MALMO - LUND

  Sweden is so closed to Denmark. Therefore  it would be nonsense not to visit there before returning to Turkey. So one day we asked Lars ,who is most helpful person in English classroom, whether he could drive us to there with the car of school. The answer was positive. As  Stockholm was far away from here we chose to go Malmo and Lund .Malmo is the third populous city in Sweden. Then in the morning, we set off.  I was so cool  as there was no fever  to catch any train. We didn’t need to think how  we could find directions as Lars was conversant  about  there . We crossed Oresund Bridge which connected Sweden with Denmark. It is also longest road  and rail bridge in Europe. That is so right. Because we crossed the bridge with car in ten minutes. Firstly we went to Lund whose university took place in best 100 universities in the world.

  It was really prestigious  which was the biggest university with its population. In fact it has many faculties founded in different areas. So we could visit just some of them. Structure of it showed that it was an oldest but qualified one. It was designed like a castle which attracted me so much in order to be a student there. Then we went to Lund Cathedral which was the oldest structure of it. Outlook of it was perfect but inside of it was so dark. There were so small windows transmitting less light. I also liked astronomical clock which was so enchanting .

     While you are outside you can realize that it is city of education  . In streets there many bookstores, libraries. For example in the middle of it there was a huge library. Then we get on car and went to malmo . Before going there we had a small car accident in which we weren’t hurt but scared so much. However, we went on our trip to Malmo. Firstly we went to Turning Torso through flying due to brutal wind. It was so difficult to move forward. So we tried hard to go on. I haven’t been in such windy place. But it was so different enjoyment even though it was hard. Torso Turning was so high as it was the tallest building in Scandinavia. It is turning really and I was scares that it would fall on us due to the wind. After visiting Malmo , we spent rest of time in Malmo city hall. The things that l will never forget is Oresund Bridge, Turning Torso and brutal wind.

ddnnmr

RUDOLF STEINER SCHOOL IN VORDINGBORG

In Denmark l have been in many schools. Therefore l thought that  it would be sufficient to understand what kinds of things were being taught and how was it taught in Danish schools. But now l have visited   school which is totally different from Danish schools. It is Rudolf Steiner School which is private and is based on the view that human being is a being of body, soul and spirit. School gives importance the idea that human being is fundamentally spiritual being and all human beings deserve respect as the embodiment of their spiritual nature. Related to this idea ,l made many observations. Firstly we were introduced to teachers and all of them came to greet  and meet with us. Their smiling faces were sincere but they seemed  that they were frozen like a robot. Anyway then we went a hall where  every class was  to sing some kinds of songs includes context of respect to forest. After the short ceremony made before lesson ,student went their classes. Teacher said to us we would greet all students one by one before they entered the class. It was an unexpected experience for me which was both good and strange. I can not remember but maybe l said `my name is Hilal nice to meet you `over twenty times. I was about the fail. Teacher made us sit in front of class which was totally strange. I can not  still understand why  she  did  it .Maybe for eye contact with student to make us familiar to them. Then l participated physical education class in which a different teacher greeted the students one by one again. It was also different . Normally in physical education lesson you learn how to use your body effectively. In this lesson beside this teacher also teaches  them how to assign meaning  to body movements. While using their bodies they all tried to say something . Last lesson was German in which teacher was so so so strict one. I can not tell how disciplined she was. There wasn’t any noise in the class. I saw a conflict between goal of school and teachers` behavior. If  you give importance to human respect why do you behave so strict to them?  In last lesson l was able to realize that they didn’t have specific books. All the source they use are the copies that teacher brings to class. There isn’t so much theory in curriculum. They give importance basically student skills which include role of play , dance, singing song. There isn’t any discrimination among students about their races ,genders, ethnicities, national origins and religions. Most religions are mentioned in classes. I also heard that Islam is also given which made me surprised. Yes Today Denmark contributed something totally different  to my experiences .

