This is an example of the type of partnership meeting organised through a Pathways project. A principle purpose is to experience aspects of the local life and culture of a partner.
The first international meeting was in Poznan, Poland.
It began with seasonal food.
The cakes are made specially for St. Martin’s Day on the 11th November. An important seasonal date – the end of autumn, the start of winter, a time for killing geese (and pigs) partly to preserve for winter food but also to save having to feed them during the winter period. This day was also the start of the fasting period of 40 days before Christmas (Sundays, being a ‘feast’ day in Christianity were excepted).
The feast is especially important in Wielkopolska the region of which Poznan is capital.
More information can be viewed by clicking here
The celebratory theme continued at the end of the day when the whole group made their own food: ‘pierogi’ – a word that whose origins contain the word ‘festivity’ as explained in by clicking here .
A restaurant, some ingredients & a somewhat puzzled John Wynn-Jones
– maybe believing the old saying ‘Gwell mared gwr nog un gwraig’…?
Preparation of this traditional delicacy is a fine art which the group tackled enthusiastically………
The day concluded in song:
The time passes over so pleasant and gay,
Since we’ve learnt a new act to drive sorrows away.
Sorrows away, sorrows away, sorrows away,
Since we’ve learnt a new act to drive sorrows away.
Bright Phoebe arises in the June morning sky
With her red rosy cheeks and her sparkaling eye,
Sparkaling eye, sparkaling eye, sparkaling eye,
With her red, rosy cheeks and her sparkaling eye.
(omitted on this occasion due to the time of day – or rather: night)
If you ask for my credit you’ll find I have none,
With my bottle and friends you will find me at home.
Find me at home, find me at home, find me at home,
With my bottle and friends you will find me at home.
For although I’m not rich and although I’m not poor
I’m as happy as those that’s got thousands or more,
Thousands or more, thousands or more, thousands or more,
I’m as happy as those that’s got thousands or more.
The singing seemingly appreciated by the hosts who had prepared and assisted throughout the evening
The next day, after meeting some of the English learners
Simon took a walk…..
More on the visit can be viewed by clicking here
