Tesla connects us

On 24-27 October we hosted in Chorzow group of our friends from the Republic of Serbia – pupils and teachers from two schools: Technical School in Sremska Mitrovica and High School in Zrenjanin.

The visit of the Serbian youth in Upper Silesia, was part of the program “The meeting of cultures: the Latin West and the Greek East” implemented jointly by the Technical and High School Nikola Tesla along with the Secondary School No. 8.

In less than three days, Polish and Serbian youth shared their knowledge and experiences, including the participation in workshops, joint tour to the most emblematic places of Chorzow and Katowice, as well as a trip to Krakow.

The meeting of two cultures proved to be extremely valuable for both parties and resulted in an impulse to implement joint projects, both in the strict technical dimension, as well as in the sphere of humanities.

Meetings of young people had a purely human dimension, they established friendships between participants and had an opportunity to exchange views and opinions.

All this was possible thanks to the support of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia Ranko Tomovic.

Gallery

Between 25th and 28th of September a group of students of our school was in Serbia invited by the principal of Nikola Tesla ‘s Secondary School of Technology in Sremska Mitrovica – Duško Ljubišić. The visit was part of the project called ‘NIKOLA TESLA – transnational “Pontifex Maximus”’that realises the scientific and cultural exchange and integration of milieu of Chorzow and Sremska Mitrovica.

The project implementation was possible thanks to the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Poland, the Ministry of Culture, Information and Information Society of the Republic of Serbia, the City of Chorzów and the personal commitment of the honorary consul of the Republic of Serbia in Katowice Mr. Ranko Tomović.

On the first day there was a meeting of teachers and students of both schools. Our students were staying with their Serbian colleagues, so they could make new friends and to get to know each other. On the same day we could see the buildings (building of theoretical classes and building practical classes) and school classrooms in Sremska Mitrovica and participate in joint activities of practical vocational subjects.

The second day we spent in Belgrade, where we visited the Museum of Nikola Tesla, then, among other things, we could see the Orthodox church of saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, the building of the Parliament of Serbia and the Kalemegdan fortress, a fortified area which in the Celtic and Roman times was  known as Singidunum. The fortress is situated within the city’s Old Town and is one of the most important tourist attractions of Belgrade. The city is very big (about 3 million inhabitants); visiting only the most famous places took us almost six hours.

On the third day we returned to Sremska Mitrovica, where the next joint meeting of teachers and students took plase as well as the classes for students of practical vocational subjects. That was followed by visiting the city. Among other things, we could see the archaeological site “Tsar’s Palace” (Arheološki LOKALITET «Tsar’s Palate”) – the find of ancient times, which was the official Roman’s residence, where in 317 the son of Constantine the Great was born, the Museum of Srem (Muzej SREMA), the market “ŽITNI TRG “- the only of its kind triangular market, built in the eighteenth century in baroque style and located near the beautiful buildings and antique riuns of Sirmium town.

Our visit to Serbia was very successful. Serbia is a remarkable country with rich history and interesting culture. We are primarily charmed by its residents – open, friendly and very hospitable. Certainly inaugurated Polish-Serbian cooperation will develop accordingly to the arrangements set out in the implemented project. We are preparing to revisit our Serbian friends, which will probably be held in the second half of May 2014.

Mirosław Marny
After visiting Serbia, in my memory 3 things stuck the most. Firstly, the hospitality of the local people, I have never experienced such openness towards the stranger. Secondly, the interests of the Serbian youth, their creativity is wonderful; most of them practice American football, others create interesting electronic projects. In the end I want to mention the peace and tranquility prevailing in towns. People are more friendly and live more slowly, without the noise and urban bustle.

Tomasz Pąchalski
When we arrived at the place we were engulfed by little anxiety, but also excitement. We learned that we would be staying with local students. We were surprised by this fact, but thereby we were able to meet Serbian families, their culture and interests. They do not differ too much from ours. This trip helped us integrate with the Serbs. We loved the country and we would be happy to go there once more.

Łukasz Sordyl
First of all I am thankful for the open hearts, our hosts welcomed us. Great atmosphere, hospitable people and beautiful landscapes, it’s something that everyone should see. Delicious food, interesting history of the region and peace, we have experienced, were a guarantee of an unforgettable stay. There are no negatives which makes Serbia very attractive, I heartily recommend it and would gladly return there myself.

Piotr Nowak
Serbia made a good impression on me. I was charmed by the hospitality of the Serbs and their customs and culture, which was willingly presented. Despite the lack of knowledge of foreign languages  the Serb who was my host tried to communicate with me using gestures and translating websites. Walking around I had the opportunity to meet some remarkable Serbian girls and learn about  the history of the country.

Jan Czembor
Before we set off to Serbia, in our minds were many  visions and concerns about this trip. On arrival, we learned that we would not stay at the dormitory, but in the homes of pupils of the local school. Now I recall the best conversations with charming Serbian girls. We thought that they were approx. 20 years old and even  our English teacher was surprised to find out that they were 15 and 16 because despite their young age they had a lot to say about the political situation of their country and their lives and future. If I had to choose a country to go in the future, I would choose Serbia.

Sebastian Jedynak
A nice surprise was the information about staying with local families, although not everyone shared my opinion at the beginning. Now they all agree on one thing – the Serbs are extremely hospitable and courteous towards visitors. We loved the dishes of Serbian cuisine and were delighted by the beauty of local girls (it caught the attention of the whole group). Of course, I will not forget the visit to the Nikola Tesla’s Museum. I hope that someday I will have the opportunity to go there again.

Radosław Frankowski
From the trip to Serbia I recall with great pleasure people I met there. They were extremely welcoming and open. Staying at one of the local students I had the opportunity to learn they live like and to enjoy regional food. On the first day the Serbs took us to a restaurant where we had the opportunity to listen to Serbian music live. Also I visited many interesting places in Serbia: among others, church of St. Sava, Nikola Tesla’s Museum and the Museum in Sremska Mitrovica. I loved the stay and I will surely go back.