This document summarizes a week-long visit by students and teachers from several European countries to Poland as part of a Comenius cultural exchange project. The visitors were welcomed with traditional Polish foods and performances. They toured several important cultural and historical sites around the region, including churches, museums, and areas showcasing Polish heritage and agriculture. The week concluded with farewell dinners and performances as the visiting partners departed with new understanding and memories of Polish culture.

1. Comenius ,,Foreign Mirrors” - Poland

2. Between 23rd and 27th September 2013 our school Zespół Szkół
w Tuchowiczu was honoured to welcome our foreign friends from
Turkey, Germany, Portugal, Finland, Greece and Spain, our
partners in Foreign Mirrors, Comenius project. Earlier there were
visits to other partner countries. Now, it was time for a visit to
Poland.

3. Our primary aim was to break stereotypes about Poland and Poles
that are still present in Europe and all over the world and to show
the cultural and historical heritage of our country being the main
topic of our project. The whole week was full of different kinds of
attractions. We wanted to show our partners as many of the
heritage sites from our region as it was only possible.

4. Monday
At 9:30 students and teachers of Zespół Szkół w Tuchowiczu gathered
together in the sports hall of the new school building to welcome our
foreign guests. At the doorway our head teacher with the welcome
committee were waiting for our guests with bread and salt.

5. During the reception students performed our national and
regional song as well as some dancing routines. The rhythm of
the music made almost everyone dance.
A few photos from the welcome reception:

7. Later on, the whole Comenius group went to the St. Mary
Magdalene's neo-gothic church, located just opposite the
school.

8. The next point of the programme was the meeting with the local
authorities, the village mayor Mr Krzysztof Kazana. The mayor very
shortly presented the main information about Stanin Community, he
talked about the main sources of income of the people living here,
about main farming directions and production. After that, we went to
see the owners of an old smithy in Czerśl. The smithy is the last
functioning blacksmith workshop in our region.

9. In the evening parents prepared a splendid dinner. The menu consisted
of many different specialties of the traditional polish cuisine. During
the dinner our school folk group ,,Kropelki Rosy” presented some
dances and songs. Dancers from the folk group were teaching our
Comenius partners our traditional dance – polonaise. As it turned out it
was not too difficult to follow the steps. Everyone had a great fun until
very late hours at night.

10. A few photos from the dinner:

12. Tuesday
The day started very early because of the long drive that was planned
for that day. Our destination point was the National Nature Reserve
in Białowieża. We have visited Nature and Forest Museum, The
Palace Park, European Bison Show Reserve and finally we have
walked along the Royal Oak Trail. The dinner in the stylish
restaurant Zacisze in Międzyrzac Podlaski added splendour to the

13. Photos from the second day of the visit:

16. Wednesday
At 7:00, just after the breakfast we went on a trip to Zamoyski Museum
in Kozłówka. We have also visited Chapel, Coach-house and the
Socialist Realism Art Gallery. Then we went to the Open Air Village
Muzeum in Lublin. There were special workshops concerning the life
of the people in 19th century. In the afternoon we managed to find
some time for shopping.

18. Thursday
Thursday was devoted to the cultural heritage of our Small
Country. We visited Wola Okrzejska, a place where Henryk
Sienkiewicz, Polish Nobel Prize winner was born and where
he spent his childhood. Then, we went to Wola Gułowska.
First, we were in the museum hall devoted to the last battle of
the 2nd World War. After that the group attended a painting
and sculpturing workshop. We have also visited the St. Mary
Sanctuary in Wola Gułowska. In the evening we gathered
together for the farewell dinner. While the teachers were
having dinner, dancing and enjoying themselves, students
were at the school disco.

21. Friday
First, we visited the Regional
Museum in Łuków. Especially
interesting were the ammonites and
trophies from the international sports
competitions won by the people
from our region. Then we went for
the meeting with the Starost of
Łuków and other authorities from
the Łuków province. Here everyone
from the guests received materials
and brochures promoting our region.

23. That time passed very quickly. The memories from the visit
when
our Comenius Family came to Poland
will remain with us forever...