Meeting in Łapy

Sunday 20.04.08 In the afternoon we were waiting at the railway station for our guests from Italy and Czech Republic. We were stressed but also very curious. We didn’t know what to expect. Eventually, the train came. Some of us were on the exchange before, but for most it was the very first time. After meeting each other, everybody went to their homes to welcome the guests.

Monday 21.04.08
It was the first real day of the exchange program. At the beginning we went to our city hall for the meeting with the mayor. Everyone got the city maps and lots of information about our region. The walk back to school was a great opportunity to get know better. The next point of our trip was Kurowo – the beautiful village in the Narew River National Park. The most exciting thing was a boat trip around Kurowo. After that we went back home for dinner.

Tuesday 22.04.08
The whole day we spent in Białowieża – where one of the oldest forests in Europe is. In this place we could see the trees named after Polish kings. Furthermore, we visited the museum of Białowieża’s nature. Unfortunately, after that it was time to come back home. It was the second day we spent together, so atmosphere in the bus was great.

Wednesday 23.04.08
The first part of the day we spent at school doing the project. We were divided into groups. Each group was doing a different task. During the free time we showed our classes and compared with Czech and Italian ones. After that we played international basketball and football matches. Evening we spent in Białystok where we played bowling. It was another occasion to get know better and spend time in great atmosphere. After that we went back home and rested after a very tiring and exciting day.

Thursday 24.04.08
We were in Białystok and Supraœl. The first was the seat of local council. Everyone got the little gifts – eco-friendly bags and some information about the region. After that we went sightseeing Białystok: Branicki Palace, Planty park. In Supraœl we visited the Iconography Museum. There we saw the collection of icons – religious paintings of Orthodox Church. This was a good occasion to get know another religion. Next we were in the Centre of Education, where we had a possibility of horse riding. Only a few people snatched the opportunity to do this. We also listened to a short piano concert by one of participants Comenius Ecofootprint. In the evening we had a farewell party. Atmosphere was fantastic. The last day together passed very quickly.

Friday 25.04.08
Unfortunately, the last day came. We met at the railway station, just like on the first day. Everybody was upset and disappointed that this was the end. We were full of hope that the friendships made in that days will last.