Schools of Success - - story

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Here are some pictures that we take in Portugal;

After that, we spend some time in Praça do Comércio-Place. we have a great time. It is full of street performers all day with lot of restaurants. Next, we all ride yellow trams in Lisbon. Azulejo tiles are really cool. Portugal is famous for Rooster of Barcelos. We buy some magnets of it. We'd like to taste "Caldo verde". It is a kind of soup. We also want to taste "Bacalhau". We pass to Porto. Firstly, we go to to the riverside, Cais da Ribeira to enjoy wonderful views of the river. We all also take photos of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. We walk over the bridge to enjoy stunning views of the Cais da Ribeira from above. Livraria Lello Porto (known as Harry Potter’s Library) is Porto’s most famous bookstore. That is all for Portugal. Finally, all eTwinners again ride in a hot air baloon all together to keep on their adventurous trip to Romania.

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We arrive to Istanbul on our hot air balloon. Istanbul is the largest city of Turkey and it’s beautiful seen from the air. From above we can see the Bosphorous strait which separates Europe from Asia. Our balloon lands just in front of the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace the home of the Ottoman sultans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before the fall of the empire. In front of the Palace is Doruk, our Turkish eTwinner friend who will be our guide. -&nbsp;Hi Doruk! Thanks for having us in Turkey! Istanbul seems to be a very beautiful city and this Palace is amazing! – says Martim. -&nbsp;Welcome, dear friends! If you were impressed with this one wait until I take you to the Topkapi Palace. When we arrive to Topkapi, Doruk tells us that it is an imperial complex of Ottoman sultans and the royal residence in Istanbul throughout the first 400 years of the Ottoman Empire. The palace contains buildings and courtyards, including a treasury, imperial halls, and royal chambers—all with intricate Iznik tilework and opulent architecture. -&nbsp;I’m starving! Could we grab something to eat? – Joana asks. - Sure, I’ll take you to Istiklal Caddesi. – answers Doruk – The famous pedestrian street in Instabul. In this street we find shops where we buy some Lokum or Turkish delight to bring home and we eat different foods like Yaprak dolma, vine leaves rolled and filled with well-seasoned rice or mincemeat, kebabs, kofte ( kind of rolled meat balls) and Pide which is the Turkish version of Pizza.

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Here are some pictures that we took in Turkey;

After lunch the teachers couldn’t’ resist to the flavoured Turkish coffee and baklava, a sweet made of fine pastry and ground pistachios. After a visit to the Galata Tower, we take the tram to Taksim Square and from there we go on our visit to Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) is one of the world’s most beautiful buildings, built to be the world’s largest place of worship by Emperor Justinian in 532 AD. The church became a Mosque under the Ottomans and in the 1930s the building was declared a museum. In front of it is the famous Blue Mosque which opened in 1616 and was built to rival the nearby Byzantine Hagia Sofia and is one of the most beautiful mosques in Turkey. - Now, we have to leave Istanbul and head to my school in Balikesir, and after that we will have a one day trip to the Artemis Temple. This temple is an example of Greek architecture in Turkey. Some hours later on the balloon Maria says: - Look! We can see the castle! I think we are over Ankara, the capital of Turkey! - Yes, you're right Maria. In a few more hours will be in Balikesir. When we arrive to Doruk's school Demet and all our Turkish friends await with a welcome party and some more delicious Turkish food. The trip to Artemis Temple was wonderful, not only for the cultural part but because we could be together with this amazing eTwinners. The 3 days in Turkey were unforgettable! We leave with a warm felling and a wish to come back soon! Another adventure awaits as we head to Georgia!

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Here are some pictures that we take in Spain

After that, we go to Granada to see Alhambra. It has really impressive gardens.We also walk along the roads of Albaicin and Sacromonte near Granada. we also watch a flamenco show in a cave house. It is interesting. In Sevilla,we go to see the Plaza de España. It is fascinating to see this colourful place. At last, our Spanish friend, Saray, offers us to eat "paella" in Valencia. It is a classic Spanish dish made with rice. we buy a lot souvenirs for our families. Then, all eTwinners ride in a hot air baloon to continue their adventurous trip to Portugal.

All eTwinners of SOS are in&nbsp;Portugal now. It is hot. We start our trip with the Pena Palace. It is enchanting with its colours. We feel like in a fairy tale. We want to try a dessert. Our friend,Saray, suggests to eat “Pastel de Nata” at Pastéis de Belém. It's a traditional Portuguese pastry. Belem Tower is a landmark of Portuguese identity and a symbol of a country facing the sea and its discoveries. It is in the world heritage site by UNESCO. Then, we visit the Jerónimos Monastery. It is worth seeing. We visit the São Jorge Castle.It's one of the most remarkable symbols of the city. It's&nbsp;on&nbsp;the peak of Lisbon's highest hill. We take a walk along some of the surrounding streets. We see the best views of the east of Lisbon.

