Meeting in St Cataldo

OUR TRIP TO SANT CATALDO

AT THE AIRPORT: What a great welcome at Catania airport!

DAY 1: 1º Circolo Diddattico "E. De Amicis" school day

Today is our first day in Sant Cataldo. Children and teachers have planned some welcome activities and Erasmus students have been involved in innovative methodology and interactive workshops.

Students at school made a volcano using baking soda and vinegar. They also did and experiment where they had to isolate fats and proteins from a sample of milk. Finally, we had some fun while listening students playing some instruments, such as the piano or the drums.

In the afternoon, host families, students, teachers and Erasmus partners went to a traditional Italian restaurant, and we had some typical Italian dishes and desserts like panelle, hot panini or cannoli among others.

It's been such a great day!

Day 2: 1ºCircolo Didattico "E. De Amicis" school day

Today we were supposed to go on an excursion to Agriturismo"Monticelli" in Mussomeli but because of the bad weather we had to change our plans, and we have been at school. While Erasmus teachers have been in a meeting our students have had different activities such as History lessons or Arts and Crafts workshops. Students have painted different paintings of traditional scenes of Sicilian culture. Some samples are:

• Trinacria: It's a Greek word that means"three pointed", from akra (end, point, peak, headland); plus treis(three).
• Sicilian Lemons: Sicily is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of citrus especially of lemons; the climate fosters a long, growing season and the harvesting of different varieties of lemons over three distinct periods in the year.
• Moorish heads: They are different styles of ceramics heads, but the most traditional are a man of color and a beautiful girl.

DAY 3: Agrigento tour

Today we have been to Agrigento. There are two main sights in Agrigento: the magnificent remains of the Greek colony in the "Valley dei Temple" and the rocky hill where the medieval town was built. The city of Akaragas was founded by the Greeks, then conquered by the Romans in 210 BC, who gave the name of Agrigentum. During a period of barbarian invasions the town moved from the valley to the rock.

In Agrigento we have also visited, the Church of Saint Nicholas and the Archaeological museum.

Then, we have been to Museum Regionale casa Natale Luigi Pirandello. Luigi Pirandello was an Italian dramatic, novelist, poet and short story writer. He was awarded the 1934 Nobel prize.

Now, we're going back home to recharge the batteries for tomorrow tour!

Day 4: Syracusa and Ortigia tour

Today we have gone on an excursion to Syracusa, one of the first Greek colonies on the island. First, we have visited the Parco Archeologico. There, we have strolled thought the park bumping into different archeological ruins, such as:

• Altar of Heron II: A monumental altar dedicated to Zeus. The huge altar was used to celebrate grandiose religius ceremonies, with the sacrifice of up to 450 bulls in a single day!
• The Ear of Dyonisium: It is a limestone caved carved out of the Temeneties hill.
• Greek Theatre: It is one of the largest in the world. it is still home to tremendous festival of Greek plays in May and June each year.
• Roman amphitheater: The structure was used for gladiators and animals fights, while the nearby theatre was reserved for theatrical plays.

Being amazed by the magnificient sightseeings in the archeological park of Syracusa, we have continued our tour to Ortigia island. Crossing a bridge from Syracusa to Ortigia we have seen different cultural sites, some samples are:

• The Temple of Apollo: It was partially demollished and turned into barracks during the Spanish period.
• The Fountain of Diana: It is located by the Piazza Archimede. The fount was dedicated to the myth of the nymph Arethusa, who turned into spring water by goddess Artemis ( Diana) to escape from the amorous persecution of Alpheus.
• Museo Dei Pupi: At the museum we have seen Sicillian puppets (pupis), stages, tools and accessories that the Vaccaro puppeteers (puparis), a well-known family, used in the shows of the Opera dei Pupi.
• Puppet Lab and theatre: Brave knights, hideous monsters, angelic madens...! The pupati who manage both the theater and the nearby laboratory belong to a dynasty that has handed down this craft for generations. They still make each puppet entirely by hand.

At the lab, we have had the chance to watch a marvellous puppet performance about knights and ladies love stories. Then we made a puppet for each of us.

DAY 5: Visit to Agriturismo “Monticelli” in Mussomeli ( in the morning)

Today we have visited Monticelli, which is a sort of farm school. There, students have had the opportunity to see some animals like goats, sheeps or horses and taste delicious dishes at the eco-restaurant located there.

At the didactic factory, different activities are run. As we mentioned before, they have some animals to produce home-made products; ricotta cheese, olive oil or bread are some samples. Before finishing these activities, we have been offered to horse-riding.

DAY 5: Farewell ceremony at school (in the afternoon)

Italian students have done a performance with songs and dances involving seven classes of Year 5, and Erasmus students. Our students have performed something for them too; our traditional catalan dance "El ball de bastons". During this closing event, Erasmus partners have received certifications and some presents. Finally we had a gorgeous dinner all together: host families, teachers, Erasmus partners and students.

BACK TO BARCELONA

Now, it's time to say goodbye to our host families and Erasmus partners, which is not that easy! We are all going to miss them!

We have had a great stay in Sant Cataldo and we have learnt a lot during this Erasmus mobility. Living with different people or learning from another cultures are just some samples of what we have experienced there.

Once in Barcelona, we have had a warm welcome from our families at the airport.

Erasmus is the richest experience ever!

OUR ERASMUS EXPERIENCE

Our students gave a presentation to share their experiences and all of them remarked that it had been a great experience which let them go out from their comfort zone.

They have talked about:

- The ERASMUS+ experience

- Impressions of the country (culture, people, etc.).

-The accommodation

We finally played a kahoot related to presentation contents.