Memories about meeting in Greece- Portugal

We saw the main cultural and tourist attractions, starting with the Roman Forum and up to the unforgettable and impressive Acropolis of Athens, where we could appreciate the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, the Erechtheum with the famous Caryatids, the Theatre of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus. From there, we went to see Hadrian's Arch and the Temple of Zeus, and stopped at Syntagma Square where we saw the changing of the guards, who are dressed in traditional Greek costumes, which takes place hourly. After this city tour, we lunched typical Greek food and enjoyed the market with shops selling typical Greek items. Finally, we prepared ourselves for the last trip to Amaliada, where students met the host students and their families. Undoubtedly, a day full of culture and beauty.

 

On the 20th and 21st October, the students Diana Lima and William Diaz, accompanied by the host families and the teacher Mr. Anthoniou of Gymnasio Gastounis school took advantage of the fact that there were no school activities to learn more about the region where they were and its culture.

On the 20th they visited the cities of Gastounis and Amaliada and the beach Kourouta, where they had the pleasant surprise of meeting the teachers and the Greek coordinator.

The 21st was specifically a cultural day. We visited the museum "Ancient Elis" where we had the opportunity to enjoy antique pieces found in the "Theater of Elis." We also visited the "Theater of Elis" and saw the place from which the museum pieces came. Next, we visited the "Chlemoutsi", a castle built by the Franks in the thirteenth century and, thanks to its position at the top of the mountain, it was used as a commercial port and capital of the province of Andravida. To end the day, we went to the beach of  Arkoudi to relax and talk about various legends.

The teachers of all the project teams gathered for a welcoming dinner, where they were able to taste Greek delicacies

  

On the 22nd the activities in school Gymnasio Gastornis began. The PEACE project teams were greeted with a nice and tasty offering, a Greek welcoming tradition.

Then we went to the school amphitheater where the director of the educational establishment thanked our presence and wished we would all have a good time at their school and in Greece, after which took place the introduction of the teams and the exchange of caps with the national colours.

Next, the students made the presentation of the beginning and ending of the school year ceremonies. After a coffee break, the students participated in several sports activities and the teachers got to know the school activities through the exhibition of works produced in class.

 Then we ate a traditional Greek lunch, after which the students participated in the making of clay pieces, while the teachers presented the autumn events that take place in their country.

The activities ended with a workshop of traditional Greek dance, attended by students and teachers, and that was a great way to end the first official day of activities.

   

   The next day began early with an unforgettable visit to Ancient Olympia, where the Olympic Games were held in ancient Greece, in honor of Zeus and the athletes who participated in the games made their preparations for the different tests. Students and teachers began by visiting the museum, where they learned a little about the history of this place and were able to enjoy some important archaeological pieces found in the carried out excavations, with particular emphasis on the Hermes statue that is in excellent condition. Then we saw the archaeological site and identified, with the help of the guide, the main monuments of this location. Afterwards we went to Mercouri  farm, where people can find the production of oil and also of a particular  wine appreciated in Greece. On this farm, we can see the evolution of wine production and agriculture. After lunch we visited the Ancient Greek Technology Museum, where we saw the inventions of the ancient Greeks that have contributed so much to the evolution of our civilization. We ended the day with a visit to the port of Katakolo, a crossing point for many Mediterranean cruises.

The last day of the PEACE project team activities began with a questionnaire about Greece, for students, and a Photostory workshop for teachers. After that, the teams exchanged their Sweet Box, a tasty time to learn more about each of the participating countries.

After this moment, there was a visit to the Olympic factory that produces and exports candy and sweets to Europe and Africa. The day continued with a visit to the President of the Chamber of Gastounis, who received us with great sympathy and pointed out the importance of such projects for greater unity among the peoples of Europe, highlighting the role of students in this issue.

The activities ended with the closing ceremony, in which were presented several songs  and traditional Greek dancing, as well as, the delivery of certificates of participation. The project Portuguese team thanks the hospitality of the Greek people and hopes to return to this special country, shortly.

See you soon!