some insect repellent, sun cream if you travel in summer, bottle of water and some light meal. An umbrella and hut is sometimes helpful too. It would be more convenient to the traveler to take a rucksack not a bag.

3. How can transportation be provided for this travel activity?

The most convenient way to get to Ojcowski Park Narodowy is of course by car. Visiting this National Park is connected with walking in long distance so it would be nice to rest in car or a bus if you are in larger group. You can also travel by train to Krakow and then there is a bus from Krakow to Ojców which stops in front of the entrance to Ojcowski National Park.

4. Where can the traveler accommodate?

Ojcowski National Park is a popular place, visited by thousands of tourists every year. That is why you can find a lot of accommodation place around the park. There are hotels (eg. Green Hotel), agrotouristic farms (eg. Agroturystyka u Alicji) or just private houses where you can find room and nice meal. Of course, the closer to National Park, the more expensive accommodation is.

5. How long does this travel activity lasts? (in one day)

Everything depends on the trail you choose. You can walk for 3 km or for 12 km and you have to remember that longer trails are also more difficult. So, it’s your choice how much time you spend in this beautiful place.

6. How much money is needed for this travel activity?

If we talk about one person spending there free days (like weekend) you have to prepare about 600 polish zloties (150 Euro), including the cost of accommodation, 2 main meals during a day, transport and tickets. If you need guide or you want to buy souvenirs or something more to drink cost will be bigger.

7. Why should a traveler do this activity? What will the traveler’s benefit be?
   
   
   To answer this question I’d had to write all day long, but I’ll do my best to write it in few words. If you visit Ojcowski National Park, you will meet amazing and powerful nature in its pure shape. You will see different, sometimes rare, species of animals and plants, you will see amazing shape of landscape, you will breathe with pure and fresh-smelling air, you will visit the ruins of beautiful medieval castle, you will also hear lots of legends and see how people lived there in old times… and all that is only part of beauty you will see.