An orange rolling ... with e-twinning

Once upon a time there lived a cheerful old woman in a small cosy house in the middle of the grove. Every year, just before Christmas she used to bake traditional Christmas biscuits, pies and cakes. As she was very warm-hearted, she liked sharing her home-made pastries with her neighbours.

One stormy and snowy winter evening Granny was getting ready to bake gingerbread biscuits for Christmas Eve. She put some flour, sugar, butter, a few eggs and ginger powder on the kitchen table. Suddenly she noticed that the only thing she forgot was an orange. Granny remembered she had one orange left in the fridge. The old woman started making biscuits. When she wanted to grate the orange peel, she heard a scream.

“Granny! No! Please, stop!”

The woman gasped in amazement, “Who is it? Orange? Is that you? Unbelievable! Oranges can’t talk…”

“Please let me go. I have a dream to travel around Europe. If you fulfil my wish, I promise I will make your three wishes come true.”

“Hmm… Let me think… OK, these are my three wishes. First, find out the capitals of the countries you visit. Second, talk to local people and ask them how they greet each other in their native language. Third, bring a souvenir from each country.

The orange said good-bye to Granny and started his journey around Europe.

However, granny thought how she would satisfy of her little friend wishes to see Europe‌ She heard that a freighter was dock at the port and perhaps would take a long trip using and the opportunity is the best.

This would be without doubt a great adventure once this ship would stay at several ports in Europe. For a few months, she sailed through rough seas, calm seas, stormy days and days of prosperity. She saw what seemed like many magnificent ports but still felt those are not where she wanted to stay for a while. After months of travelling, and one day in particular she sighted land, far away but it seemed a breathtaking view, a stunning green. A golden sunset, the blue sea and seagulls whirling made her realize that this was the first stop on her long journey. Nothing in that landscape made her remember her land where she was born and raised. February was approaching almost running, it was winter, she could feel, because people who passed by were much bundled up and realized that the days forthcoming would snow on the highest peaks of the island. - Island? - She questioned herself. Could only be Madeira, good! - She thought. She had heard much of this island and wanted to know it was there and now, in Portuguese territory. Once at the island she realized that the winter days are not as stringent as in her own country, Lithuania. The sun always lurking between the different shades of green that fed the mountain. All houses, gardens and mountains are colorful. For some days she walked along the Island, a beautiful island where the memories acquires a great aura of secrecy . How fair is ocher tones that flood the horizon , the smell of rain would soon but she will never forget .

On the highest peaks of the mountains and ignoring the thin fog she heard the wind blow through the trees. Enjoyed walking along the tracks and “Levadas” hearing the gorgeous birds singing. How beautiful the forest was! However, the city came alive in the morning. This was a morning routine. Then she spotted a man who smiled with his eyes, large and liquid eyes like pieces of the sea. He told her not to fear him and in a few words, he told her that the city adorned with blossoming trees and flowery with many rare species gave the name of Funchal and it was the Island capital. Therefore, every morning she came to the man who taught her some of his wisdom taught very basic words in the native language. And she learned to say " Hello " – “Bom Dia”, "

How are you ?” – “Como estás?” … She saw children playing outdoors, own children's games. Playing the top, rope, singing joyful songs and wheel dances. Now it was time to leave and carry so many stories to tell in her baggage, stories of joyful people, and a growing red sun that always immerge in a undulated

sheet of mountains or tides filling the dark. That´s the way that island will be forever in her memory, a true source of life. She opened the bag for the last time before leaving. She look at the gifts granny had asked her as a souvenir : A plant called " fennel ", the same that had named the “Funchal” city and that would certainly give much flavor for delicate and delicious sweets that granny could do so well , a notebook full of new words in a foreigner language and many photos of landscapes as well. With an everlasting smile, she breathed new smells that morning and prepared for the next adventure of the unknown...

The ship, that had stopped for many days in the port of Funchal, was ready to leave. So the orange rolled towards the port and left again, well resolute to discover new lands. The journey was very long, the sea seemed to became smaller because the ship had arrived to the Straits of Gibraltar, the entrance for the Mediterranean Sea, the sea where many ancient and flourishing civilization developed.They were the first days of March, rainy days and windy days alternated to others, warmer and sunny.

After much sailing, one day, our friend was surprised by a well-known smell: the scent of citrus. So she looked out and… she didn’t believe in what she was seeing! The ship was reaching a beautiful flat land where there were many orange trees, all kinds of orange trees. Someone, a Lithuanian sailor, explained her that that land was a big island called Sicily and that the ship had to charge tons of oranges to deliver them through Europe. He added that this island was situated in Italy, a peninsula with the unusual shape of a boot, and that its capital, situated just in the middle, was Rome, a very ancient city, rich of history.Τhe orange decided that she had to find the way to go and visit Rome, to keep the promise made to her granny.

