The first meeting of project participants took place in Trikala, Greece from 18th -23rd  January, 2014. There were students from Italy, Portugal and Poland accompanied by their teachers. All students were from vocational schools, as planned.

The meeting started on Saturday the 18th January in Athens. We all received a warm welcome from the project coordinator, Nikos Nntogas. After the introduction, we started sightseeing the capital of Greece. The trip had its beginning in a beautiful park, from which we could see the stunningly lit Parthenon. Then we moved to see the Parliament and we were really lucky to witness the change of guards, who presented us the ”walk to freedom”. After a pleasant walk, we decided to have a welcome dinner, where we could try delicious, traditional dishes.

            Sunday was full of visiting amazing sights. We went to see the Parthenon, from which we could admire the wonderful panorama of Athens. We also visited The Acropolis Museum, where we were able to see the original parts of ancient buildings and admire historic sculptures. In the evening we travelled to Trikala, where  the host families were waiting for our students.

Next day was full of new exciting experiences. There was a meeting with the Mayor of Trikala, where students could present  their schools and listen to some facts about their host town. After the meeting we all went to see Unesco Heritage Site Meteora (a complex of amazing monasteries).

Returning from Meteora, we visited the History and Civilization Museum of Kliafa Company, near the town centre, which used to be a factory of refreshments, ice and refrigarators. There, we were able to see a large variety of exhibits and learnt a lot about the history of the town of Trikala and the whole prefecture.

Tuesday was a very important day for all partners, because students showed presentations about their schools and cities they came from. It was a very stressful but exciting experience, as students could feel the thrill of partnership and the belonging to a new international community. After presentations, we went to see the historic castle and quarter of Trikala. In the evening we had an amazing opportunity to take part in a traditional Greek dinner, where we could listen to Greek music and learn to dance Zorba. Everyone really enjoyed it and was grateful for the chance to be part of it.

On Wednesday students went to the Environmental Centre of Mouzaki, where they visited many laboratories, listened to lectures and, after that, they went for field workshops in the mountains.

They found out how to count the age of old trees and how pine trees spread their seeds so high up the hills. They could carry out some experiments listening to various sounds around them and recognising different plants and animals.

Thursday was the day of departures and saying „Goodbye” to Greece and our partners. Both students and teachers were really grateful for the opportunity and chance to be part of this project. This meeting opened a new chapter in our students' lives, which will hopefully result in international cooperation and long-term friendship.