Even after so many years, always the same
thrill when preparing a meeting ‘at home’… Where are my partners going
to sleep, what would they like to visit (something interesting they don’t
know yet…)?
This time was very special: a preparatory meeting coupled with a ‘normal
project meeting’… and two places to host the teachers as our area is so
poor in accommodation for larger groups… A characteristic of our region:
cocoon and family… with the good and bad points…
Next step was the planning of the weekend, again I chose for our ‘typically
local’… If some of my European colleagues come to Belgium by themselves
or on an organized trip, sure they will visit Brussels and Brugge, so
I left these aside and discovered with them the harvesting of the grapes
of our ’Cuvée des Zouaves’… The sun was with us and I think they all enjoyed
the tramway ride to Lobbes… Again an opportunity to me to discover hidden
‘friends’… The tramway drivers were so nice to devote their afternoon
for us…
Sunday in Dinant was amazing, the citadel, the caves… So unexpected to
share all this with local enthusiastic and passionate ‘English speaking
guides’.
But… When did we work… Even if these 2 days were part of a discovery work…?
The visit of the school and school-system on Monday morning was another
step forward in getting to appreciate each others; the European meal-prepared
by the students and new colleagues from the school- an opportunity to
meet lots of teachers and ‘our jounalist ‘for the local paper…
In the afternoon we finalized the activities for the current project,
which was the way to work before planning the partnership 2013-2015.
Some shopping in Charleroi later that day and a typical Belgian meal at
Léon’s… It was supposed to be mussels and chips for everyone, but some
were more daring…
The preparation of the new project on Tuesday was really the occasion
to realize how well we could work as a new team and it was a fruitful
day… Everyone finding his own place and giving his own stamp…We will share
rich experiences in 2013-2015…
I won’t be too long about the ‘last meal’ at the pizzeria… So sad and
happy at the same time…
Two words to summarize the meeting: true and moving… Now let’s all keep
our fingers crossed till the beginning of July. LOL till then…and further…
Véronique Payen
IND THUIN, BELGIUM
Belgium greeted us with the smell of early
autumn. In the weak sunshine we were going on a shuttle along the highway
straight to Thuin. Apparently Belgium is the "most lit" country
seen from the space, due to street lights that illuminate both lanes of
highways.
Belgium is a land of stone houses, with lines so straight as if drawn
with a pencil. Omnipresent order, the absence of billboards and advertising
signs in excessive amounts makes it easy to see home gardens, windows
decorated with curtains and you can feel unique harmony of land use.
Belgium is home to excellent French fries and chocolate. The national
dish is mussels (mussels) prepared in various ways, served in enamel pots.
And for dessert, often eaten waffles are native.
Institut Notre Dame is one of two schools in Thuin, Walloon town where
everyone speaks French. It is located in a historic building in the center
of the village church itself. It is managed by a head teacher- Mr.Baudry.
The so-called detention functions here well, which is completely unusual
for our schools. The school has a climbing wall in the gym. During our
stay this room was filled with bikes and helmets of students, because
the first few weeks of science in physical education classes rely on rides
around the area along with the PE teacher-in. We had the opportunity (as
the only delegation) to take part in the fun-day when oldest students
“welcomed” the new ones, and the nationwide campaign "Sing for the
Climate".
Students who went to live with Belgians families were lucky as the host
families organized attractive tours and provided the best knowledge of
the culture of this country.
On the way back we visited Brussels, and flew by Easyjet plane to our
homes ....
Wonderful memories will last in our memory for a long time. Well, the
smell of waffles and chocolate ..., too.
Ela Luczak
