SUMMARY OF THE SECOND MOBILITY IN HERACLION, CRETA
Saturday, May 4
With our suitcases full of enthusiasm and expectations, we travel to Heraklion, stopping in Athens. A journey that despite the hours wasnot very long. We arrived in the evening and were received by the teachers and the host families, who give us a warm welcome. In just a few hours, we realize how lively is the capital of Crete, with shops, restaurants and many people on the streets. Some of us had dinner in the center, except for those who stayed with families. We are very excited about the week that awaits us ahead!
Sunday, May 5
They welcome us together with our colleagues from Poland and enjoy a concert in the hall of the institute with the typical dances of the island. It's amazing how well they play and dance, they even encouraged us to participate in one of the dances!
That same morning we visited the aquarium of Crete, which is next to the sea, small but very interesting! We see small fish, mollusks and sharks, what a spectacle! Then we went to the seashore and some students put their feet into the cold water!
Afterwards, we all go to have lunch together at a restaurant in the center and share typical dishes from Crete. What a banquet! We took a few hours walking through the center of the city with our friends and received our colleagues from Chania. We ended the day in a spectacular restaurant from which we could see the whole city with incredible views of the sea!
Monday, May 6
They welcome us at the Heraklion Institute with live music and typical dances from the area, they even encourage us to participate in those dances, it is amazing how well they dance and play!
We take a walk to the port and eat with all our colleagues from Crete and Poland in a typical tavern and enjoy local products. How rich is everything!
We spend the afternoon in the company of our friends in the center of the city
Tuesday, May 7
In the morning we carried out several of the activities of the project: a session of cyberhelpers in which, in mixed groups, the students analyze and discuss the sensations experienced by the protagonists of a short film that we had previously seen. Next, we plant the seeds that we have brought from our countries to build our European garden. Finally, a session of mindfulness.
We all eat together in the hall of the institute and walk to the impressive archaeological museum of Heraklion, where in groups the guides tell us who the Minoans were through their art, the first European civilization that has left an archaeological legacy of the first magnitude .
Wednesday, May 8th
We started travelling to Knossos, where our fabulous guide shows us the stunning archaeological remains of the first European civilization. We learn that they were peaceful and seafaring people, which left archaeological relics preserved in the museum we visited yesterday and, of course, their palaces. We checked in wonder how 4,000 years ago the human being was able of building a city! A worthwhile visit that has impressed us.
Afterwards, and in a trip of barely an hour, we arrived at the very geographical centre of Crete, the town of Anogeia, where we tasted a meal with delicious local products. The views of the town are spectacular. It is amazing how in just one hour of bus, we went from seeing the sea to mountains with permanent snow.
We still had time, when returning, of walking and having dinner on the busy streets of the centre of Iraklio.
Thursday, May 9th
This morning we visited the classes of the high school of Iraklio. Students and teachers have opened the doors of their classes and we have shared their work methods in their classrooms. Some lucky person has even received a message in physiotherapy class!
On the same morning we visited the Natural History Museum, which was a pleasure. A gymkhana by Instagram through the Museum has led us to know the local fauna and flora, experience the sensation of an earthquake and make interactive games.
In the assembly hall of the Museum, our colleagues from Iraklio have shown us the video of Eurotravellers in Time, Crete, a video that they have written for themselves, recorded and performed. Their work has been great and very, very funny. The laughter during the screening ended with a deserved applause.
After so many emotions, is there something better than another joint meal overlooking the sea? After lunch, we have enjoyed a spare afternoon in which some people took the most of going shopping, others of walking through the centre and the most daring, swimming in the sea!
Friday, May 10th
Our last morning at the high school began with the Olympic Games activity, four fun quizzes mixing skill and speed that turned the assembly hall into a real stadium! Medals for the winners, prizes and laughs for everyone.
Afterwards, we carry out a solidarity walk together with the motorcycle club of Iraklio, from the high school to the town hall of the city. Unfortunately, there are many victims of motorcycle accidents and we wanted to join the initiative carrying banners with the motto "helmets save lives".
After the walk, the food and the farewell party arrangements in the assembly hall. And there were the spotlights, cookies with flags motives of Poland, Greece and Spain, photos, live music, dances, cake, songs, laughter, hugs... We did not want to finish, that's why we were already in the city centre until, without practically sleeping, take the plane back. A perfect farewell party for an unforgettable week.
Saturday, May 11th
The party on Friday continued until the first four hours of Saturday ... It was time to take the plane, the real farewell... and here, the laughter of the night turned into tears. Tears of sadness, because we say goodbye in endless hugs from our friends. Of emotion, because there have been many feelings that we have shared. But also, of joy, because we know that this week has been one of the best in our lives. Of sadness, because we say goodbye in endless hugs from our friends. Excitement, because there have been many feelings that we have shared. But also, of joy, because we know that this week has been one of the best in our lives.