VIDEO PRESENTATION

As we had video presentation task for the lesson of Thomas and Peter, we had to go to a school and make observation related to democracy, culture and citizenship in Danish schools. But our group was the unluckiest one as we had to go Kastrup School which is almost out of Vordingborg. While coming from there, we didn’t wait for the bus to come as later service of it was one our later. Then we decided to walk. I can not tell how cold the weather was . Because of freezing wind we had to walk turning our back against wind which looked very funny and tragic. We even made running contest in order not to frost . It was also useless. We tried to stop the cars but no one cared us and went on . If we had died there nobody would have concerned about  us. It was so annoying. Anyway after coming our dormitory ,all of us became ill naturally. It was the bad side of video task. But the good thing is that we have learnt much about democracy. We could observe just one class which was second grade .Students could not speak English which made our communication very difficult with them. For democracy ,as we know, schools should be democratically elected decision made by students, teachers, headmaster and parents. So l can say that the school that we went is the democratic one . Because everyone are actively involved in creating and maintaining individual freedom unlike traditional classroom, teacher isn’t only one  who leads to students. Students also can reflect their opinions.

While we were making interview with class teacher, she said that she generally determined the subject but students chose how to learn it.  Of course, they have right also to make decisions about what to learn and how to learnt it. But in Turkey we aren’t allowed to reflect our opinions about what to and how to learn. She asks them whether they want to learn in groups, in pairs or with the help of PowerPoint. She even asks the place they want to learn whether in classroom , in library, or in garden. In fact most things they do in classroom have democratic colors. As teacher told that every year  two members in each class were chosen for the consul .While choosing them they make election in class which shows election is made in totally authentic democratic environment. Students who are chosen reflect opinions to headmaster and in important meetings. Of course it would be much simplier to have two students decide for all. Class teacher also mention about that when there was an election in Denmark ,they talked to children, normally parents took their children to the election places and showed them  what they were doing there and why they were doing it. Two students in second grade where we made our observation, are also chosen for school counsel .However, they aren’t capable of leading a discussion or summing something up, but at least they are given a voice in consul. There weren’t many immigrants in that school so teacher didn’t have to mention about other cultures so much. She basically mentions about traditions. They discuss why they have traditions most of which is Christianity. And generally discuss why  they still do it  and why it is important. Although there are many things to tell ,these are some short observations of mine . Shortly l can say that everybody has  a voice in the school for  teaching and learning which l liked so much. I think democracy works well in Danish schools….

BERLIN

 

I was very happy to go Berlin. Before going there l checked plane prices for Berlin. As the prices are so expensive , we chose to go there by bus. It took nearly 6 hours . When l got off the bus ,l became very happy with the weather. While going to metro , l realized that there were many Turkish restaurants there . I can not tell my happiness  because there were foods that I wanted to eat so much . Firstly I went to our hostel called generator. I can say that it is the  most beautiful hostel that l have stayed. . Staffs were kind and experienced. Rooms  were so clean . After leaving bags to hostel we went out to discover the city. I felt my self in Turkey.

There are lots of Turkish citizens. We didn’t need to use our English to communicate. The thing that l liked was everything was so cheap. If l had money l would buy a car due to its cheapness. But as l don’t l just bought some clothes. And l ate Turkish food as much as l could. Firstly we went to `Checkpoint Charlie`. It was the main point  which is an important memory of cold war years. It is main passing point between western and eastern Berlin.  There was an exhibition next to it where you could read stories of people who had tried to escape from eastern  to western part of Germany. I was really affected with those stories. Each of them was worse than each other . Before going there you can have idea about war. But seeing remains and pictures and stories in original atmosphere is totally different feeling. Following day we went to Mitte Borough where there was Museum Sinsel  and Berliner Dom. They were next to each other and there was a fountain between them. Everybody was sunbathing on grass around that fountain . It was really perfect . Nature , history and sun were all together. Resting under sun was perfect . We were like children as we wetted each other with water of the fountain. It was so enjoyable. I really liked structure of Cathedral and its perfect harmony with Museum Sinsel. There were 5 parts of that museum in which different works of different civilizations . I was able to visit just Altes Museum and it wasn’t so effective one. But square was perfect. Then we went to Alexandra Platz. When you see around , the first impressions with the area is that it is the place to make shopping. There is even small bazaar in the square of it. 

