ReunionItaly

=Reunion in Italy=

We held a project reunion in Fasano, Puglia from 26th - 30th May 2008. The weather was fantastic, 32C and sunny every day and all our hosts were very welcoming, friendly and helpful. The participants arrived on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and the programme started Monday afternoon with a welcome meeting with our Italian hosts. In the evening some delegates attended a regional inter-school youth orchestra concert and then everyone met up for pizza in a restaurant in Fasano.

Tuesday
On Tuesday morning, most people went to the beach at Sabia D'Oro at Torre Canne near Fasano. In the afternoon our hosts took us on a coach tour to Alberobello to visit the town and have a look at the traditional houses there called trulli.

Wednesday
On Wednesday morning everyone went to Liceo Leonardo Da Vinci for the official project meeting. We had a tour of the school followed by a welcome ceremony in the school hall with music provided by the school orchestra and girls choir. The delegates were introduced to the school and to the Major of Fasano and gifts were presented to the school and the town. The welcome ceremonies were followed by the project activity, a debate on European citizenship. There will be a video of the debate available in due course. On Wednesday afternoon the town of Fasano welcomed the delegates by giving us all free admission to FasanoZooSafari park. We had a very enjoyable time looking and the animals and going on the funfair.

Thursday
On Thursday morning the Scottish group went to the beach, some people went back to the Zoo Safari and some people explored Fasano. On Thursday afternoon the group was taken on a bus tour to see Ostuni, a beautiful old "white town" with fantastic views over the area, a traditional masseria or fortified farmhouse, and the local vegetable production co-operative.

Friday
On Friday morning, the Scottish group went to visit Scuola Media Giacomo Blanco in Fasano. the pupils there were the same age as ours. On Friday afternoon, we were all taken on a bus tour to Polignaro, another beautiful old town by the sea, followed by a visit to the archaeological site of Egnazia where we saw some pre-Roman tombs and some Romans remains. On Friday evening the teachers attended the project dinner and the pupils had dinner with their families followed by a party.

Everyone was sad to say goodbye to our Italian hosts as we had all had such a good time with them.

Citizenship debate
The questions discussed were: ~
 * 1) What does it mean for you to be Scottish (Italian )?
 * 2) Do you have a special day to celebrate Scotland (Italian )? (What do you do on this day?)
 * 3) What is the main religion of your country?
 * 4) What advantages and disadvantages are there for your country by being a member (Turkey - candidate member) of the EU?
 * 5) Where do immigrants to your country come from?
 * 6) Where do people from your country emigrate to?
 * 7) Can you tell us about a National hero from your country's past or present?