Feedback after the project meeting inTurkey

Hi, friends! The experience in Turkey was very interesting! I met very nice people and I had a really good time in my host family. In Turkey we visited very nice places, in particular Pamukkale. I hope I can come to Turkey again and meet my friends again.
Thanks for this opportunity!
Constanza, student from Italy


It is beautiful in Turkey. We have met a lot of nice friends here. We saw a lot of beautiful places. We like Turkish food. We hope we will come to Turkey again.
Magdalena and Klaudia, students from Poland


First of all I want to thank for this project because I have the opportunity to visit Turkey, the country I always dreamt to visit. I am happy I have learnt so many things about this country's culture. Here all people are very friendly and helpful. I believe I will never forget this wonderful visit.
With love, Gabriele, student from Lithuania


I want to say thanks for the "Ethno treasure hunt" project. It's the best project that helps us all learn about other countries' cultures. Now I know that Turkish people are very friendly and funny. Their culture is very interesting, too. I want to thank Ozgur, for he made our visit to Turkey the best and found me the best host family.
Urte, student from Lithuania


I'm very impressed that Turkish people are so warm and friendly. I didn't expect that I would meet so many friends here. 
My host family are very good people and I loved them even if we didn't understand each other very well. I feel my host sister as if she were my real sister. It was a pleasure for me to be in Turkey - such a beautiful country!
Velie Velieva, student from Bulgaria


The visit to Turkey ... I have been waiting forward to it even since the Turkish team left Romania, and here it is already over! It has been one of the best periods in my life. The Turkish hospitality and their warm smiles have amazed me all this time we spent here.This experience taught me that no matter how many differences there may be between peoples, we can always be friends.My first impression was that Turkey is a big and well developed country. But after I got in touch with the people, I think it is an amazing country. Istanbul is an amazing city, with its cosmopolitan flavor, with its sights and and the many people from all over the world who visit it. I was fascinated by the Turkish mosques, especially the Blue Mosque.
For me this adventure proved to be a first in many ways: the first time I traveled by plane and by boat - on the Bosphorus, my first visit abroad and to Turkey, and many others.
Once arrived in Denizli, it was a very intense experience: meeting the host family and the friends from the other partner countries. I loved the host family because they tried to learn some things about the Romanian culture and traditions. The Turkish food was another extraordinary experience. When I had left home, I decided to try all kinds of food I was offered there. And I am not sorry for that. 
The first day at school was very interesting. We were in the center of attention and we soon adapted and enjoyed all the activities planned for us.We made a lot of friends and learnt many new games. We visited Denizli, which proved to be much bigger than I had thought, even if I knew some geographical data about it.
I will always remember this trip and I hope some day I can visit Turkey again.
I am happy to be part of the "Ethno treasure hunt" team, for this has offered me the opportunity to visit Turkey.
Bogdan Cernestean, student from Romania


I have waited forward to visit Turkey even since the Turkish team came to Romania in November 2010. I had tried to imagine how it would be. The longer it seemed to wait till getting here, the shorter the the time spent here seemed. We visited Istanbul on our way to Denizli. I had thought it was an ugly and boring place, full of many people. But it turned out to be a very clean and beautiful city, visited by very many people from all over the world.
The plane flight was a first for me, too, and a very pleasant one. I learnt how to behave on the airport and what documents we need for travelling by plane.
One thing astonished me in Turkey: they made an idol of Gheorghe Hagi, the Romanian football player and coach.
I liked the activities organized at school and the fact that we made many new friends. I also liked the activities organized by the host families for us.
All in all, I enjoyed the visit to Turkey and I hope I will have another chance to visit this beautiful country.
Dan Cont, student from Romania


The 3rd project meeting on our "Ethno treasure hunt" project shows again that participants are great human beings. We are creative, friendly and can understand each other even without words.
Turkey is a very beautiful country. I have had the chance to see a lot of interesting places which I will never forget. It was an amazing time with excellent people.
I love Turkey and Turkish people. Well done!
Mariola Zajollic, Headmistress from Poland


I absolutely love the 3rd project meeting here in Turkey! It is full of surprises, full of the "events" and trips. Everything is very well planned and organized. I'm thankful I could be here in Turkey and attended this meeting ( the 2nd meeting for me). I found new friends and the friendships started with those I had met before just strengthened. I hope to see all my new friends in the future. Thanks you for the great opportunity to experience it all!
Hugs and kisses!
Iza, teacher from Poland


The visit to Turkey has come to an end and I feel tremendously sad that we have to part with our ethno friends. The third meeting has strengthened our friendship, made us closer, gave us a chance to laugh again and experience the wonder of Turkey and hospitality of their warm-hearted nation. I will never forgwet the smiles, kind gestures, delicious food, interesting talks and tea parties we had during those few days. Our Turkish coordinator, Özgür, has done his best to make us feel at home and for that I am grateful. Though some of us have had some minor injuries (Georgi - his eyes, Daniela - her legs, me - my toe), it is really unimportant, because we were together with friends. Those moments will last forever in my heart and mind.
Thank you, Özgür Boyaci, and thank you - all the other teachers form Turkey!
I'll never forget you and your hospitality, not to mention your great organisation.
Till we meet again .... in Lithuania, Kisses!
Asia, teacher from Poland


