Slovenia, a country located in Central Europe, is known for its mountains, ski resorts and lakes. On the shores of Lake Bled, a glacial lake fed by hot springs, the town of Bled has an islet with a church and medieval castle on top of a cliff. In Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, Baroque-style facades blend with 20th-century architecture by Jože Plečnik, an architect born in the city, whose famous Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) spans the narrow, curved Ljubljanica River. (Google, 04/24/2023)
As part of the 2nd mobility project Erasmus+ KA122: TEACHING AND LEARNING TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE DIGITAL AND SUSTAINABLE WORLD, a group of 4 students and 2 accompanying teachers, as well as 2 teachers and 1 technician in jobshadowing, set out to discover Slovenia from 16 to 23 April, 2023.
First stop, CENTER FOR SCHOOL AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (CŠOD) BOHINJ, in Triglav National Park, under the auspices of the Slovenian Ministry of Education. CŠOD is one of the 26 Slovenian centres/nature schools dedicated to training young people in nature conservation, in this case based on the study and observation of Lake Bohinj, its alpine flora and fauna, through hiking, canoeing on Lake Bohinj, cycling, mountaineering, climbing, thematic lectures, practical workshop on survival in nature – how to set fire, how to deal with hypothermia (the lake has an average temperature of 9 degrees at the surface and 4 degrees deep down), how to overcome situations of thirst, spatial disorientation, among others – and even astronomical observation. When at the center, the group strictly observed its operating rules, such as keeping the space organized and clean, not wearing shoes inside, respecting meal times, waking up, going to bed and keeping silent times.
From the 17th to the 20th, the working group of Aver-O-Mar elementary school actively participated in all proposed activities, revealing a sense of responsibility and ecological awareness, aware of the importance of such knowledge for their eventual survival and the sustainability of the planet.
In all activities we were accompanied by specialized technicians and teachers who promoted team spirit, collaboration and companionship among all participants – in addition to the Portuguese group, Italian and Slovenian students and teachers were also at the center – a melting pot that favored new friendships facilitated by communication in English. Everyone rose to this challenge!
Second stop, Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, immediately captivates its visitors since, despite being a small city, it is one of the most vibrant cities in the Balkans, classified by Unesco as one of several Cities of Literature. A modern city, known for its cultural life and historical legacy of undeniable wealth, the result of the countless people who conquered it over the centuries. It has a classic face that combines perfectly with the liveliness of a young and dynamic population. We strolled through the city: Prešeren Square, the Triple Bridge – designed in 1931 by the architect Jože Plečnik – to the Dragons’ bridge, the central market for vegetables, fruit and flowers, the Cathedral/Church of S. Nicolau, with its imposing doors of bronze, Mestni Square and the City Hall, the Congress Square and a surprise visit to the Slovenian Parliament, the highlight of the visit to the city that allowed us, in addition to getting to know the space, to talk with the vice-president of the parliament and its youngest deputy – a moment of reflection, questioning the intentions of a nation and the possible comparison with the Portuguese reality.
Ljubljana, a city of about 300,000 inhabitants, remains in our hearts for the elegance of the terraces along the Ljubljanica River, the ocher colors of its buildings, the green spaces, its friendliness and the sidewalks that vibrate with people walking, or use the bike and skateboard to move around. Oh! But also for the excellent ice cream we ate!!
Third stop, POSTOJNA CAVES, the Postojna Cave, discovered by Luka Čeč, is a fascinating underground paradise shaped by small drops over millions of years, the only place where you can see the Jewel, a precious rock formation 5 meters high – the most beautiful stalagmite in the cave – and meet the baby dragons – small beings that live in the depths of the cave, with pale, almost translucent skin, unusual red tufts, eyes that cannot be seen and four limbs with only ten fingers.
Legend has it that the inhabitants of the área, used to living surrounded by caves, wells, intermittent rivers, lakes and unusual springs that erupted from the ground in times of heavy rain or flooding, also got used to the strong currents bringing to the surface some ” unusual fish”, with snow-white skin, a long body, a long tail and four legs. They believed, therefore, that there was a terrible dragon living inside the cave of Postojna, and these animals were, in fact, baby dragons.
Like the world above the surface, the Cave features towering mountains, stunning formations, babbling rivers, and vast subterranean halls. It is a real challenge for explorers and a cradle of Speleobiology. This fabulous space is a UNESCO heritage site and is the second largest karst cave system in the world open to visitors.
Fourth and last stop, VENICE. A bonus of this trip since, for logistical reasons, the group flew from Porto to Venice and green traveled to Slovenia by bus. On the way back, it was possible to visit this wonderful Italian city for an afternoon, before boarding to Porto. A quick but attentive look at the canals, the dreamy gondolas, the magnificence of St. Mark’s Square, the sad history of the Bridge of Sighs, the multiculturalism present in the narrow streets and squares…
From dream to reality, an experience full of new experiences, knowledge, friendship and respect for nature.
“The trip was very fun and important for our future learning, I really enjoyed visiting Slovenia!!” (Inês)
“When I decided to participate again in an Erasmus project, I had no idea that I would be so amazed by everything being so different from the previous trip. I couldn’t be more grateful to have had this opportunity. We learned to survive in nature, to climb, to ride a canoe among other things, but above all we learned to communicate with people different from us, people from other countries and other cultures. It was undoubtedly an incredible and unforgettable experience with the best company.” (Matilde)