Fortunately, an enormous van would have carried the oranges to deliver them along the peninsula, so she gained from this and left with her Italian “collegues” . First they passed through the Straits of Messina by train and then, through the Plain of Sibari, the Plain of Campania where she saw a very tall mountain. The other oranges explained her that it was a dormant volcano called Vesuvio, situated in the city of Naples and that it was sleeping now, after many violent eruptions. The journey went on and, after a couple of hours, here she arrived to Rome! She got down off the van and said goodbye to her new friends.

She felt perplexed and lost because of the stomachache after many long of journey in the motorway. Soon she recognized a group of

also hours tour-

ists and from their way of speaking, she realized that they were from Lithuania. So she reached the center of Rome with them while her eyes took photos of monuments that she had never seen before: the dome of Saint Peter, in Vaticano Square, crowded with people waiting to see Pope Francesco I, the enormous Piazza del Popolo with the obelisk in the middle, the ruins of the Circus Maximus from which she walked towards the Coliseum where some men dressed up as centurions, took pictures together the tourist. Finally they arrived to Piazza di Spagna, where she was surprised by the smell of the colourful flowers that decorate the stairs of Trinità dei Monti.

She felt very tired and she realized that she was also hungry. So she separated from the group and went into the true heart of Rome, in Trastevere, the famous quarter situated on the river Tiber. A restaurant recalled her attention. In front of the door there was a waiter with his black uniform and white shirt. The orange asked him the important questions for which she was here. The waiter greeted her saying “CIAO” and she understood that it was the italian word for “HELLO”. Then the waiter asked “COME STAI?”, the Italian words for “HOW ARE YOU?” . With much care, the orange wrote the Italian words on her notebook and then she tasted the “pizza Margherita”, the most common pizza in Italy. She liked it so much that asked the recipe: it could be the first souvenir for granny!

So she greeted the waiter and went into a small shop where many Italian products were sold. She bought a packet of spaghetti and a bottle of Italian tomato sauce. She put all the things in her bag and realized that the moment of leaving Italy had arrived. A small tear dropped from her eyes: she would have saved the memories of beautiful landscapes, ancient monuments…

The ship she chose this time was a cruise ship. The place which the ship approached had islands, lace beaches, bays, mountains and seaside cities. After sailing for 3 days the ship reached the land. A castle on the top of a hill and a fortress on the sea were protecting the city, which had colourful houses built on the bottom of the mountain. It was a picturesque landscape.

Going down on the port, the orange saw a blue train and she got on it to tour the sights. Ah! What a surprise! On a seat she saw an orange like her. She went near it and introduced herself as Aushrine. And the other orange said to her that he was Loulis Portokaloulis and that he was willing to be her tour guide to the city and his country. He told her that she was in Greece. Nafplio, the city was built in the Enetian time but most of the buildings were neoclassic of the 19 th century. It is a picturesque city with narrow streets and blossomed balconies and that is the reason why a lot of tourists visit it every year. After their walk they stopped at the Post Office to send a card to Granny and her friends.

Loulis was willing to travel with she all over Greece. Out of the Post Office they found a lorry and jumped in. First stop in neighbouring Argos, the most ancient continuously inhabited city of Europe. Then they went to Epidaurus with the best open theatre with the unique acoustic. In the summer here, ancient plays are played. The tour in the fields which were full of orange trees led them to Mycenae of Agamemnon. The orange trees were blossomed so there was a sweet fragrant in the air. She said that in her country there weren’t orange trees, but forests with tall deciduous trees. It has cold winter and quite a lot of snow.

The lorry kept going to Olympia so the two oranges continued their trip. In Olympia the Olympic Games were born and kept taking place for 10 centuries.

Loulis told her that t h e y

they were about to cross Rio-Antirio Bridge and then would go to Delfi to learn which will be theirs next destination. Delfi was in ancient time a holy place where a priestess gave prophecy. Both little oranges were sure that they heard through the stones a faraway voice saying “The next destination is the place where Aphrodite was born”. In a nearby mountainous village they stopped to eat.

She tasted fasolada (bean soup) with feta cheese,

olive oil, oregano and smoked herring. The desserts that followed were delicious: galaktoboureko and halvas with honey. They ate too much.

She already knew herring and said that their traditional food was cepelinai .

By chatting and rolling they reached Athens, the capital of Greece.

