SUMMARY
Following the programme of our Erasmus project, the journey in Vilnius was the first activity in the time of pandemic. It was important, to break the monotony caused by online meetings and activities. Within this issue, you will find the adventures of our students visiting the city of Vilnius. These histories, regard also the activities made during the mobility and, for this reason, we thank all companies involved within the project to have supported these activities respecting the basic rules for our security.
On 24 October, 5 students and 2 teachers from FORAVE, travelled to Vilnius, in Lithuania, for another mobility of the ERASMUS + project “Local Solutions for Global Challenges”. This mobility took place, from 25th to 29th October, at the Vilnius Pranciškus Skorina Gym with the participation of students and teachers from Romania, Lithuania, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Spain, and the program was planned by the Lithuanian teachers.
The general objectives of the mobility were to get to know about Lithuania’s culture and businesses and to understand how COVID19 has affected small local businesses. Throughout the week, our team participated in workshops, in visits to local companies and institutions, like the Money Museum and the Parliament, and in visits to UNESCO heritage sites around the city. All these activities enriched us and allowed us to know a new country and its culture and history. All the places we visited were very interesting and beautiful. The visit to the Parliament and the Money Museum were undoubtedly our favourites.
This mobility not only promoted the exchange of experiences and the contact with a different culture, in terms of language, history, way of living and gastronomy, but it also gave us the opportunity to make new friends, to create bonds with young people from different countries and realities and, simultaneously, inspired in us the sense of responsibility and the respect for the difference.
It was a great week. However, we think that in future mobilities we would like to spend more days at school, working in group activities and games so that we can get to know better our colleagues from other countries and develop our communication skills. In conclusion, we can say that this mobility was very successful, and we believe that our objectives were achieved. We are looking forward to meeting you all in Portugal!
After a long trip from Bucharest to Vilnius, we arrived in the capital city of Lithuania. Starting off with an activity at Pranciškaus Skorinos gimnazija was a great idea to get all groups (of different nationalities: Romanian, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, and Polish) to socialize and get used to the multicultural atmosphere. We were introduced to the Lithuanian traditions, songs, food and exchanged our own cultural heritage. Not going to lie, the atmosphere, at first, was a bit tense but thanks to the welcoming nature of the hosts, the day went on smoothly, and we managed to have a great time!
After passing the awkwardness of the first day, we welcomed the second day with an open heart and an open mind in order to learn more, socialize, and create beautiful memories. The first thing on our to-do list has a hike to the Hill of Three Crosses . Reaching the top of the hill, we were mesmerized by the view and the beauty of Vilnius. It was only fair to take lots of photos in order to capture this moment. From this point on, the day was only going to get better! Our next stop was in Užupis, one of the smallest republics in the world, covering less than 1 sq km and also a place where artists are encouraged to express themselves. The artistic vibe was felt everywhere in the republic and it only encourages others to explore their talents and live in the present moment. While the second was more focused on art and the creative side, the third day was more practical. We started the day off with a visit to the Money Museum, and our friendly guide was happy to answer all our questions. This activity was followed by a hike to the Gediminas' Tower.It was a great opportunity to see the city from above and to admire the city.
The fourth day started with a walk through the neighborhoods of the city while listening to our guide talking about the culture and history of these places. Eventually, we got to the Amber Museum. This was a place where we realized the beauty and the force of nature while admiring so many different types and shapes of amber. Following was the visit to the Parliament. Unfortunately, after all the walking done in the morning, everyone was tired. Still, we managed to get through the visit to such an important building. By this day, everyone was getting along with everyone and the atmosphere was cheerful , despite the tiredness.
The final day was marked by a trip outside the city, to the Trakai Castle and the Hill of Angels. Both places had a calming and peaceful vibe. After experiencing the rush of the city, this was perfect for ending our week at a calm pace. The nature of this place was forcing us(in the best way possible) to ground ourselves and to take a moment to think about all things done during the week that passed and about all the memories made.
As far as I am concerned, the student exchange to Vilnius was once in a lifetime experience! The city impressed me with its baroque architecture, cobbled streets, tenements, charming cafes and restaurants. Furthermore, one place stole my heart at the first moment I stepped in it. It was the Uzupis street- the part of the city originally created by artists. It is home to art freedom. Wherever you go, you’ll see colourful graffiti, small exhibitions or fascinating installations. Moreover, hundreds of varicoloured doors are the entrance to the artists’ ateliers. The district has also its own constitution, governments and little army. At present it became popular with tourists who want to explore something more than travel guides offer.
The other advantage of the trip was definitely the international integration. I had not expected that there would be such good atmosphere. Despite different nations, we could communicate in English and get to know each other. We were spending all days together and even organised some extra-meetings out of the program. Consequently, I learnt a lot about foreign culture, customs and traditions. I hope to keep in touch with my new friends!
The city of Vilnius is very welcoming and full of extraordinary landscapes, we enjoyed discovering its beauties. In detail, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saints Stanislaus and Ladislaus is the main Catholic place of worship in Vilnius, Lithuania and it can be considered as a monument of early Neoclassicism.
The Three Crosses monument is located on the Hill of Three Crosses, originally known as the hill in Kalnai park. According to a legend, seven Franciscan friars were beheaded at the top of this hill by the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas. The crosses, originally made of wood, were built on the site in the early 17th century and soon became a local symbol and an integral part of the city landscape. Moreover, we visited the tower of Gediminas. It is a watchtower located on the homonymous hill overlooking the city of Vilnius, It was originally part of a castle that has disappeared and inside there is an archaeological museum.The tower is considered to be one of the symbols of the city and the country and as such appears on the litas, the old national currency and similarly appears in numerous poems and songs.
We are here!! First day of activity within the Mobility in Vilnius. Vilnius is a beautiful town and its hospitality was excellent. Tomorrow the plan foresees a lot of activities to do, including the visit of the old town. The second day we explored the city discovering the cultural sites of this amazing town!!
Third day! The visit to the Money Museum, the excursion to the Gediminas tower and the wonderful workshop at the Sokoladas chocolate fabric in the afternoon where we produced chocolate. Fourth day! Yesterday moorning our students visited unique places in thee heart of Vilnius: Amber Museum, jewish ghettos, the Philharmonic and the Parliament Palace. Fifth and last day! Have you ever seen a breathtaking castle? We did it!!! We visited Trakai island together with its castle, then we made “kibinai” (a traditional karaim dish) and we ate them. The perfect day to say goodbye to Lithuania and our Erasmus collegues!
Credits:
Creato con un’immagine di pkmk - "vilnius"