15 - 21 July 2007 Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC

We, the seven girls from FLS “Aleko Konstantinov” - Pravets, participating in the meeting “European Citizenship – How to advance ‘The Union’ towards its citizens” , arrived in Prague- the city of the hundred spires- early on Sunday morning. It was quiet and calm. We were very tired after the trip and only thought about a shower and a good sleep.

From the next day we didn’t have any free time. Our days were completely filled up. We had many discussions, meetings, workshops and trips. Our attention was attracted by the similarities and differences of the European participants - we all live on one continent , but we are so different. Everybody came to know the culture, traditions and cuisine of the other nationalities. Some were surprised, they didn’t even think that such things could exist.

The boys and girls from the six nationalities ( Bulgarian , Czech, Irish, Italian, Portuguese and Romanian) showed their special features and talents. The atmosphere was amazing. During these days we were divided into groups and in this way we got to know the others easily. We talked about each other, told stories, joked, had a lot of fun.

However, we also learned a lot about the European Union and human rights. We met members of the European parliament, representatives of Amnesty International and the European Institute. Now, we are more prepared and we know much more than we did before.

These days are very precious for us. We spent some time on the beach of Macha lake, visited the Terezin concentration camp, lost our breath watching the magnificent ballet “Carmen” – a fantasy of music, water, light, colours – extreme beauty! We were ushered in the magic of Prague. Charmed by its monuments and cathedrals, we were walked along the Vltava, thinking: “ Is this a reality or just a dream? “.

Nobody wanted to see the end of the project. But it came. With tears in everybody’s eyes we were saying goodbye. It was a moment that we won’t forget. We will miss all the participants, leaders and organizers!!!