POLAND

Between 23^rd and 27^th November 2013 our school Zespół Szkół w Tuchowiczu was honoured to welcome our foreign friends from Turkey, Germany, Portugal, Finland, Greece and Spain, our partners in Foreign Mirrors, Comenius project. Earlier there were visits to other partner countries. Now, it was time for a visit to Poland. Our primary aim was to break stereotypes about Poland and Poles that are still present in Europe and all over the world and to show the cultural and historical heritage of our country being the main topic of our project. The whole week was full of different kinds of attractions. We wanted to show our partners as many of the heritage sites from our region as it was only possible. Smiles on the faces of our guests at the end of the week were the best confirmation that we have managed to achieve the goal.

Monday, 23.10.2013

At 9:30 students and teachers of Zespoł Szkól w Tuchowiczu gathered together in the sports hall of the new school building to welcome our foreign guests. At the doorway our head teacher with the welcome committee were waiting for our guests with bread and salt, as the old polish tradition says. During the reception students performed our national and regional song as well as some dancing routines. The rhythm of the music made almost everyone dance. After the show our guests received small gifts from our school.

Then there was a meeting of the teachers from the Comenius project. During the meeting some decisions concerning the project tasks were made. At that time students were attending a special class about Poland, its culture, history and geography. Later on, the whole Comenius group went to the St. Mary Magdalene's neo-gothic church, located just opposite the school.

The next point of the programme was the meeting with the local authorities, the village mayor Mr Krzysztof Kazana. The mayor very shortly presented the main information about Stanin Community, he talked about the main sources of income of the people living here, about main farming directions and production. The atmosphere was really friendly and nice. At the end all the visitors gave some souvenirs from their countries to the mayor.

After that, we went to see the owners of an old smithy in Czerśl. The smithy is the last functioning blacksmith workshop in our region. Of course with the time flow the smithy was given by father to his son. Now it belongs to Sylwester Izdebski but his father Henryk helps him in work. The young blacksmith occupies himself mainly with the artistic black-smithing. We had an opportunity to observe how does the blacksmith form a horseshoe. It was a very rare and unforgettable experience, after all this is an example of a dying art.

In the evening parents prepared a splendid dinner. The menu consisted of many different specialties of the traditional polish cuisine. We need to say that we are really grateful to all of the parents who are so much engaged in the life of our school and extra-curricular activities. During the dinner our school folk group ‘Kropelki Rosy’ presented some dances and songs. Dancers from the folk group were teaching our Comenius partners our traditional dance – polonaise. As it turned out it was not too difficult to follow the steps. Everyone had a great fun until very late hours at night.

Tuesday, 24.09.2013

The day started very early because of the long drive that was planned for that day. Our destination point was the National Nature Reserve in Białowieża. This park was entered to the UNESCO heritage list. Białowieża is one of few places in Europe where European Bisons live in the wild. Although the trip was long and tiring, it was worth to go there. We have visited Nature and Forest Museum, The Palace Park, European Bison Show Reserve and finally we have walked along the Royal Oak Trail. It was a great occasion to tell the guests about the history of Poland from the king’s times. The dinner in the stylish restaurant Zacisze in Międzyrzac Podlaski added splendour to the full of attractions day.

Wednesday, 25.09.2013

That day we did not let anyone to sleep too long. Programme was also very tense. At 7:00, just after the breakfast we went on a trip to Zamoyski Museum in Kozłówka. Luxorious and splendid palace showed the guests the way Polish nobility from the 19^th and 20^th century used to live. We have also visited Chapel, Coach-house and the Socialist Realism Art Gallery.  

Then we went to the Open Air Village Muzeum in Lublin. There were special workshops concerning the life of the people in 19^th century. In the museum we have followed a trail dealing with the food preparation, old instruments and Jewish culture from the small Polish towns and villages. We have learnt how did people use to get the rape oil or bake bread. We also could try that bread and play the old instruments.

In the afternoon we managed to find some time for shopping, the element which is essential in every visit programme and gives the opportunity for the guests to experience Polish culture and people face to face.

Thursday, 26. 09.2013

Thursday was devoted to the cultural heritage of our Small Country. We visited Wola Okrzejska, a place where Henryk Sienkiewicz, Polish Nobel Prize winner was born and where he spent his childhood. In the small house of Sienkiewicz family, that is now a museum, we could see many belongings of the artist. There was also a piano that Sienkiewicz used to play on and which after a long renovating works is again, safe and sound. We could also play that piano. Later we climbed the Mould made by Poles to commemorate the author of Quo Vadis.

Then, we went to Wola Gułowska. The manager of the House of Culture, Ms Renata Pawlikowska welcomed us warmly. She guided us along the whole building. First, we were in the museum hall devoted to the last battle of the 2^nd World War and its leading general F. Kleeberg. After that the group attended a painting and sculpturing workshop. Each group received a wooden rose which everyone was supposed to paint according to his or her idea. We have also visited the St. Mary Sanctuary in Wola Gułowska. Some of us were walking around the altar on their knees as a sign of penance. In the underground, under the church there is a well. The water from that well is said to have some miraculous properties. There were many people who claim to have been miraculously healed after drinking that water.

In the evening we gathered together for the farewell dinner. The dinner was prepared by the teachers but we have to thank our parents for all their help in the preparation to the dinner and all the work after that.  While the teachers were having dinner, dancing and enjoying themselves, students were at the school disco. It was a great opportunity for them to talk and laugh together.

Friday, 27.09.2013

First, we visited the Regional Museum in Łuków. It is a very small museum, nevertheless it has a special charm. Especially interesting were the ammonites and trophies from the international sports competitions won by the people from our small region.

Then we went for the meeting with the Starost of Łuków and other authorities from the Łuków province. Here everyone from the guests received materials and brochures promoting our region.
After the lunch we went to Warsaw by bus.

As the old proverb says: all good things must come to an end. Saying goodbye is never easy. That time passed very quickly. The memories from the visit when our Comenius Family came to Poland will remain with us forever. 






more photos