VISITING FRIENDS IN ZARAGOZA

From January 15th to 19th, 2024, we had the opportunity to explore the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain. Zaragoza is a large city, but it feels like a small village. The people are friendly and cheerful. Music in restaurants creates a good mood and evokes memories; traffic flows smoothly without jams, and you get the feeling that the traffic lights wink at you. Magnificent old buildings with typical Aragonese facades and balconies rise majestically above the streets. The city is dotted with statues, trams purr peacefully, and the atmosphere is relaxed.

On Monday, the 15th, we were shown around the very welcoming hosts' school, Colegio Esolapias Santa Engracia in Zaragoza, Spain. We observed how classes are conducted, learned about various projects, and got to know each other better over lunch. In the afternoon, we visited a large shopping center where we bought makeup, clothes, and souvenirs.

On Tuesday, the 16th, we visited the Mobility Museum, located in a marvelous building designed by Zaha Hadid. The museum features old and new cars, driving simulations, futuristic travel experiences, and opportunities to gain new knowledge through interactive games. It is located in a modern environment, built on the site of a decaying industrial area during Expo 2008. Inspirational!

On Wednesday, the 17th, our hosts took us on a tour of Zaragoza. From the school to the city center, we walked past important buildings, which were presented to us by the students of the upper classes. We visited the theater, the bullfighting arena, the church, the more modern areas, and the Natural History Museum. The day was filled with culture, the pulse of everyday life, and a sense of belonging and familiarity. It even rewarded us with the sun's rays. On our return to school, we were treated to typical dishes prepared by the teachers and students, with the help of their parents at home. Mmmm, what a delicious snack — it was truly a feast!

On Thursday, the 18th, we were ready for new adventures. A bus full of young men and women headed toward the Pyrenees, the mountain range that separates the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of continental Europe. On the way, we stopped at a hydrogen production factory, the cleanest form of energy. A young scientist presented their work and commitment to a better tomorrow—long live green energy! In Canfranc, at the foot of the mountains, we admired the magnificent railway station, which has been transformed into a modern hotel. The railway line still connects this mountain place with Zaragoza. The place offers accommodation for skiers, who, especially on weekends, indulge in winter pleasures on the slopes of the Pyrenees peaks. The city of Jaca is located at the crossroads of two important early medieval routes. It is the city from which the Kingdom of Aragon developed, and the part of today's Spain, where Zaragoza is also located. This is where the El Camino route passes, and where hikers gather their strength for what lies ahead. We walked along the fortified streets, filled our stomachs, and returned to the welcoming embrace of Zaragoza.

On the last day—Friday, the 19th—despite the rain, we visited two famous landmarks: the Pilar Basilica and the stunning La Seo Cathedral, considered the most beautiful church in Zaragoza. It's truly something special. A few years ago, it was renovated and opened to visitors. We weren't allowed to take photos, but I highly recommend visiting it if you're ever in the Aragonese part of Spain. At the end of the wonderful Erasmus+ meeting, we experienced a rare snowy day in Zaragoza, one that only happens once every five years. Children were catching snowflakes on their tongues, adults were smiling, and we couldn't help but imagine it as a greeting from our homeland.

All that was left for us was to say goodbye, sign T-shirts, hug, and promise to meet again. Because friendships last forever. And some photo memories, in our minds or on our phones. Phones? To call each other, not TikTok. Because we are here—to experience the world. With our eyes, our noses, to be in awe of the world, and to embrace new knowledge and encounters. Think green, blue, red, and beyond!

Thanks to all my new friends for letting me share this experience with you. Shoulder to shoulder, the world truly is the World!

Written by Vojka Miklavc.