In the the 3rd meeting I met my Ethno family and I am very happy about it. Our Turkish friends, Özgür Boyaci, Özgür Yücesoy, Tahir Ekelik, Hairyie, and the others, are very hospitable. I am happy to meet them and their country. I am waiting for you in Lithuania.
Renata, teacher from Lithuania


The country without its people is like a mother without her children. The visit to Turkey has helped me to rediscover human values, such as kindness an hospitality. The aim of the 3rd project meeting is reached. I have found a lot of cultural and ethno treasures. Wishing Turkey the peace and prosperity,
Rima, teacher from Lithuania
See you all in Lithuania!


Turkey is a country which left me with an unforgettable impressions. I am glad to meet your kind people, historical monuments, gorgeous nature and delicious food. The flag I bought in Turkey will be hung in my classroom and will remind me of you.
Good luck!
Jonas, teacher from Lithuania


This visit gave me more than I expected. I liked the nature, the historical heritage and fantastic food. I was impressed by the Turkish hospitality and the children's folk dance at Sarayköy Anadolu Lisesi school. I want to say thanks for this project meeting and I will return to Lithuania with an enriched heart.
Lina, teacher from Lithuania


After each meeting our friendship becomes bigger and stronger. We make new friends in each country, which I believe will last forever. I'm very satisfied from the hospitality and rich nature and, of course, from the great culture and archeological treasures you have. I enjoyed Pamukkale, Efes, and everything I saw. Turkish people are very hard working, polite, warm and I like them so much.
Georgi Ivanov, headmaster from Bulgaria


Everything was wonderful. As we expected, we spent some days with good friends, we made new friends and we completed the project tasks. We will remember the Denizli good days.
Galin Ganchev, headmaster from Bulgaria


Wonderful food, lots of impressions and so many things to remember. Excellent atmosphere and many new friends. Thank you all!
Vladislav, headmaster from Bulgaria


We loved Denizli. We felt great here and most of all we are impressed by the warm hospitality of Turkish people and by the cultural heritage they have. Personally, I can add this: I feel so lucky I came, because I made friendships which I shall keep forever in my heart.
Marry, teacher from Bulgaria


At the end of the third Comenius meeting I'd like to thank the Turkish school and teachers who organized this event in an excellent way! The Turkish people left in our hearts a strong sign of their hospitality and kindness. The aim of the project was reached completely thanks to the punctual work of all the teachers and coordinators of each country, It has been positive for the families and students involved in the project.
Rosa Crupi, Headmistress from Italy


Maximas agendas gratias hospitibus Asiae minoris atque docentibus qui, Comenii praeceptis oboedientes ad hunc tantumfinem persequendum summo studio menteque animum intendunt ut e multis gentibus unum in pace et concordia populum fiat
Fobbiamo ringrazziare moltissimo il popolo turco che ci ha ospitato e i docenti che, obbedendo agli insegnamenti di Comenio con grandissimo impegno profondono le loro energie affinche da molte genti si realizzi, in pace e concordia, un unico popolo.
We'd like to thank Turkish people very much, we'd like to thank  all the teachers who, faithful to Comenius guidelines, make any efforts to build up a country in which pece and love may create a new world.
Scripsit Duilius Franchina, professor from Italy




 Hi, friends!
Here we are in Turkey at last!! I've been waiting for this meeting for a long time and not it is almost over. What a pity! It has been a pleasure to meet all my Ethno friends after their visit to Sicily last month. This meeting has been a special one, because people in this country are special. We spent such a nice time with our Ethno friends, we had a joyful time and high spirits all together. We know each other much better now and our friendship is stronger. We discovered beautiful treasures in Turkey, but the most impressive for me was the visit to Pamukkale. I hope to come back some day. A special "thanks" to our host Özgür: he did his best for us all. Thanks, Comenius! See you in Lithuania!
Nina. teacher from Italy


Hi, friends! Unfortunately it is my last day in Turkey, but, thanks to this project, I discovered a wonderful land and I'm sure that I'm going to return here in the future. I had the pleasure to meet very nice people and to appreciate Turkish kindness. See you soon!
Mariausilia, teacher from Italy


This meeting was fantastic! I liked the people, food and places very much. Hospitality was the number one and my heart will remain in Turkey.
Mimma, teacher from Italy