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Here are some pictures that we take in Georgia

We visit the capital Tbilisi and stop to buy something to remember this great journey.A blue tablecloth, decorated with plants, birds, deer and table attributes which have been an integral part of Georgian cultural heritage for centuries are called&nbsp;supra&nbsp;in Georgian. Georgian&nbsp;panduri&nbsp;is a folk instrument of the country’s heritage of woodwork so I buy a Panduri for my father. The Georgian&nbsp;handmade knives are so beautiful as a souvenir,too. I am sure he will enjoy it. After these days all decided to visit Saba next year, again.

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Here are some pictures that we take in Italy;

Our next city in Italy is Venice. There are lots of canals and bridges. We visit St Mark's Basilica. We all want to ride gondola. This is an unforgettabIe experience for us. Then, we buy some face masks and of course souveniers. They are made of Venetian glass. This city can be&nbsp;one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We stay here tonight. We'll see Colosseum and Trevi Fountain in Rome and Vatican museum tomorrow. This morning, we are all excited. Our first stop is Colosseum. Sofia tells us it is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built. Luca asks: "When was it built, Sofia?" She says It was completed in AD 80. We are fascinated. Then, we go to see Trevi Fountain. It is also magnificant. Out last visit in Italy to Pompei. It is an ancient city.It is anarchaeological area under&nbsp;Unesco&nbsp;patronage. It attracts tourists from all around the world. Then, we say goodbye to this country and ride in our hot air baloon to continue their adventurous trip to Germany.

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An hour later we arrive in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava. We are landing in the mountain park and Kristinka is already waiting for us. She’s very happy to show us her country and takes us to the old town. She wants to show us different statues. The hot air balloon is now flying above Slovakia and we can see wonderful landscapes, towns and villages. Suddenly there is a huge statue. «&nbsp;Look,"&nbsp;shouts one of the girls of our group. «&nbsp;That’s the famous highwayman Juraj Jánošík. He was from Terchová and he was a famous defender of the poor. His statue is guarding the entrance to the the Vrátna valley. Kristinka told me about him in the e-twinning forum. She is going to be our guide and we will meet her soon in Bratislava.&nbsp;» An hour later we arrive in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava. We are landing in the mountain park and Kristinka is already waiting for us. She’s very happy to show us her country and takes us to the old town. She wants to show us different statues. After a long walk through the town we decide to rest and eat something. We sit on bench in the sun. We’re lucky&nbsp;! A local folk dancing group is starting to dance in front of us. We have a great view and we can see the dancers in their traditional clothes. Anyway while we are thinking so much about the traditional clothes, we still can’t say how good the food is and we get really hungry. We ask some people who are eating to recommend something.

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" Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is a process. Working together is SUCCESS. " -Henry FORD

Thanks for your great effort and collaboration.

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In our project, SOS, we hold a lot of online meetings. All of us are very excited but it is a great unforgettable experience.&nbsp;We introduce each other and learn about our countries. We learn some different words in partners' languages&nbsp;and try to pronounce them. I meet a lot of friends from different countries... Saba from Georgia, Sofia from Italy, Kristinka from Slovakia, Mihai from Romania, Alessa from Germany,Saray from Spain,Luca from Portugal... By the way, I am Doruk from Turkey. In my dream, I meet with my new friends. And all new eTwinners start to have an adventurous trip to partners' countries in a hot air balloon........

We are in Pisa. we are looking the Tower of Pisa now. It is amazing. It is behind Pisa Cathedral. We'll visit it later,too. Look at this! It is a lean structure, can you see? Saba: Hi,Sofia. What can you tell us about it before taking pictures in front of it? Sofia: Its height is 55 metres. It built in the 12th century. This ground is so soft, so the tower began to lean during construction. Alessa: Oh, that's very interesting. Then, all eTwinners take pictures in front of tower and go to famous pizza shop. The pizzas are really delicious.

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Here are some pictures that we take in Germany;

We continue our tour with the sportive city of Germany, Munich. The world famous football team Bayern München belongs to this city. This is a great city for sports fans. And we are all very hungry. Alessa offers us to eat kohl and pinkle.Kristinka accepts this offer.We decide to taste different traditional dishes.I and Sofia taste Bratkartoffeln, Saray and Mihai eat brezel,Saba and Luca eat bradwurst. There is a fair set up in Altstadt. We all choose gifts items for our friends and family. German chocolate, small acardion magnets, hats, clothes, beer glasses, watches, cologne and many other things .... everything is very beautiful and very precious. We wear traditional German clothes and take photos as the day's memory. It's time to say goodbye to this fascinating city ... But I can definitely say that I will come again. We take our hot air balloon and fly on a different adventure.