The Lithuanian capital is Vilnius as Loulis found out.

Loulis took her straight to Acropolis Museum, Athens ornament. It is opposite the Parthenon the famous ancient temple of the 5 th century B.C. which houses wonderful antiquities of the classic civilization. She was excited with all these and especially with the bright warm sun but she had to continue her travel. Loulis recited a small part of the known poem Ithaca of the famous Kavafis

poem:

“As

you

set

out

for

Ithaka/

hope the voyage is a long one/ full of adventure, full of discovery”. After that Loulis took her to Piraeus port because the place where Aphrodite was born was an island and he said that he would accompany her because he wanted to show her a splendid place before they were apart. Greece sea, Aegean Sea, is full of little island, some of them with people and some without. Each of them gives its own gifts.

The ship had a stop at Santorini Island. That island was formed when a volcano, many centuries ago, was erupted. On the edge of the top of the crater little white houses were built. Loulis and she stood on a pavement, side to side, with other tourists too to enjoy the most beautiful sunset. She would never forget that special moment as she didn’t forget the little bottle with ouzo from Lesvos Island and the small box with Chios mastic, too.

The next ship had Cyprus as its destination. …

"Let me come with you” Aushrine begged Lοulis. We speak the same language as Cypriots and thus will help in translation. Let me know you and my cousin, Lakis. It is the coolest orange! Αushrine agreed to travel together. Boarded the cruise ship and left behind the beautiful Greece, to travel to a beautiful island. The island of Aphrodite. The sea was blue and the sun made them company and made the trip magical! After two days , approached the port of Limassol. There, they impressed by the bright sun and the blue sea.

They take a tour bus for sightseeing. The guide informs them that the town of Limassol is situated between two ancient kingdoms, Amathus to the east and Kourion to the west, two of the most spectacular sights. Several other benchmarks are also scattered in Limassol.

Their first stop was the Municipal market town , bustling with life . Lulis had a secret hope that there would meet his beloved cousin.

They started rolling and passing from various sellers. Fresh fruit smelled wonderful this season, especially oranges. There, next to a bench with oranges, Lοulis meets his beloved cousin, Lakis. The joy is indescribable and knows him immediately to his friend. Kalosorisate, tells them. So our friends became three, and decided to turn along the entire island !

The three friends went back to the tour bus and visit the medieval castle of Kollosi and the Greek - Roman theater of Kourion . After their visit to the archaeological sites, they continued their journey to neighboring wine villages. In one of them had the opportunity to try commandaria, an ancient wine, known throughout Europe for its sweet taste . Lakis gave the two friends a bottle, as a souvenir. Aushrine thought that granny would love commandaria. Passed through vineyards and villages they came in Troodos, the tallest mountain in Cyprus. There, chose one of the many nature paths ... and rolled with pleasure! How wonderful was the nature there! The fresh air and the cool pines and cedars make them hungry.

But it was not even lunch time. After much rolling , reached the end of the path . What a surprise ! A beautiful natural waterfall ! The cascade of Kallidonia. It was time of their return.

They returned again in Limassol. They spent the night there. Limassol is considered the city of entertainment and fun. The next morning, at the port a different ship was waiting for them, smaller than the previous one. A boat with glass bottom! They were able to see the clean bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. The ship set sail and three friends stand on the bow of excited, with the hot sun burns their skin and the saltiness of the sea to cool them. They was travelling till they reached Aphrodite's Rock (“Petra tou Romiou”). A huge rock in the sea. The legend says that there threw him a brave man, Dighenis Akritas. Tradition wants the goddess Aphrodite being born there. They continue their journey to the small but beautiful town of Paphos. Ancient temples, tombs carved into cliffs, Roman villas with elaborate floor mosaics are scattered throughout the region. Time to eat. In the beautiful picturesque harbor of Paphos, next to the sea and the imposing medieval castle they had lunch in a tavern. They enjoyed fresh fish, squid and shrimps. They drunk cyprus wine and eat ice cream.

