DROPS OF NATURE  –  IN SPAIN

            Our fourth meeting was in Leon –Spain.The  main point focused on was  'nature ' during this meeting. We previously collected some flowers and leaves from different cities of Turkey  ,dried them and searched for their names in Latin and English. We took these dried leaves and flowers with us to create a common herbarium with other participants in Spain. The best thing was that our kids got much more awareness about nature throughout this project.

            This meeting lasted for 7 days from 19th -25th October . We arrived in Madrid ,the capital,on 19th October. We spent a day and a night there. It was a wonderful , colorful and joyfull city . We had great fun while walking around the city. The streets were full of talented people, singers, dancers, actors, musicians and so on. Watching them was like taking breath on a tiring day. We visited many attractions ;Plaza Sol, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real, Puerta de Alcala, Las Ventas(the arena for bull fighting), Cervantas Monument, Retiro Park. In two days  we got used to the streets, transportation in  the city that we could even give directions to the one who were lost.

            Next day we started a journey for  almost 5 hours to Leon. We arrived in Leon late in the evening . The  host families  were really excited to see their guests.

            On Tuesday the comenius group students at the school welcomed us with a mini ceremony. Later we visited the town hall and the mayor of  San Andres. Outside the building, there was a folk dance goup in traditional costumes. We joined these ladies and danced together; it was fun. After welcoming of the mayor we went back to school to display the flowers and leaves from different countries. There was a wishing tree in the hall and we wrote our wishes on the leaves . After lunch , we had a guided city tour to San Marcos, San Isidoro and Cathedral in Leon.They were great buildings. And we learned a fact that Leon is a religious place for the pilgrims of Christianity as it is on the way to Santiago de Compostela.

            On the following days we visited Las Medulas (ancient Roman mines), Gaudi's Palace and Cathedral in Astorga, Valporquero Cave, el Faedo de Cinera (an enchanted forest) .We went trekking and learned a lot about wonders of nature.

            On the last day teachers had a meeting when the students participated the lessons .Later we presented the PPTs about our natural parks and created a common herbarium book . In the evening we had a farewell party.

            It was an unforgettable trip for our students and teachers. We visited many historical places ,besides natural places. We had the chance of tasting some traditional dishes like tortilla , paella, flan , tapas, bitter coffee in small cups.  Spanish people were really hospitable, welcoming and fun . They  were with us whenever we need help. We felt ourselves close to this country and its people.

            We left this lovely country to meet  together in Austria in December.

You can visit our website                   http://naturedrops.webnode.hu/