Cari amici, un grazie di cuore a tutti voi per questi indimenticabili giorni trascarsi insieme e scoprire questa terra affascinante, meravigliosa e ricca di storie, tradizioni e luoghis bellissimi. La turchie e ancora piu preziosa per il suo popolo ospitale, cordiale e generoso. Grazie ad "Ethno treasure hunt" che da la possibilita ai popoli di conoscersi meglio.
Dear friends, I want to thank you from my heart for these unforgettable days spent together with you and for discovering this fascinating land, wonderful and rich with history, traditions and beautiful places. Turkey is more precious for its hospitable people, warm and generous. Thanks to the "Ethno treasure hunt " project, which gives people the opportunity to meet and know each other better. (Translated into English by Daniela Buda)
Linda, teacher from Italy


The visit to Turkey was extraordinary from all points of view, especially as I spent all these moments with my "Ethno treasure hunt" friends. I was expecting to see aspects of relief, cities, mosques, climate, as I have read about them, but I did not expect to find such warm and hospitable people. I was very well surprised to see that, even if I can;t speak Turksih, all people around me were kind and patient enough with me and very polite.
I want to thank Özgür and all the other teachers for the excellent organisation of the meeting. I saw many new things and special places: Efes, Pamukkale, Meryemena, Kuşadasi, Şirince, Denizli, Istanbul, etc, which were amazing. I also liked Turkish cuisine, which is very interesting and tasty. It was an amazing experience for me. Thank you all.
Lucian Paul, teacher from Romania


And to end the list of impressions from the meeting, I can say that I knew that Turkish people are very friendly and hospitable, that is one reason why I wanted to have Turkish partners within the project. So, Özgür and his team, as well as the teachers and children from the other partner countries, have proved once again that, irrespective of their religion, social and historical background, people from different countries can be friends and get on very well together and enjoy sharing their cultural heritage with their friends. I think that most of the project's objectives have been achieved so far each time we met, and will be improved each time we'll meet again. The Ethno family is great and rich in treasures which we discover around us and inside us. I believe that the best treasures we found while treasure hunting in our partners' countries are FRIENDSHIP and MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING, which can eventually bring PEACE.
Daniela Buda, Teacher from Romania, European project coordinator

The 3rd project meeting, in Turkey

The Ethno treasure hunters have gone treasure hunting in Turkey at the beginning of May 2011.
It was an amazing experience for all of us: hosts and guests alike.
The teams gathered in Denizli on Sunday evening and the joy of the new meeting started.
The Turkish team have been excellent hosts, and we have to thank Mr. Tahir Ekelik, Mr. Özgür Yücesoy  and Mr. Özgür Boyaci, as well as the other teachers who made our stay as agreable as possible. They have shown us some of the most important and representative treasures of the Aegean region in Turkey. We had a very busy schedule, but we enjoyed all of it and learnt a lot of new things about the Turkish culture and traditions.
We were met at school by the headmasters Mr. Tahir Ekelik and Mr. Özgür Yücesoy, together with their team of teachers. The teachers in our Turkish partner school are all very young and professional, and very well appreciated by their students. We visited the school and met with teachers and students.
Some English teachers from the partner countries were invited to participate in English classes, and Joanna, from Poland, and Daniela, from Romania, also held some workshops with the teachers of English from the host school. From our discussions with the teachers and students who teach/study English, we understood their need for a change in the way language exams are organized in Turkey and we discussed about it with the local authorities (school headmasters, the Mayor of Sarayköy and other officials who can help make a change).
We were honored by the invitation of the Mayor of Sarayköy, Mr. Orhan Karaköse and the local Director of the Department of Education from the region of Denizli, Mr. Hamit Aytekin, who received us and talked to us about the Turkish system of education and the way it is implemented in the region. They also invited us to the picturesque village of Babadağ for a lunch where traditional kebap was served.
During the week spent in Denizli, our guests took us to discover the amazing cultural and historic treasures of the region. We were taken to Pamukkale, where we visited the archeological and history museums of the ancient Greco-Roman and Byzantine city of Hierapolis, which was built on top of the white "castle"  and saw the astonishing natural "cotton castle", with its hot springs and travertine terraces. We also went to Umut, the thermal spa.
We visited some Camii (Turkish mosques), which are so beautiful, and talked about the similarities and differences between the Moslem and the Christian religions
We visited the ancient Greek and later Roman city of Efesus, where we saw the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world and the the place where Virgin Mary lived her last years of life.
We also want to thank Mr. Himmet Fenli, who invited to his house in Ada Köyü and introduced us to the Gözleme, the delicious traditional vegetable pie.
While visiting the sightsplanned in Denizli, we could notice some of the traditional Turkish trades: glass making, metal workshops, the chefs preparing the traditional pide, and also the "aliş-veriş" - the commerce specific to Turkey, which can be seen in all the bazaars.
When we returned home we missed the friendly atmosphere and the excellent food we shared in Denizli.
We want to thank our Turkish host for the wonderful treasure hunting opportunities they planned for us!