Then we went to near TV Tower .It can be seen almost from every where of Berlin. It is the tallest structure in Berlin. It is the most famous symbol of Berlin. There is a visitor platform and a revolving restaurant in the middle of sphere of TV Tower. It is possible to see World Time Clock and Neptun`s Fountain here. Then we saw Brandenburg Gate . It is also one symbol of Berlin and Germany. Firstly it was symbol for division of the country. Then it was redecorated and purpose of it was changed. Now it is a gate depicting peace . It is also unique as only gate that survived . There was a man in front of it . He sticks the imitation of former stamps used for passing Brandenburg Gate. I have my passport stamped . It will be nice memory for me. When we walk straight way , we confronted with Berlin Victory Column. It is designed to show victory of Prussia against Denmark. At the top of it there is bronze sculpture of Victoria.Later we also went to Oberbaum bridge which is double- deck crossing Berlin River. When there was a war in Germany , it was devided by Berlin Wall as well. Today it is also one of symbol of peace in Berlin. Next to it,  you can see Berlin Wall on which there are many meaningful graffiti’s. Each picture gibes  tragedy of the war in dramatic way . The things that l liked so much was Berlin Zoo . It was the biggest zoo that l have ever seen.  There were various kinds of animals. There were different species over one thousand. It was very difficult to trip there in one day . The area is huger than l have guessed . the thing l asked after visiting zoo is it possible that evolution theory can be true. Because l have seen all kinds of monkeys. And they were like us especially gorillas and chimps . They were also photogenic. When they see you taking their photos , they smiles at machine. I really liked polar beer, monkeys, rhino, bat, giraffe, elephant, penguin and etc……..

ROMAAA

   Before going there l made a lot of search on the internet as Italy has many places to be visited. In fact  every part of it is more beautiful than each other . But l had to choose some places of it as l had poor student budget. I decided to go Roma , Florence and Pisa . When l got off plane at airport  , l was shocked with the weather.  It was sunny , wind was so hot. I was regretful bringing thick clothes. I realized that I really missed that weather so much. Firstly I went to Roma. Roma was like Istanbul. Smell of history was everywhere . In many streets there were different historical structures. When l saw Coliseum ,l was a bit disappointed . It was not as big as it was shown on TV. But when l thought ages of it standing up , l appreciated structure.

There were many holes and most parts of it  collapsed and were demolished . When l saw cellars and amphi ,it seemed  so cruel to me to make warriors kill each other. Structure of it depicts how bad things happened there. There l have learnt that after acceptance of Christianity  , Coliseum was plundered and was cursed. It also explains why there are so many holes on it. Because bronze and derivative works  being ripped  were used in constructing of Vatican . Next to Coliseum there was a triumphal arch . It was a door which was erected for memory of victory won against  Jews by Emperor Constantine.  He is very famous in our country . Because Constantine is the person who gave old name of Istanbul `Konstantin polis` .  Even though l bought `Roma pass` which is a card that you can use for all kind of transportations in Roma freely during three  days, l didn’t use it more than two times. Because l wanted to walk every street of it. 

Roads are excellent . They reflect beauty of art , harmony , history. But l should say streets aren’t as much clean as like other European countries  and were so narrow. There was so much traffic as well. There were clothes around apartments. Then l went to the Trevi Fountain . It is believed that visitors who throw 2 coins to pool of it  will come to Rome again in one day. I also did the same. I wait the time to go there again soon.  There was also a long queue  to throw coins. You really should have seen the money in the pool. There was a fortune. If the responsible people don’t empty pool it will overflow  due to coins.  Later l have learnt that coins are used for poor people in Italy.  In each meal l tired to eat pizza as I was in the original country of it . But later eating pizza three times in a day began to be boring although l wanted to try all variety of it. 

 Then I went Spanish Steps. It was so near to the Trevi Fountain. There were many steps more then one hundred. When it was first done ,it was the longest steps in Europe. At the top of steps you can see landscape of Roma. There were lots of painters  who draw you caricature or picture according to your wish. And l saw  a church and a stele which was brought from Egypt. I really liked the caricatures . So I have painter made my caricature. Actually it wasn’t like me but was funny. There were shops in which most expensive brands are sold . So l  just put up with  window-shopping. There was a huge crowdedness. This place is famous for stealing as well. So if you go there certainly you should be careful every time . There were many black street peddlers . You can buy from them imitation of famous brands in cheaper price as well. If you bargain , you can buy cheaper. I bought a 30 Euros-bag just to 15 Euros . l also went to Vatican city Florence and Pisa which l will mention later.