Yum, yum ... Summer arrives! The three friends left behind the city of Paphos and guided the shuttle boat to the Akamas peninsula. For Akamas , the orange from Cyprus, Lakis, had many and important information to give them: The Akamas peninsula told them that is an area of outstanding natural beauty, immune from the effects of development. The diversity of flora and fauna that exists in this relatively small area, it is really impressive. Akamas, growing rare native plants, such as the kentafreia Akamantis, and live or use when traveling foxes, snakes and other reptiles and many species of migratory birds. This strongly characterized this region are the beaches. Akamas is the last great coastal area in Cyprus that has remained pristine and one of the very few and important areas in the Mediterranean, where live nesting sea turtles. Before you run out of words Lakis, the three friends had the chance to see a huge green turtle swims to the bottom. Aushrine said that in Lithuania there are enough deer. Lakis said that in Cyprus there were deer, but had the opportunity to meet a native animal of Cyprus, the Cypriot mouflon. Be! A flock of dolphins! Cried with enthusiasm orange from Lithuania. At that moment, a dolphin approached them and

The dolphin carries them on his back and tells a wonderful fable for Arion and the dolphin.

Through clear and calm waters of the Mediterranean could see dozens of species of fish , while glowing white gulls accompany them on their journey . The dolphin reaches the coast and Lakis notify them how they αccompany them on their journey . The dolphin reaches the coast and Lakis notify them how they got into shape.

A wonderful aroma of citrus blossoms pours into the air . Lakis informs them that Morphou was famous for growing oranges and that previously here was the celebration of orange, a festival that held an entire week ! Keeping their noses this lovely fragrance, continued with the dolphin-ship in Kyrenia, the smallest town in Cyprus .

Soon, they arrived in Kyrenia. They struck the small and picturesque harbor. Another castle stands majestic and proud, protecting the city. In port-encounter an old fisherman who puts fresh fish from the networks. The fisherman guides them to the harbor and the town's castle.

The castle hosts an ancient ship, the Kyrenia ship. The fisherman explained that sank and was recovered after years from the seabed. The old - Fisherman promises them to get the boat to the next station. Ammoxostos (Famagusta). After some time, they arrived in Famagusta. The fisherman explained that the city named like that, because it is a city hidden in the sand. The city was sadly deserted and abandoned. The three friends said goodbye and thanked the fisherman, having had to go to Nicosia, the island's capital.

The three friends arrived in Nicosia, climbing hidden in a truck carrying oranges in Nicosia. Lakis told them a few words about the capital of Cyprus, enjoying the role of tour guide. The historic center of Nicosia is now within the large medieval walls built by the Venetians. These walls are a hallmark of the city, with bastions and gates be utilized to house the city's important buildings such as the Town Hall. The northern part of the city is still under occupation, so Nicosia is the only remaining divided capital in the world . The Cyprus Archaeological Museum in Nicosia is the biggest archaeological museum in the country. Is the museum with the richest and largest collection of Cypriot antiquities in the world . The collection consists exclusively of objects discovered on the island. The Old City is of great interest from tourist point of view as it includes a number of museums that describe the history of the ancient city of Ledra today. Even here the visitor can admire the architecture of the Byzantine churches and enjoy a coffee or a meal in one of the well- cafés and restaurants. The Laiki Gitonia considered the most beautiful part of the Old Town and the small streets that are full of shops , cafes and restaurants attract hundreds of tourists daily .

Whew! You made usdfd Lakis, told with a mouth the other two friends. Come treat you told them. Fans sat in a tavern in the “Land after Lakis wished them "Bon appetit“ (Kali orexi), ate grilled halloumi, sieftalies and koupepia. For dessert, they ate yummy fingers (dahtila) and pourekia. Having had enough with the traditional foods of Cyprus, began to roll to digest. Dragged on for some time until they reached the village of Laki, the Ergates.

Lakis led Elementary School of Ergates, to know the children. Their children were welcomed at their school. They dealt with a project, on oranges. As Easter approached, baked traditional children flaounes and painted red eggs. The children said goodbye to three friends.

Wished them a "Happy Easter" and "Bon voyage", putting them in a school bus that would take them to the airport of Larnaca. The school bus led them to their last station, the city of Zeno - Larnaca. Oranges made their last walk on the beach Foinikoude and visited the salt lake of Larnaca. Lakis told them every year visited by thousands of flamingos.

The three friends now have to say goodbye and felt sad. Aushrine had to leave for Istanbul, while Lakis would spend Easter with his cousin Loulis . Aushrine felt sad saying goodbye to her friends, but she carried through the beautiful images, smells and memories of a beautiful island. She carried even souvenirs for her grandmother, a bottle of commandaria, soutzouko from traditional wine villages and the beautiful embroidery of Lefkara village. Soon they arrived at the airport. "Bon voyage " (Kalo taxidi) wished το her friends while she went into the plane .

Sto kalo, they said back to her.

