OUR FINAL STOP IN ROMANIA

On Monday, April 7th, the meeting with old and new Erasmus+ friends was filled with anticipation and excitement. We began our gathering and project work at the city hall, where we participated as active members in a presentation on urban solutions and preventive measures for waste separation and a cleaner environment in Bucharest, in the actual meeting room of the city councilors. Our day continued with a visit to a Waldorf kindergarten, where we watched a performance based on a book, using puppets made from natural materials. We concluded the day at the host primary school, Scoala I. H. Rădulescu, where a welcome reception was held for all participants. They treated us to their traditional bread, served with salt. The school's students also performed a program of traditional Romanian folk dances.

On Tuesday we visited Comana Natural Park, a protected area located about 45 minutes from the city of Bucharest. On the way there, we were able to observe the Neajlov River Delta from the bus. At the interactive park, we tried weaving reed rugs. We were also shown the process of making paper. We also had the opportunity to visit the interior of the Comana Orthodox Monastery.

We started early on Wednesday, April 9th, heading toward the Carpathian Mountains, about two hours away. Our first stop was the Posada Hunting Museum, where we viewed an exhibition of animals native to the region. We continued our journey to the well-known and popular Romanian mountain resort, Sinaia. A special highlight was the tour of Peleș Castle, which was built in the late 19th century by King Carol I as his summer residence. We were fascinated by the castle’s modern architectural features, such as a retractable roof, an elevator, and hidden rooms.

On April 10th, we went to the Bucharest Botanical Garden. While touring the garden, students worked independently in internationally mixed groups to complete worksheets that deepened their knowledge of the plants found there. Later, we visited the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum – an open-air ethnographic museum that showcases traditional Romanian village life.

We began the final gathering of all participants at the school, where we carried out the closing evaluation of our Think Green! project. On this occasion, both participants and coordinators received certificates of recognition for their contributions and active involvement in the project. The day continued with our final group visit – to the iconic Palace of the Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului). It houses the Romanian Parliament and serves as the seat of legislative power in the country. It is the heaviest building in the world  and the third largest administrative building globally. Although its architecture impressed us, it felt somewhat removed from our shared Think Green! vision. Our Erasmus experience in Bucharest will forever remain an inspiring story within us – filled wih memories and connections among us all – for a better, greener world.

Multumesc, Bucharest! (Thank you, Bucharest!)

Written by Damijana Lebar, edited by Staša Grilc.