From 11 to 18 March, our school devoted itself to Basque culture as our exchange students from Bilbao were visiting: music, sightseeing and new discoveries.
From practising Baroque dance steps in the school’s multi-purpose hall to a joint performance of the Boléro in our music room, we enjoyed some wonderful moments, particularly during an unforgettable day in Strasbourg with Mr Suska and Ms Kusmirek.
The programme included a train journey to explore the Alsatian city, including ‘Petite France’ and the cathedral. We passed the Arte studios, had some free time in the city and explored the European Parliament. We even tried traditional dishes such as tarte flambée.
The next day, a visit to Trier was on the agenda – unfortunately in the rain! Afterwards, we all met up in Saarbrücken and had currywurst, pizza and rigatoni together, and some of the Basques tried the sausage but didn’t like it.
On the last day, we went for a walk along the Saar in the sunshine – hooray! – and visited Saarbrücken, the St. Johanner Markt and the castle with its panoramic view of the Saar, and all the young people sat together by the Staden in the sunshine until it was time to say goodbye on 18 March. But that was only a temporary parting, as we would see them again!
On 18 April, the time had finally come: our trip to Bilbao was just around the corner. But we hadn’t reckoned on the strikes at Lufthansa! Despite a two-day delay, we were absolutely buzzing with anticipation – for me, it was my first ever flight. Upon arrival in Bilbao, the excitement gave way to wonder.
Right from the first weekend, we immersed ourselves fully in family life. We headed to the coast to explore Gaztelugatxe, a spectacular seaside spot famous as a filming location for the series ‘Game of Thrones’. Afterwards, we visited the charming fishing harbour of Bermeo, where we enjoyed our first rabas (deep-fried squid) on a terrace. A real treat!
On Monday, we got to know our partner school in Derio. It’s fair to say that the daily routine of a Basque pupil is nothing like ours! Lessons don’t start until 8.30 am and often finish as early as 2.30 pm, or 3.30 pm at the latest! However, lunch isn’t served until 3.00 pm. It’s a routine that’s tiring at first, but you get used to it quite quickly. During the only long break, which lasts an hour, pupils are allowed to leave the school grounds to go to the shops.
There is a more relaxed atmosphere for discussion in class; you don’t necessarily have to put your hand up to speak, and the lessons are livelier. As for the facilities, the school has unisex toilets and a fully equipped laboratory, in addition to the standard chemistry lab.
Accompanied by our teachers, we explored Bilbao in depth. We marvelled at the famous red steel suspension bridge, the Puente de la Salve, walked along the River Nervión and the Ría de Bilbao, and visited the Guggenheim Museum, in front of which ‘Puppy’ – a giant dog entirely covered in flowers – stands guard; the flowers are replaced regularly.
To explore the city’s history in its entirety, we took the famous funicular railway. Bilbao, nestled amongst the hills, unfolded before us in a spectacular panorama: the surrounding mountains, the Athletic Club Bilbao football stadium, the Guggenheim Museum and the River Nervión.
It’s impossible to leave without mentioning the local cuisine. We tucked into tortillas, pintxos and delicious croquettes. I even tried to learn a few words of Basque, but the language is a real challenge!
We’ll remember this trip as an incredible human and cultural experience. A huge thank you to everyone who made this exchange possible.
Eskerrik asko y agur! (Thank you very much and goodbye!)
Marie Fassbender