Aushrine came to Atatürk Airport in Istanbul. Orange Elif was waiting to her friend. They met in airport .Everyone was happy for meeting. They went to hotel and they rested..İn the morning , Aushrine and Elif met in the breakfast. Elif told to her friend: ‘’Istanbul is a city of unparalleled historical and cultural richness that is as fascinating and historical as it is dynamic and modern. Serving as the capital of three mighty empires and set squarely between two continents, Istanbul has cultures and traditions that blend East with West and Mediterranean with Anatolian. Each civilization that has made its home in Istanbul has left its mark in some way, and the result we see today is a city that could only have come about after thousands of years of diverse cultures each adding a little something. With one foot in Europe and another in Asia, and a vibrant atmosphere rooted in history while facing toward the future, Istanbul is truly as much a crossroads of ideas and cultures today as ever. Come see it for yourself! Add your footsteps to those of the millions who have walked along the Bosphorus for millennia and sampled all that Istanbul has to offer”. When they finished their breakfast ,they decided to visit historical places in Istanbul.Firstly, Aushrine and Elif will go to the Hagia Sophia.Elif tell :“Hagia (Saint) Sophia; This magnificient architecture was built by Constantine the Great and considered as the masterpiece of Byzantine art. Its first construction dates back to the end of the 4th century. Considered as “The Eight Wonder of the World”, this brilliant historical site is a must see in Istanbul’’ she said.

Then they went to Topkapı Palace.It has a big green area. There are a lots of old tree. Two friends were fascinated from there. Τhe guide told them: “Topkapi Palace is another must see in Istanbul. This palace was the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans and it is the most extensive and fascinating monument of Turkish civil architecture in existence. It also houses extraordinary collections of porcelain, armor, fabrics, jewelery, miniatures, calligraphy and many other precious objects that once belonged to the sultans and their court”.

They were hungry and went to the Sultanahmet Restaurant. They ate special food “Turkish Köfte’’..Yummy yummy….They drank Turkish Coffee..They rested in restau-

rant.They continued their visiting and went to the Blue Mosque. Elif said: “Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, was built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. It is almost the symbol of Istanbul. The blue and white of more than 20.000 İznik tiles are in a perfect harmony with golden manuscripts of Koran and the red of the carpets’’ . They left Blue Mosque and went underground to the Basillica Cistern; It is one the most breathtaking historical sites in Istanbul. Here one discovers the grandiose nature of the past while touring through Istanbul’s largest and most magnificent underground Cistern. It was built by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century to supply water to the near by palace complex. The cistern has 336 decorated columns. Two spectacular Medusa head carvings were discovered during the restoration works.

Shopping time! They went to the old shopping place. They bought a lot of gifts. Grand Bazaar has 4400 shops. It is the oldest covered shopping area in the world! One will explore the mysterious atmosphere and numberless side streets with gold and diamond shops, leather and textile shops as well as beautiful handcrafts of Turkey. To the Spice Market is opportunity to shop and smell the finest herbs and Turkish delicates! Spice Market is one of Istanbul’s most exciting and colorful bazaars with its cosy atmosphere offering the mystery of Oriental cuisine rough extraordinary spices and herbs in thousands of sacks.

A bit of time in the sea! They went to the Bosporus side. They were tired .Elif told ‘’ Sultan Kayıks, Sail and relax with joy like the Sultans did! During the Ottoman Empire, the Sultans’ favorite personal pleasure was to sail on the Bosphorus with a special wooden boat called “Kayık”. These boats had a gondola-like design, made from special kind of wood, interiors covered in velvet with silk cushions, rowed by trained oarsmen. Now, these “kayıks” are back are used for special tours. Guests can have drinks and music on board.

Capacity is 30 pax per boat’’she said.

They went to the Islands by Sultan Kayıks.Sultan Kayık’s captan told about Island. Princess Islands Tours , Consisting of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, the Princes' Islands are just a short ferry ride from Istanbul, yet has a very different feel than the city. These peaceful and relaxed islands are great to have fish, walk around, ride with horse carriages and see the colorful historical places such as churches and old mansions and the visitor can enjoy the beautiful view of the Marmara Sea and Istanbul from a distance. At the Heybeli Islands, they ate fish for dinner.The dinner was good, fishes was delicious.They were happy….

Aushrine and Elif left from Island and they came to their hotel…It was a good day. They had very good memories. They will be preparing for Aushrine departure.

It was just after lunch. Aushrine and Elif decided to have some rest in the park.

“Oh, I’ve already seen so many countries. But to tell truth, I’m a bit tired. I wonder how my Granny is.

I haven’t seen her from December that means January, February, March, April… For 4 months!!! I miss her so much!”,- Aushrine thought to herself. It was very calm and peaceful. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and there were a lot of beautiful flowers around, but Aushrine felt miserable.

