International week

One great week!
I know I say this for every week that has passed, but this was REALLY something speacial ;) For a week our school hosted 17 Dutch students and 2 professors, coming from the Merewade College in Gorinchem, Holland. They came here with a programme of the European Union (Comenius school assistansthips) which enables schools to take part in such one-week lasting cultural exchanges. I found the programme an excellent way of getting to know a foreign culture, giving the the students a unique opportunity to live out a real Italian experience. Such an exchange is based on the principle of reciprocity; last November our students have gone to the Netherlands and spent one week with the Dutch families. This time it was them who did the hosting part. Each Dutch student lived with an Italian family. Great, is it not? A true and genuine experience!

I was really glad (and fortunate) to be able to participate in the whole thing. My task was to help with the organisation and to join our guests when sightseeing. As you can imagine, I had no problems with that.. no problems what-so-ever ;)

And so on Monday we took them to Lingotto, a former Fiat factory which is interesting for two things. First, it has a track all around the building and so when the directors wanted to observe the whole production process they did not even have to step out of their cars (they could drive all the way through). Second, it also had a rooftop test track for testing the cars. Smart, isn't it?

On Tuesday we went to the Egyptian museum (the 2nd biggest in the world, immediately after the one in Egypt).
























Wednesday was an interesting day, as well. In the morning we visited Mole Antonelliana, the symbol of Turin which hosts the Cinema Museum. What I particularly fancied was the view from the top. If you're ever in Turin, it sure is a must to go on the top. On a clear day it seems you can see all the way to Slovenia. Well, almost ;)



TTT- The three teachers ;)

In the afternoon we visited another important sight- Palazzo Madama, one of the residences of the royal family. The palace now houses Turin's Museo Civico d'Arte Antica.


In the evening I was supposed to take the Dutch teachers out for dinner. I have to admit I don't remember the last time I had so much fun ;) To make the story short- late evening we ended up in the apartment of Sara, our afternoon guide to Palazzo Madama. Don't ask, it's a looong story ;)

I've never been to Milan myself, and so going there was something I've wanted for a long time. My wish came true on Thursday when we all went to see this fascinating city, found only two hours away from Turin. When we got in front of The Duomo there were crowds of people staring at the sky, shouting something. A couple of minutes later I found out the cause of their enthusiasm. On one of the balconies there she was.. Dolce Nera. Never heard of her? Well, join the club ;) But according to the number of people gathered there she seems to be rather popular among the Italian youth (recently she participated in the San Remo festival).
Anyway, let the photos tell more..

The students in front of Castello Sforcesco

The professors in front of Il Duomo

We ended the week on Friday by going to Parco Valentino and to see Borgo Medievale. Due to some organisational problems (or the lack or it, for that matter ;) we didn't actually enter (but as a proof, we did take a photo in front ;). But I think the students actually prefered having some unexpected free time than seeing yet another museum. I can't really blame them ;)


With more experiences that I have here I see my horizons are spreading. I see more and more possibilities that are offered by the EU and I can only hope others do, too. Take advantage of it or else you may end up regreting for not doing it. There are very many possibilities and so I'm sure you can find one that suits you, as well. Go for it, guys! ;)