SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS IN SLIVNICA

Erasmus+ Think Green! landed in Slovenia this time, specifically in Styrian (Štajerska in native language), in the village of Slivnica near Maribor. The theme of this gathering was bees – gatherers of delicious and healthy floral nectar and tireless little pollinators without whom life on Earth would be unimaginable. Students and mentors from four European countries – Poland, Romania, Portugal and Spain – met their host families on Sunday 20th, with whom they shared a roof, meals, habits, and countless fun experiences over the next five days.

On Monday 21th morning we all gathered in primary school Franc Lešnik - Vuk Slivnica pri Mariboru. The school hall, decorated with welcome signs in all five languages by local students, became the stage for a warm reception by the headmaster, who invited the guests to explore the school premises and interact with students. A lively atmosphere was enhanced by the school dance group, whose energetic performance of morning exercises left smiles on everyone’s faces. Enthusiastic applause said more than words could express.

From the hall, we moved through bright classrooms, greeted with friendly smiles, laughter, and occasional nervousness, to the gym and the schoolyard. There, playgrounds, green lawns, and majestic trees awaited, with fields and forests visible just beyond the fence – a space that breathes and inspires. The guests eagerly explored every corner, gaining insight into everyday school life, from the vibrant classroom activities to relaxed interactions during breaks. We visited the kindergarten, where the youngest pupils welcomed us with songs, dances, and handmade souvenirs – adorable little bees.

At the school’s apiary, we were greeted by a beekeeper who introduced us to the lives of bees. Participating in a beeswax candle making workshop, we stayed brave and focused despite the busy bees buzzing around us. We also visited a garden of melliferous plants and herbs and tasted different types of honey – a sweet finale!

The interaction continued during a physical education class, where we engaged in various games to bond and get to know one another. Students involved in the project then presented their countries. Everyone made a tremendous effort to speak confidently in English in front of such a large audience, which wasn’t easy. Our time at the school culminated with lunch and honey-based desserts baked by the school staff – a sweet final touch before students, brimming with new impressions, spent the afternoon with their host families.

On Tuesday 22nd, we set off on our first excursion. In the morning, we visited the Municipality of Hoče–Slivnica, where the mayor and his team warmly welcomed us. They presented the municipality and its numerous activities in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. We learned about their dedication to combining local product cultivation with cultural events, evident at the Saturday market in Pivola. This market, alongside selling fresh, local produce, also hosts seasonal events such as St. Martin’s Day and Halloween. They emphasized the importance of community, socializing, and exchanging experiences.

Our next stop was the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Pivola. As the morning fog lifted, a few sun rays welcomed us alongside a lecturer in front of the faculty. From a lecture hall window, we admired a mulberry plantation, learning about the historical importance of mulberry trees and silkworms. We also sampled excellent mulberry tea. Exploring the plantation up close was a unique experience for most of us, as it was our first encounter with this historically significant plant, once essential to the silk industry.

Our journey continued to the Botanical Garden, where neatly arranged paths, passages, and labyrinths led us to various fascinating plant species. Carnivorous plants, with their peculiar shapes and habits, captivated our attention the most.

We ended the day back at school with a St. Martin’s feast. Enjoying a delicious meal of beef noodle soup, traditional flatbread dumplings, roast chicken, and red cabbage, we laughed and enthusiastically shared our experiences. For dessert, we savored honey cake and gingerbread prepared by sixth graders under their teacher’s guidance during a home economics class.

On Wednesday 23th we went to Ljubljana, the capitol of Slovenia. On the way there we stopted in Lukovica, a place known for bees. We learned about the Carniolan honey bee, Slovenia’s native species, and its medicinal honey products. Then we were off to the capital, »the most beautiful city in the world.« A guide walked us through the history of Ljubljana and green Slovenia, highlighting its cultural and architectural landmarks. The young participants enjoyed a brief solo stroll through the city’s old town center. We sweetened our return journey with giant doughnuts from Trojane – a delightful ending to another day with our Erasmus family.

On Thursday 24th, we explored the Štajerska capital, Maribor. Our first stop was the Maribor Experiment Center, where we encountered science in a fun way. At the Dance Center, energetic and entertaining dance instructors delighted us with workshops that proved to be excellent for strengthening new friendships through dance. Afterward, we toured Maribor’s charming old town and soaked in the lively city atmosphere. A short hike to Piramida, a popular viewpoint, followed. Although the dense autumn mist obscured Pohorje, the view of the city was beautiful, and the hike provided a perfect opportunity to deepen our bonds. The day ended wonderfully back at school, where we joined younger students carving spooky pumpkins, roasting chestnuts, and taking themed photos to celebrate the upcoming Halloween holiday – a true autumn fairy tale that brought us closer to local culture and traditions.

Friday 25th, the last day of the Erasmus+ week, began with an ethnological art workshop led by teacher Sarita, where we painted beehive panels. These could easily decorate any hive and invite bees to visit. Under the guidance of teacher Žiga, we built a bug hotel, with saws and hammers hard at work. We also learned to handle new tools and create responsibly using natural materials. With teacher Tanja, we crafted calendula ointment, eagerly following each step, mixing the ingredients, and relaxing in the delightful aromas. Each of us brought home a jar of the ointment, perfect for soothing dry winter skin and a fragrant reminder of our newfound friendships.