She looked at the sky. Even the shape of the clouds reminded a small house the Granny lived in. Suddenly, she noticed a huge bird. She couldn’t believe her eyes! A stork! A big, nice stork was making circles around the park.

-Elif, look! A stork!

-Yes, and what? - he didn’t understand his friend’s excitement.

-It’s a national bird of Lithuania. As you know winters are cold in Lithuania, so birds spend winters in hot countries and go back to Lithuania in springs. But this one is very late. Usually they return in March.

-Hello! Labas! How are you? Kaip tau sekasi?, - Aushrine started to scream.

Luckily

the bird heard her, looked down and landed.

-Hi! How come you greeted me in Lithuanian? - he wondered.

-Oh, just because I’m from Lithuania.

-Oranges can’t be from my country! - said surprised Stork.

-Yes, I wasn’t born there, but now it’s my home.

-Oh, I see.

-I’m travelling around Europe. I’m Aushrine and this is my friend Elif. But what about you? Why are you so late?

On the way back, I was injured. But I’m ok now and have to rush back as soon as possible.

-Home… Sweet home. I miss it so much!

-Why don’t you go back with me? I could bring you on my back.

-You could?! Oh, my dear, my dearest Stork! I would be so grateful, Aushrine screamed excitedly.

-Fine, my friend, I hope you understand me. It’s sad to say goodbye, but you know “East or West, home is best”. Thank you for your hospitality.

-I understand you well. It was nice to meet you and to show you around my country. Have a safe trip back!

So Aushrine took her small luggage full of souvenirs and photos from her trip and jumped on the stork’s back.

-Take care, Elif! Please, visit my country some time.

It took them some weeks to get back to Lithuania. At last they saw the Tower of Gediminas.

-Look, look, Vilnius! We’re back! What a relief! Stork was so kind that he took his little friend to the Granny’s cottage. They looked through the window and saw Granny getting ready to make some pie.

It’s already 4 months since Aushrine left the house. I wonder how she is, - they heard her speaking to herself.

-Granny, Granny, I’m here! Aushrine rushed into the house. They fell into each others lap.

-Oh, Granny, I want to introduce my friend Stork. He was very kind to bring me back.

-Nice to meet you! Be my guest. I guess you both are very tired. Please, take a seat and I’ll make you something to eat.

-No, no my dearest Granny, it’s my turn to cook. I brought you some nice treats from my trip.

You and Stork can take a nap, said Aushrine.

- I’m sure they will!-assured Aushrine.

After a while a table was full of wonderful dishes - spaghetti with wonderful tomato sauce, brought from Italy, a mouthwatering pie made using fennel from Portugal, a box of mastic from Greece, colorful Turkish delights, Koupepia (grape leaves stuffed with minced meat), made by recipe, brought from Cyprus. Of course Granny couldn’t help treating them with some Lithuanian meals, such as cottage cheese with honey and a traditional cake “Shakotis”.

When they were full enough, Aushrine took her photo album and started to tell her impressions of the trip. So first I went to Portugal. “Bon Dia! Como estas, Lisbon? How are you Natasha? I will always remember your country’s hospitable people and aquamarine sea in Madeira.

Next I visited Italy. “Ciao! Come stai, Rome? Mmmm…I can still feel a wonderful taste of pizza Margharita. Your magnificent churches are still in my mind’s eye.

The third country on my trip was Greece. Geia sou! Ti kanete, Athenes? My dear friend Loulis Portokaloulis, I hope you are safe and sound. Of course I will never forget the ancient sights of Acropolis. I’m going to organize a Sirtaki dance party for my Lithuanian friends.

Later I visited Cyprus. Kaleespeerah! Tee Kahnis, Nicosia? A nature tour in Kalidonia was so exciting.

The last, but not the least country was Turkey. Merhaba! Nasilsin, Ankara? I miss you, my friend Elif.

-Topkapi Palace seems very elaborate, said Granny.

-It really is, Aushrine agreed.

It was already late evening when they finally waved farewell to Stork as he was very excited to get back to his old nest.

-I can see that you had really great experience, said Granny. I am already old and cannot travel to such remote countries, but I visited them through your eyes. Thank you very much! I see that I didn’t make a mistake letting you out. I do hope that your new friends will visit Lithuania some day.

5th Primary School of Greece Nafplio/Greece Once upon a time in a beautiful garden there was an orange tree. Every time its owner wanted to cut off an orange he used to say:”Orange tree, my orange tree become short so that I can cut off an orange”. When he cut off as many oranges as he wanted he told it again: “Orange tree, my orange tree become tall up to the sky so that no one can reach you”. The orange tree did as its owner told it. This happened every time he went to cut off oranges.

