Leoben in Autumn

The first project meeting of ACES took place between 28 and 31 October in Leoben. Twelve students from class 8. a and three teachers represented our school. On our way we stopped at Fürstenfeld and visited its old buildings, churches and main square. We were amazed by the high mountain peaks and long tunnels.

Nice families were waiting for us, who looked after our students with warm hearts during the stay. On the first day spent together we gave some presents to our Austrian colleagues and the partner class made by our students, then the children worked together and made pictures on what friendship means to them. We also gave our partner the pictures related to the first task of the project.

In the morning we got familiar with the history and economy of the town and its surroundings in the local museum. The mayor of Leoben welcomed our delegation and gave us a book as a present for the visit. Our group was invited for lunch by him, too. In the afternoon in a short sightseeing we visited the most interesting places of Leoben, and then we went to the new aquapark to have some fun.

Next day we could observe the natural beauties of the surroundings. First we could drink crystal clear water from a brook while climbing on the side of Hirn Alm, and then we went to Eisenerz to see its metallurgical memorials. In Eisenberg we travelled by a giant dump truck and from it we could see the signs of external mining. The step-like surface and the turquoise blue water of the mine lake in the deep were very amazing. Then we changed vehicle and travelled into the depth by a mining train where we saw a short film about the legend of the area, and got familiar with the devices and techniques of mining. We could try the tools and we could quarry iron ore. The last scenic spot was Leopoldsteinersee where we could see the mirror image of the surrounding peaks on the blue surface of the lake.

Last day the children took painful leave of their pals since these few days they made close friendships. We got the previously made pictures and posters as presents which are decorating our classroom now. On our way home we stopped at Graz the capital city of Styria. In the downtown we visited the building of the cathedral, the famous Glockenspiel and the Clock tower above the city. After a short shopping we travelled home. We are waiting for the next meeting where we can see our hosts again.