BACK TO NATURE FINAL MEETING IN BELICA
Between the 23 and the 28 of May our project’s final meeting was held in Belica, Croatia. It was an excitingly awaited mobility and opportunity to meet up again with our peers from Macedonia, Italy and Croatia.
The organization, planning and events were carefully planned and carried over by the host school and families, who exceeded all expectations by doing a fantastic job.
Over Monday 23rd all the schools arrived and the activities started on Tuesday 24th with a welcoming event at the school’s sport centre. Then a visit around the school and some ice breaker games followed so the students could get to know each other better. Right afterwards we visited the Rudolf Steiner Centre. An institution named after this Croatian visionary for biodynamic agriculture and farming. Students could learn about producing biodynamic products in a much more balanced healthy and environmental way. It was an interesting visit and speech. After lunch, a visit to the Castle and museum of the Treasury of Medimurje followed. Students were split in groups to have a guided tour around the museum and a workshop about making and decorating gingerbreads. They learned about the culture, music, legends and history of the Medimurje County, with a very rich and powerful intangible heritage. We finished an intense day with a tour around Cakovec city led by some guides. A beautiful and calm city, with a refreshing green park right at its heart.
On Wednesday 24th we had a full day trip to the Plitvize & lakes national park. The pearl of the country. A majestic and unreal stunning park with turquoise lakes, amazing waterfalls and plenty of trails. We had a tour around the lower lakes and could enjoy some great views while hiking. It was a long drive to get there, but nevertheless totally worth it. Students had fun on the bus and took advantage to get to know each other better. They even did some karaoke. Buses are always great to break boundaries!!!
On Thursday 25th students started the day doing some workshops at the school. They made some hand moisturising cream using herbs and natural products. They also played some kahoot about general culture of the participating countries and science. Then we went on a walk around Belica to see the city hall, meet the mayor and take a picture under the most popular town’s spot, a monument to potatoes. This vegetable is cultivated all around the area, and the ones from there have the reputation of being the best in the country! Really tasty and yummy! Next was a bus ride to see the rolling hills of Medimurje county and its multiple vineyards. Grape production is a big thing there! We went on a hike to the Maderkin lookout situated on top of a hill from where the views were jaw-dropping. And then, one of the most awaited activities, a dinner and dance at school. Students put on their coolest outfits and had fun while dancing in the school hall. Plenty of Croatian, Macedonian and Spanish songs were played and danced.
Friday 26th was the last day. Students did some sport activities outside of the school and then it was time for the farewell ceremony where the participants got their attendance diplomas and last pictures were taken. After that, they enjoyed an afternoon with the host families.
It was an intense week, full of special moments and great experiences. Discovering a new country and making new friends or meeting up again with old ones is always fantastic. On top of that, the whole week was full of unforgettable and special moments!!! A massive big thank you and congratulations for the Croatian team for their amazing job in hosting us and organising all the activities. Teachers and students got back home with great memories of our week in Cakovec! It was the final meeting of our Back to Nature project, which definitely brought us closer to nature and raised a sense of awareness among us to protect better our planet and environment and to use wisely and in a balanced and respectful way its natural resources. A successful partnership which may be the beginning of new projects to come alive!!!