An orange was more playful than the others and more curious. It saw a lot of things from up there in the tall orange tree and wanted to learn about all the things behind the fence. During the nights it was dreaming about wonderful places where strange things happened. It did not want to be eaten.

One winter day the orange tree had become very tall. Then out of a sudden strong wind blew and the orange mature now, was cut off the little branch and fell on the pavement. :”Fhew, luckily I did not fall in street. The cars would make me marmalade”. It thought and started rolling on the pavement.

He reached the end of the road where there was a playground and some children were playing when they saw the orange they felt excited and started kicking it as they had lost their football “I wish I was a ball so that I don’t feel pain” said the orange and turned into a football. Then it rolled till the place the real football was, the children found their ball and the orange became as it really was again and kept going thoughtful. How did it manage that? He tried to repeat it. It wished to become a man but nothing happened. The bad weather of the previous day had caused a lot of damage. A lot of people’s were upset and cars were stopped in the middle of the road ahead. It rolled through their legs and it saw a ruined bridge ready to drop anyone who would dare cross it. “If I was flexible I could become a road so that me and the cars can go to the other side”. With this thought, it started stretching and crossing to the other

side, covering the bridge waiting for the cars to cross.

When all the cars crossed over the orange it took its original shape again and continued its trip.

The shiny orange was rolling in the wide roads of the city. One hand grabbed it and threw it in a big carton box. There it met a lot of shiny fresh fruit of all kinds. They seemed unhappy so after introducing himself to theirs other he told them: “I can see that you aren’t very fresh. What’s wrong?” “We are sad because we won’t be alive in a few minutes” answered a red apple. “Why? Where are we going?” he asked them. “They are taking us to greengrocers to sell us to people” responded a fragrant banana.

He was so upset with what he heard that he cried out and started murmuring: “This cannot be happening. At least not to me!” Suddenly the man who carried them tripped up and the fruits almost fell on the road. But the orange jumped out. Then the man loaded the carton box on a lorry. Without wasting time the orange thought something else it was going to cause a flat tire to the lorry which was enormous with a pointed branch and in this way his friends would be free, so it did! The lorry stopped abruptly and the fruit found the chance to escape. They were grateful to the orange which had saved them and promised that they would be friends forever and that they would help each other.

The road led him to a thick dark, silent forest. It was walking for a long time. He stopped to rest in a puddle. It noticed that from a point of the forest there was coming light and decided to go there. An owl was sitting on a branch beside a crystal hidden in a strange cage, that captured most of the crystal light. It looked at it with curiosity “It is a pity that the forest is not lit by this light’. “This is the diamond that keeps the forest alive, but it has been imprisoned in this cage for many years. It has started loosing its power, that’s why the forest is dark and the trees are dull. If someone lets it free the forest will have its unique beauty back again and that man will acquire my wisdom ,because the diamond is mine’ said the owl.’ ‘Who are you? How do you know all these?” “I am Wisdom the owl. The diamond is mine, but my wicked cousin Pollution imprisoned us because she does not want anything bright ,clean and beautiful”. “- Good, let’s open the cage’ said the orange decisively. “It’s not so easy. Many have come to free the diamond of life and wisdom but they left disappointed. You, an orange, how do you think you will succeed?” “- I am Loulis Portokaloulis and I don’t care about exchanges. It’s a pity for such a beautiful forest to disappear. I only want the diamond to light again and you to take care of it’. ‘This keyhole is very strange. I would like to be that strange key to open the cage, it said and turned into a very strange key that was perfect for the tiny hole of the diamond’s prison. The forest was full of colours again and life woke up. The leaves made sounds, the birds flew, the nightingales sang, the river babbled and the owl thanked Loulis and informed him that he won the gift of wise decisions because he had used his heart to think.

He left the forest behind and straight ahead there was the port of the city. Out of curiosity it rolled down to see the water and without noticing it got in deep waters. It started swimming quickly so as not to be drown. Many fish started coming around it and asking what kind of fish it is and has such a shiny skin. He told them that it was a fruit, an orange, his name was Loulis Portokaloulis and it was nutritious because of the vitamin C. Then the fish thought that the orange had to be very tasty so they fell on it to eat it. But luckily at that moment a ship appeared. Without wasting time it got on the anchor chain and started going up until it reached in sweat the deck. It went down to the engine room so as not to be seen. But it was hot and it felt that it would melt like an ice cream. So it came back on the deck for some air. A sailor saw it, desired it and bent to take it. The orange understood the sailor’s intentions and felt trapped. He begged God “Oh, my God, make me a bird to fly away and be saved”. It turned into a beautiful seagull and flew to the closest land. He arrived in Orangegal.

