Diary from Cyprus by Sylwia
- 2. Day 1 We met at the collection place at about 6 AM. When we arrived at the airport, I was a little scared because it was my first flight. I was very lucky because our pilot was very skillful and the landing was really nice. At the airport in Paphos we waited for the teachers from the partner school.
- 3. Day 1 They arrived very quickly and took us on a tour. We saw the mosaics which were really beautiful. Then we went to the beach. I admired the view of beautiful beach because the only beach I've ever seen was the beach on the Polish coast. After the first day, I can honestly say that Cyprus was a beautiful island. After arriving at school, me and my friends were afraid to get off the bus and get to know our partners. However, they welcomed us and turned out to be very nice and warm. I can safely admit that everyone in this country is very nice and polite.
- 4. Day 2 It was already the second day. I merely slept that night. My partner was very nice but he wasn't talkative. I hoped it would change soon. We drove to school by the school bus that dropped us near the school entrance. We attended classes of building and programming the LEGO robots. After the first night, I exchanged the very first impression with the girls from Poland. In the afternoon, we had dinner and after that I went to the "other" school where Stavros had tutoring in English. I participated as well. The teacher was very nice.
- 5. Day 2 When we came back I had a moment to rest and then my partner came for me and we went for a walk in Mammari and we met up with my friends. Our partners showed us their wooden house which they built with their own hands. Day after day, our communication is better.
- 6. Day 3 We spent nearly whole day on the beach. It was great. We played beach volleyball and sunbathed. We ate ice-cream and the shop assistant was so nice that he gave us samples of every single ice cream to try. He gave us huge scoops of ice creams. Nearly every school trip has its crucial point - a bus travelling. We were all together and finally we talked freely. Cypriots were really hospitable. They began to teach us some Greek words. It was not that hard after all. Cypriots had some hard time learning some Polish words. Not the first time I've heard that the Polish language is difficult.
- 7. Day 3 After returning home, I rested in my room which I shared with Stavros' sister, Dimitra. In the evening we went to the park - so the playground with such a vantage point where we could see the beautiful Turkish side of Cyprus. Me and my partner left the place a bit earlier to attend the badminton training during which I played with his dad.
- 8. Day 4 We went to school in the morning again. The day began with the academy on the occasion of the Independence Day of Cyprus. Then we went to the LEGO programming classes. After that we went to lessons with our partners. I really liked these lessons because even though I did not understand Greek we could still learn a lot. All the teachers were very nice to us and talked with us a lot.
- 9. Day 4 After school, as usual, we came back and ate dinner. Then, together with my friend Alicja and our partners we went to buy some souvenirs. There were many beautiful things and we spent a lot of time watching them. Somehow we managed to get ready for a disco party where we stayed until 12 PM. It was really wonderful - we all laughed, played and danced.
- 10. Day 5 It was the day which I meant to spend with Stavros family. In the morning, I slept long hours. It was due to the fact that I came back late the day before. At noon, we went to the antique market. There were plenty of traditional sweets, dishes and souvenirs. In each place you could listen to energetic Greek music. Stavros' mom showed me everything and gave me try everything that was there. In the afternoon, I rested and talked with their parents. In the evening, I went to meet with Polish friends, we went to the park and there we all sang and laughed.
- 11. Day 6 The sixth day. We went to Limassol that day. We were on the beach but before that we visited the antique theater and the house of the rich person. It is amazing to see the remains of something that old. The Cypriot teachers cared about us and even hired a guide who could speak Polish. He was also very nice and everything he told us was very interesting. In the evening, we went to the mall for dinner. It was really very nice.
- 12. Day 7 The weekend began. Again, I could sleep as much as I pleased. At about 11 AM we went to meet up with friends and their families on the most beautiful beach in Cyprus. It was really hot, so we were able to get tanned. We swam in the sea and we played football. We got along with our partners day by day. Then, me and Stavros went to his friend for pizza with halloumi. In the evening, I attended the modern wedding reception with his family. It last only few hours. Then we went on a long street where we ate ice cream and talked.
- 13. Day 8 Yesterday, I was told we were going to attend the christening. We left the house at around 10 AM. It was really nice. I met a lot of family members of my partner. After the ceremony in the church we were invited to the dinner. It was very good, but I prefer Polish food at such events. In the afternoon, I had no time to rest because I had to get ready for a traditional wedding. Stavros' sister, Eleni did my hair that matched my lacy dress. At the wedding reception, everyone was very cheerful - people danced together and I even managed to learn a traditional Greek dance. I came back home very tired but it was very nice.
- 14. Day 9 When I got to school the teacher asked us how we spent the weekend. Each of us answered differently, but mine was really nice. As usual we had lessons with the LEGO, we designed our robots. We also received special gifts from the partner school. The gifts were very nice and will certainly be great souvenirs. In the evening, as usual, we went for a walk and we spent all the time together. Then we went to the cafe where we watched the game and drank different drinks. It was really nice and we met many new friends.
- 15. Day 10 It was already the tenth day. In the morning we went shopping. Then I did the last shopping and bought some souvenirs. After that we went to the cathedral from where we were able to see the Turkish side of Cyprus. The views were spectacular. When we returned home I was very tired so I took a shower and rested. In the evening, we went to Alex' house and ate a pizza. We sat there for a long time and then we all went for a walk to the store. Alongside this store were tables and chairs. It was really a shame that it's over and that I would see them all again next year.
- 16. Day 10 That day I talked with everyone and I think we taught them some Polish words. We could not say goodbye and returned home very late. I said goodbye to Stavros' sisters and changed my clothes. I was sleepy so I went to bed and woke up at 2:10 AM. Then we went to the school where we said the last goodbye. Some of us even cried. I shed some tears, too. I will miss them all and I cannot wait when we see each other again in Poland.
- 17. THANK YOU FOR WATCHING