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Here are some pictures that we take in Romania;

Then, we go to see the&nbsp;rock sculpture of Decebalus, near Orșova. &nbsp;He was the last king of Dacia. Mihai says he fought against the Roman emperors to preserve the independence of his country. It is near the city of&nbsp;Orsova. It is the tallest&nbsp;rock relief&nbsp;in Europe. Dou you believe? It is very exciting and tiring day. But we go to Bucharest now. We will see The&nbsp;Romanian Athenaeum. It is a&nbsp;concert hall and&nbsp;a landmark of the Romanian capital city. I have a great news for you! We will go to Inna's concert tonight! ... It is an excellent concert. We take pictures with Inna. We like Romania very much but now, it's time for us to ride in a hot air baloon all together to keep on their adventurous trip to Italy.

Here are some pictures that we take in Slovakia;

We choose some fingerfood&nbsp;: Lokše - flatbread made from potato dough, with sweet or salty fillings, Pagáče ( biscuits) and Langoš Central Europe’s pizza, Kristinka helps us to order the food. It is great, a new experience! It’s amazing and we want to eat more but we have to finish our tour! We have seen a lot of things in Bratislava. Now we take a bus to Hronsek and visit one of the eight wooden churches of Slovakia. Hronsek church was built in the 18th and has been part of the UNESCO world heritagein since 2008. The church is surrounded by big lime trees and the interior decoration is beautiful. We go back on our bus and head to Spis castle in Zehra, the last place we visit on our trip to Slovakia. It is the biggest castle in Central Europe and one of the most visited castles in Europe. It is four acres big and was built in the 12th century&nbsp;. We walk aroud the castle and feel like princes and princesses. What a wonderful place. After the tour we have a picknick? Our last meal in Slovakia. We go on board of our hot air balloon and wave Kristinka good-bye. She is such a nice person and such a great guide. We are very happy about this wonderful journey and while we head back home we already dream of new journeys and new adventures. There is so much more to discover&nbsp;!

What a bright day! The sun is shining for us! Mihai, our Romanian eTwinner is our guide in Romania today. We are all in Bran Castle now. It is known as Dracula's tower. We all feel a little bit nervous. This castle has big walls and it is on a high hill in a valley through which rivers flow. Are there still vampires? Can we see Dracula? Oh! I only dream! But I really love Irish writer Bram Stoker. -Doruk: When did this castle build, Mihai? Do you know? -Mihai : Sure. In the 14th century. -Doruk: Oh!It's very old. But it is magnicifent. After our trip in the castle, we want to eat something. Mihai suggets us to taste "papanasi". We are all very excited. Yummy! It's a delicious dessert.

Even if all eTwinners are tired they are eager to visit Georgia. Saba is our guide here. He tells us to be ready to see the paradise on Earth. His first choice is The Katskhi pillar&nbsp;. We almost touch the sky.The rock, with visible church ruins on a top surface measuring&nbsp;about&nbsp;150 square metres, has been venerated by locals as the Pillar of Life and a symbol of the&nbsp;True Cross , and has become surrounded by legends. People are very kind and invite us to eat some local foods. Personally, I love the taste of some traditional dish -&nbsp;churchkhela&nbsp;.These are colorful confections hanging in storefront windows, which we often mistake for sausages. Making churchkhela takes patience and practice: Concentrated grapes juice (left over from the yearly harvest) must be poured repeatedly over strands of walnuts. Each layer is left to dry until a chewy, waxy exterior envelops the nuts. Other likes kakupuri .

At first, we are in Spain. All the eTwinners from our project are here. It is a sunny day.We visit a lot of landmarks of Barcelona. La Sagrada Familia is worth visiting. Then we visit Casa Batlo and Casa Mila. We walk on La Rambla and and enjoy the fresh air and visit Mercat da la Boqueria. After that, we go to the Park Güell. It is so colourful. At last we visit Santa Maria Del Mar. Near Barcelona, we also have chance to see Dali Museum&amp;Theater.It's very interesting. In Madrid,we visit Royal Palace of Madrid and just have a quick look to Plaza Mayor. We try Tapas when we are hungry.Our favourite is Patatas bravas. It is delicious.

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All eTwinners are in Germany now. A German eTwinner,Alessa is our guide and we are so lucky to have the sun accompany us on our trip. Firstly, we are in the streets of Berlin that smell of history. The Cathedral of Berlin, the Branderburg Gate, the Berlin Wall are really worth seeing. Do you know that Berlin is one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the world? While wandering around the city, you can feel like you are walking through a forest. Leaving this city smelling of history and greenery, we pass to Bremen, known as the cultural city of Germany. 13 meters knight roland statue, reflecting the spirit of freedom in the center of the city welcomes us. The statue of the Bremen Town musicians draws our attention the most. I am sure you know the story of the bremen musicians. Seeing them here makes us smile.