PARISSS

I was so curious about Paris as it was known the city of excellence and romanticism  . I was waiting at airport for our flying to  there . It was the center of fashion and famous for its perfume.  Before going there I was requested to buy so may presents for my relatives. When we came the airport we started to look for our hostel.  As the France has one of most developed metro in the world , finding our hostel was so easy. While going from airport to Paris l met with a girl whose name was Alexandra. She was the most crazy and strange girl in the world. We came to Paris with her. While passing metro she said that you could pass border of metro without buying tickets as there was no control in stations. Even there was no control around station we couldn’t undertake risk. Anyway meeting with that girl cost a big loss for us. If you ask why l will tell you later .

While going Paris by bus we could see Eiffel Tower  at a distance. It made me so excited . Our hostel was so nice . Staying in a hostel was also different experience for me. Because you meet with people from different nations. Even l live with people from different nations it wasn’t various. Hostel seemed to me places consist of people almost from the whole world. I really liked. We slept immediately to wake up early in following day. When we went  outside we realized different atmosphere of people. They were so elegant  and well -dressed. But streets are like each other. Colors, sizes and shapes of apartments were all same. Everywhere was so compatible with each other.  Firstly we went to Palais Garnier. It was the most fascinating opera hall that l had ever seen. I was charmed with its smartness, perfect excellence of detailed organization. Garnier deserves to be clapped many times. After  that l went to  Champs- Elysees which is the most famous street of Paris.

Your eyes immediately focus on smartness and elegance of people walking there.  Restaurants , cafes and stores are excellent. It could be better if the prices were cheaper. I tried cookies there and fell in love with them .After  that we walked  alongside Seine River . The river on which there are lots of boats that put a jerk in the city.  While walking alongside the river l could see the Eiffel Tower. But when I came to near it , my excitement was on the top..  Looking its top from the down was giddy and amazing. I went up  to 2 . floor . The city was under my feet with its small but excellent appearance. I was able to see glorious structures, cathedral  and a city preserving its history. I stayed there until evening to see lights of Eiffel  . It was more magnificent than morning.  I really didn’t want to return my hostel until morning but l had to  .On the third day we went to the Louvre Museum . As l am fan of Dan Brown l wanted to see places taking places in his books. Da Vinci Code was taking in Paris especially in Louvre Museuum.

       So l was impatient to see there.  In fact l have so many attractive reasons  to go there. E.g : my nickname is Mona Lisa . As you know that original painting of Mona Lisa is also there. So l thought it would be nice experience to take a photo with that painting. There are also various masterpieces and works of many famous sculptures , painters. It was such a huge museum that it is impossible to see every part of it even in one week. Paintings were so magnificent  that it was so difficult to skip one to see others. There are works  from most of ancient civilizations. In addition to those , Louvre Pyramid was also perfect. At first seeing a huge crowdedness in a museum was shocking. Generally museums are known as boring places . But  everything was attractive and atmosphere is so lively , interesting there. So l understood why it was visited by majority of tourists . It really deserves to get attention .

 In fact there are many places that l should tell such as Notre Dame Cathedral , Moulin Rouge .  However, lastly I want to mention about my worst experience in a foreign country that l will never forget . As l said that Alexandra said you didn’t need to buy tickets but we didn’t do it until the last day. We saw that most people in stations didn’t buy tickets and skipped border by jumping . In the  station that we would  get on metro lastly ,we didn’t buy tickets and passed from the door  and while went forward a bit we realized that there were officers controlling that station . And conversation between us and officers  were like the following dialogue:

Officers:  bla bla in French

We:  Sorry in English please

Officers :  50 Euros for each of you

We : why every body is passing  like us. it is unfair and bla bla………..

Officers : Passport please

We : Passport ?? ok how much did you say ?

Officers : 50 Euros

We: Here you are ( immediately)

Officers  : Isn’t there any discount because we are just poor students

Officers : One of them said that it could have been possible  if there hadn’t been any cameras to control us in the station

PARISSS l will never forget youuuuuuu J L