“FOLLOWING THE FOOT PRINTS OF THE EMPERORS”
05.06.2016 - 11.06.2016
KOCHERINOVO VISIT PROGRAM REPORT
SOU ”Hristo Botev”
UL. Sv. “Ivan Rilski” 113, Kocherinovo, Kyustendil, Bulgaria
05.06.2016 (Sunday)
Teachers and students form the partner countries arrived at Sofia airport and were welcomed by the Bulgarian teachers.
06.06.2016 (Monday)
1. Meeting in SOU“Hristo Botev”- the host school has organized welcome activities for the other partners. The guests have the opportunity to see traditional welcome rituals and traditional Bulgarian dances.
2. Project meeting:
A) The Bulgarian students presented a short presentation about their school and region.
B) Presentations for Roman Gods and Goddesses - students from all countries presented their presentations .
C) The guests had the ability to see the Bulgarian classes. Teachers from other countries saw a Math lesson. They also saw the school diary and talked about the differences between the documents in other countries.
3. All the partners went on a trip to Rila Monastery which is an unique place related to Bulgarian culture and religion. Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria's most important, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe. It is also listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
07.06.2016 (Tuesday)
1. Meeting at school
2. Workshop activities for students:
A) All the students made flash cards of Roman Gods.
B) All the students made The Holy Crown of the Emperor.
3. Teachers from other countries had a meeting with the mayor of Kocherinovo who has made a short presentation about the host municipality.
4. A trip to Tsari Mali Grad (an ancient Roman Fortress). The location of the fortress was chosen deliberately and provides the ability to see the whole valley and protect its western part. The castle is located near the ancient military, trade and communication route from Rome to Macedonia. The host countries could see archeological excavations and different Roman relics such as coins, weapons and ceramics.
08.06.2016 (Wednesday)
A trip to Plovdiv
The partner countries could see many Roman artifacts and buildings such as the Roman theatre of Plovdiv (Latin: TEATRUM TRIMONTENSE;) which is one of the world's best-preserved ancient theatres, located in the city center of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It was constructed during Roman Emperor Trajan (reigned 98–117 AD), it can host between 5000 and 7000 spectators and it is currently in use. What is more, guests could also see The Stadium of Trimontium which is among the largest structures from the time of the Ancient Rome in the Balkan peninsula. The Stadium of Trimontium was built in the beginning of the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (117-138). It is situated in the Northern part of the fortified city surrounded by defensive walls, in the natural terrain between Taksim Tepe and Sahat Tepe.
09.06.2016 (Thursday)
A trip to Sofia
1. We visited the National History Museum where partner countries could learn more about Bulgarian history and culture during the centuries.
2. We saw the archeological excavations of Serdika.
Serdika or Serdnopolis was founded in II thousand BC. Serdi is the name of a Thracian tribe who settled in the area around the hot mineral springs. In I c. AD the city was conquered by the Romans who appreciate the important and strategic position and mineral springs. During the reign of Emperor Marcus Ulpius Trajan (98-117) in honor of the town was called Ulpia Serdika and became the center of an administrative area.
Serdika was the favorite city of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (306-337), who used to say "Serdika is my Rome". In Serdika, It was decided the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire to be moved to Constantinople and until it was finished Konstantin ruled from Serdika.
3. Sightseeing Sofia-partner countries saw many places of interesting in the center of the Bulgarian capital such as Russian church, Saint Nevski cathedral, the Presidency etc.
10.06.2016 (Friday)
1. A trip to Deshka Kashta - A traditional Bulgarian house where the guests countries could see a Bulgarian folklore songs, dances, cuisine and crafts. The partner countries were dressed in traditional costumes and represented a wedding ritual with the help of the hosts. This visit represented the Bulgarian culture and customs.
2. Free time in Blagoevgrad shopping centers
3. Dinner at the hotel only hosts and guests teachers). The main aim of this dinner was to encourage the friendship between all the participants in this project.
11.06.2016 (Saturday)
Departures of the partners