European Anthem Bulgarian Recording

Bulgaria Here we stand – we`re bound forever in this home of loving joy. Fire is burning more than ever showing us the way to go. Сърцата си ний да слеем, пълни с радост и любов. Гръмко песента да пеем, с нея да отправим зов.

France 2010 by Kristina

I can clearly remember the very first day on the airport in Sofia. It was filled with expectations and eagerness for all of it to start. We were all there – different people sharing the same enthusiastic smile and excitement.

We set foot in France in the morning. The time was flying while we were travelling from Lyon to Montelimar. We were looking outside the train’s window, admiring the nature’s beauty. When we arrived in Montelimar it was warm and sunny . It felt like everything around us was saying “Welcome”. The tiny narrow streets and the smiles on the sailors’ faces created a very pleasant first impression.

Later that day we arrived at the school where our hosts and their parents had been waiting for us. It was nice to see how smiled and welcoming they looked. My host was Fanchon and I can’t even begin to tell you how great I felt in her home. Her family was so warm to me and made me feel exactly like home. We, Bulgarians , are very warm-hearted and we always appreciate that in others.

The first official day of the programme we spent at the school “Lycee Marcel Gimond” .We were welcomed by the headmaster and the French teachers and after that we went for a tour around the school. We were especially impressed by the sport and technical base they had. After that all foreigners and their hosts were gathered together and were given the task to draw Europe the way they imagine it. I personally am not meant to become an artist and that gift has been taken from me entirely .I’m sure that if they organise a contest “The worst drawing” I can foretell who will be the winner. Otherwise it was a great task, because it allowed all of us to see how others imagine country. In the afternoon the same day we went for a walk in the woods. Despite the fact that we went there unprepared and physically unable to climb and walk that much, we saw great views and very beautiful houses. I know that if I won the lottery I would buy a house there. In the evening we went to the theatre in Privas. We saw a dance show and were especially impressed by the dancers. They were really good I’m telling you!

The second day we spent at the school again. We also went shopping in the afternoon and after that we entered the walls of an ancient castle in Aubenas. The rainy weather didn’t prevent us from enjoying our little trip. We came back to the school and it was time for our concert to begin. It’s a great experience to listen to different songs in so many various languages and see a piece of other countries’ culture. I can tell we were the only ones with traditional dresses. Given the fact that they were brightly red we definitely caught everyone’s attention. People from all the countries came to join our dance. It all felt like a metaphor to the entire project. We were all holding hands and dancing in the same rhythm , in that moment one’s nationality seemed the very least unimportant. It was definitely a moment to remember.

The next two days we travelled around the area. The weather wasn’t very good but it wasn’t enough to reflect our mood. We saw all kinds of interesting things but the one that stands in front of all is the cave we visited the last day. It was like entering a different world; you don’t see such beauty everyday.

We had to get up early in our last morning in France. It was so hard to open my eyes that morning. I was on the edge of turning to the other side of the bed and continue sleeping.

We arrived at the train station in Montelimar at 6.30 am. The whole group was there for one last time. We said “goodbye” smiling, hugging each other and hoping that we’ll remain friends despite the distances that separate us.

Later that evening we got on the plane for home. Surprisingly the flight seemed shorter this time, maybe because we had so mush to think about, so many memories to come back to. Finally we reached our last destination-very tired and exhausted yet full with great memories and eagerness to tell you all about it.