REPORT ON FINNINSH AND TURKISH DELEGATION’S STAY IN POLAND

WITHIN THE “COMENIUS – OUR LITTLE GREAT MOTHERLAND” PROJECT

3-7.06.2014

            For our friends from Turkey and Finland we’ve been waiting impatiently as we were curious about their lives and all the news from their countries. Have bright nights in Finland already began? Are purple acacias still blooming in Turkey?

            Our friends from Finland arrived in an enlarged team; very happy and joyful and the Turkish quests arrived by night in a mixed (ladies’ and man’s) staff, because – as it was already mentioned before – for same time these are men who are schools’ and kindergartens’ headmasters in Turgutlu.

            After taking a short a rest we began with a visit in our kindergarten. Afterwards we decided to do some sightseeing and commune by tram – in case to show our quests the majority of our town’s charms and the usual day of its citizens.

The presentation of older groups of our kindergarten was preceded by a typical Polish welcoming (with bread and salt). Then children presented a Polish folk dance known as “Krakowiak” and dances: Finnish -  “Jenka” and Turkish – “Damath Halayi”. The quests have spontaneously joined to the pupils what made the atmosphere more family one. After mentioned performances our partners visited all groups of the kindergarten watching fragments of different didactic activities. Afterwards we’ve invited everyone for a lunch which consisted of traditional Polish dishes. In the afternoon we went to the Malta complex to have some fun. The weather wasn’t as marvelous as we’ve imagined but it didn’t discourage us from sledging down the slope on a special sledge track which was an unforgettable attraction for all of our Turkish partners. J Finally it cleared up and everyone could admire the beauty of surrounding nature. After those sport’s emotions – shopping! The “Malta” gallery welcomed us with its colours, perfumes and lights… In the late evening we walked our quests to the hotel and say “goodbye” till tomorrow morning…

            And the morning welcomed us in a sunny, briskly and joyfully! We took
a tram to visit a kindergarten “Polanie” in Winiary district. Since 1999 it is an outpost with integration branches. It was a precursory activity in the field of integration because 1999 was the year of creating a new integration branch for physically disabled children. Pupils welcomed us with traditional Polish dances and songs. Our partners could also observe work with children with speech defects, as well as special rehabilitation activities.

Afterwards it was finally a time for a short relax with coffee and croissants. Everyone said the meal was delicious and asked for receipts. We answered the questions and explained the tradition of backing our traditional Polish cake. After the break we participated in a long walk via imperial –royal route, we took some photos, listened to local stories and visited the Collegium Minus. After this educational feast it came the time for a sensus stricto feast which means – lunch! This time in a folk restaurant. Everyone found something special for themselves.

            A long way to the hotel across Ostrów Tumski, sightseeing of the Cathedral and its undergrounds made a great impression to the quests. Our history occurred to be very interesting – especially for Finish partners. 

            Returning to our kindergarten meant strenuous and long work on the project. Our partners brought latest Comenius products – puzzles and evaluating surveys. We’ve established relevant provisions to the final report and exchanged our observations towards realization of the project. During the presentation the coordinator presented the base of EST and ECAS system where we register to get a final report.

We’ve established project products:

1)      Partnership dictionary

2)      Cookery book

3)      Logo of the project

4)      Song “Panie Janie”

5)      Facebook

Work on the project lasted till the late evening and quests were a bit tired so we walked them to the hotel.

            A vey sunny morning was the invitation for a beautiful day. We began with the visit in the Office of the Poznań City. We went to the arranged meeting with the chairman of the City Council – Mr. Grzegorz Ganowicz and a member of the City Council –Mr. Wojciech Wośkowicz. The history of all the buildings of the City Council was presented us by a translator and city guide – Mr. Jakub Bielawski – in a very kind way. The meeting in City Council was really nice. All the workers hosted us with yeast – cakes which were the next tasty part of our Polish tradition. Our partners got to know about important people who have governed Poznań and also about famous people visiting our town – such as Fryderyk Chopin. This really nice and unforgettable meeting finished with a photo with our chairman – Mr. Ryszard Grobelny – and wishes of having nice following time spent in Poznań.

            It was nearly afternoon so it was time for an Old Town! In a moment two would start to point the noon and remember their story. Our guests were listening to these stories curiously and were fascinated about all the legends connected with Poznań. Things were going the same as it concerned a legend about St. Marcin and croissants of his name, because we were hosted in The St. Marcin’s Croissant Museum which is a vivid center of our local traditions. Bakers told us the legend connected with baking mentioned croissants and also instructed about the way of that baking. The show began with a story about Poznań and of the beginnings of baking croissants. Then we are told the famous legend and it was explained to us why croissants have their unique shape. After that – presentation of baking and us – taking part in all levels of this procedure. Everything was prepared in a professional way and was led as well in Polish as in English. In the end we were tasting our croissants and buying some delicious souvenirs. 

            Oh, yes – it was a very occupying, nice and long day… The next point of the program was a walk to the City Center, then – relax out of the city in a rustic scenery. During our evening meeting; by international songs and guitar we were handed the Comenius project certificates…

            And that was the end of an exciting (as we wish) stay of our guests in Poznań. The end of the project…The only thing waiting for us is the summary… Memories will remain; full of numerous impressions and funny situations. People in a virtual world will remain… Will we ever meet in the real world? “Maybe, on day... Everything may happen…” – as our friends say. Maybe, one day…