School cultural Exchange - Essen - 18 - 25 March 2015

From 18 to 25 March eleven students, the school headmaster and the coordinator of international activities of Secondary School Carolina Michaelis were warmly welcomed in Goetheschule, Essen, by their peer German hosts, families and teachers, having had a very rich programme for the week.

After having a reception by the school headmaster, the group toured the school and was fully informed about the programme ahead.They could witness the final week "Carnival type" costumes and fun that happen in Germany.

A reception by the Town Hall Mayor was a very unexpected friendly event that impressed all the participants of the group. This state authority stated the importance of cultural links among different peoples, regarding the importance of knowledge, respect and tolerance, hoping this activity could lst for many years to come. Michael Franke kindly translated to Portuguese to allow everyone understand all the speech.

There were plenty of very interesting visits: to the Synagoge in Essen, where much about the Jewish traditions could be learnt and admired,
                                           

 to the Bergbau Museum, once an important coal mine,



 to Villa Hugel, the mansion of Alfred Krupp, inventor of steel,



 to Werden, a very lovely town full of traditional German buildings, where an artificial lake is located, a dam and a river, where once boats would transport the coal and other mineral resources.

 

And, of course. to the city of Essen! The cathedral was admired and specially the golden madona, the streets, typical markets, foods and atmosphere.

Visits were also arranged to Cologne, having the group climbed the 533 steps to enjoy the view from the top of the fantastic Cathedral, 

 to Gruga Park where the Friendship Tree was planted by both schools students.

The two teachers involved in the partnership, Maria Cruz and Michael Franke, placed the label of the Ginko Biloba tree, as a final sign of a friendship commitment between both schools.

Zollverein World Heritage Museum was also visited on Sunday morning, providing full information on the past and present of the region.

Final presentations were held on the final day by all the Portuguese students, giving a feedback on their feelings and impressions of this valuable experience.

The goodbye moment arrived and, once again, families and hosts took the students to the airport and promised to meet again soon! Thanks for your kindness, hospitality and generosity, specially Karmen Heupp, Michael Franke, Nichola, Helga and Peter Klosta!