Blog about the meeting
1st Day - 3rd February, 2020, Monday
On Monday, the day started off in the Auditorium with the Headmistress’ warm welcome in every language of the Erasmus exchange.
Every student of every team introduced themselves and we then proceeded to take part in a series of engaging activities to break the ice. The groups then gave some thought-provoking presentations on their country´s most remarkable artists, and we were lucky to be introduced to a vast array of artistic expression.
After lunch, we were shown to the school library where the librarian gave us a detailed presentation on the history of Százhalombatta and the students had fun playing various games.
Finally, we went to the school gym where the students showed each other games from their home country. All in all, it was a wonderful day full of new experiences!
(Spain)
2nd day - 4th February, 2020, Tuesday
Tuesday was our second day in Hungary and we spent it in Budapest.
This amazing city composed of two parts: Buda - west side of the river and Pest - east side, attracted us with its atmosphere and fantastic architecture. We took a part in a guided tour in the Museum of Fine Arts which gave everybody the opportunity to understand the painting of the Renaissance.
And then it was time for Scavenger Hunt. Being given tasks to solve we hit the trail. Icy wind made the exercise challenging but we managed and the best won. Congratulations!!
Poland
3rd day - 5th February 2020, Wednesday
On Wednesday morning we got up early in the morning: a lesson of Hungarian language was planned.
The teacher used colourful and simple flash cards with the most useful words in Hungarian language.
The Hungarian was pretty difficult for us, and the lesson was really committing, but finally we were able to pronounce some simple common words.
At 9 o’clock a.m. we visited Matrica Museum where we got important information on the ancient history of Szàzhalombatta.
Matrica Museum is in a small and lovely historical site where the remains of the passage of ancient populations in Hungary are preserved.
After the visit to Matrica Museum all the students played Scavenger Hunt in Szàzhalombatta while the teachers enjoyed a good hot coffee to fight the coldness which was biting in those days.
A quick lunch at school and then the students were engaged in handicraft workshops at school divided in different enjoyable activities.
The final result can be summed up in a large and symbolic painting representing all of them!
Meanwhile in the afternoon the Italian. Spanish, Croatian and Greek teachers went back to Budapest by train to explore the beauty of the Old City through the streets, the Cathedral, the Parliament, the Castle and the great Danube River.
When the darkness of the night finally came down, Budapest revealed itself in all its romantic beauty with its bridges, its lights and its monuments.
It was wonderful to admire the city sailing gently on the river.
by the Italian team
4th day- 6th february, 2020, Thursday
It was the 4th day of our wonderful stay in Százhalombatta. We had to travel to the traditional Hungarian village of Hollókő, which is situated in the north of Hungary and is a UNESCO World heritage Site. Also its natural environment is protected.
We arrived at Hollókő village at 9:30.First of all we did a very relaxing and pleasant 10 minutes walk through a narrow path and visited Hollókő castle, a very impressive castle of the thirteenth century . We were guided there and we learnt about the interesting legends concerning the owners of this monument.Although the castle during the centuries, had switched many lords and was destroyed by many , it was in a very good condition after years of renovation works.
Then we returned at the village and we continued our guided tour there.We visited the old houses, which are are built exactly like the originals destroyed by fire. These houses had characteristic restored verandas and wooden rooftops ,of a unique style. This village preserves the way of life of people the used to have before hundred years.
We visited the museum , the oldest house and the school.
Then we had lunch in a traditional local restaurant where we tasted typical Hungarian food, and we visited a pottery,where we had the chance to view how pots and plates are manufactured.
After the visit to the pottery the children and their guests were split in groups and they could do various handicraft activities ,such as gingerbread making .They practiced also leather and cheese making activities.
We ended tired but enthousiastic and at 16 we left Holloko for Százhalombatta
By the Greek team
5th day- 7th february, 2020, Friday
Debate and carnival
Our exchange was quickly coming to an end because the activities were really interesting.
After participating at school lessons students set up the most important part of the meeting – the debate. The topic was: Talent can be replaced by technology in art. Both teams presented excellent debating skills and the opposition team won the debate. The best speaker of the opposition was Barbara Bratanić.
After the debate students acted out some funny scenes, which were practiced during the previous workshops. The scenes were all related to famous paintings.
Teachers had a short teachmeet to discuss plans for the next meeting.
Finally, it was time for the carnival themed party. First of all, we burned the dummy which represented all negative aspects of our lives. The activity resulted in a lot of positive energy, which was spent on partying and farewell.
We are leaving Hungary with plenty of great memories and we are looking forward to welcoming you in Croatia and sharing with you some of our cultural heritage.
See you in Croatia!
Croatian team