No! No it was wrong. It arrived in Portugal. It fell in the backyard of a lovely old lady. The old lady admired it for its vivid colour so she took it and put it on the Christmas tree as an ornament because it was bright and she didn’t want to eat it. The orange liked his new tree because around it there were many ornaments, lights and ribbons and it knew that noone would eat it. On Christmas night when all the people were sleeping Santa Claus came to leave his presents. Then he saw the orange on and the tree he took it to eat it later. That night Loulis Portokaloulis saw the entire world from Santa Claus pocket. His dream had come true. He saw unbelievable places in just one night, learned more things than those he had desired. He would like to stay with Santa Claus fresh and juicy for ever, but when Santa Claus took it in his hand, the orange asked him to let him go back to his garden, to help people as Santa did. And so it was.

With its gifts, the wisdom from his experience with travelling and the long –lasting life Santa gave him, he could grant all the wishes of the people who were in need and he would be very happy because he would himself give happiness, too.

E M

EB1/PE da Lombada Ponta do Sol Madeira - Portugal

It was a lonely tree ‌ What many people do not known yet was that alone tree there, the world has almost forgot that it was a beautiful orange tree.

If she had grown up in the midst of others, an orchard, a grove, a forest, a park, a garden or just a simple backyard of a home may not call attention. However, there alone, or shrubs, or herbs, or flowers had to talk to. Large pantry, high stem, offering a huge shadow but no one took advantage of this.

From time to time, some birds resting in the branches when they came weary from his travels. Yes, landed on that lonely tree and tell her where they came from, what they had seen, they brought news of distant worlds. Oh, how she felt so lonely and would like to run the world!

Then she decides that it was important to know first the Island where she lives.

However, one day, a courageous orange decided to say goodbye to her companions and see what the outside world, because in that place there is no one to talk, she does not learn anything.

The first days held astonishment for her: that December morning enjoyed august warmth. The “jacarandas� announced spring against a blue sky, covered with low and autumnal clouds by sunset. A glacial snap touched her face at night.

EB1/PE da Lombada – Ponta do Sol Madeira - Portugal

What a beautiful view.

The island involves time. The Island claims time within: it was born of the earth´s fire, of the meeting of the volcano´s lava and the sea´s wave. In the north of the island she reached everywhere using narrow and long roads above the abyss and among the land´s canals breathing inside the mountain. Most of the names of the streets match with realism, for example: “Garajau Street”. It´s a name of a native bird.

How beautiful! And she saw the leisureliness of the birds and many sailors and ships all over the docks.

She arrived at Ponta do Sol! In the square, there is a giant sign: “Sun´s Square”.

Among calm restlessness, in the meanwhile, the sun had left a flaming tone in every place he touches. Many shadows combine with night´s light that had in the meantime arrived.

At the capital city named by Funchal, the island is a mixture of sounds, of the shades, of the waves, of light from the houses, the light of every late star.

The island is the place where time and seasons change places. The island is the place of dreams, the mixture of all with senses that made a symphony. There´s so much to see.

Take a nice trip and let´s enjoy it!

Ergaton School Ergates– Cyprus Once upon a time many beautiful olive trees lived in an olive grove. They had been there for several decades, happy and proud that offered fruit and oil on humans.

One evening, in the grove a strange noise interrupted the sleep of a young olive tree. What was that in the middle of the night garden? Olive tree saw a black silhouette moving strangely. But because the remaining olive trees slept she decided to inform the others in the morning, about everything she had seen and heard.

At the crack of dawn, olive trees opened their eyes and what did they see? A small evergreen tree sprang in the middle of the grove!

- What are you doing here? How did you come here in an olive grove? Perplexed olives.

- I ... was planted by the owner of the orchard, the tree replied hesitantly.

-What kind of tree are you?

- I'm an orange tree. I belong to the family of citrus. Blooms in spring and winter give me the juicy fruit. With my golden fruit, oranges, people can make fresh juice, full of vitamins. They also make delicious meals and desserts. I am from a good family of oranges. My relatives are lemon and mandarin trees and my girlfriend is a sunbeam crazy up there in the sky - Mmm, all these are nothing in front of our goods tiny little portokalitsa replied sarcastically the jealous olive tree.

- Our sister’s right, completed Psilomyta. We are the most useful trees. Listen to us to learn what we offer to people for centuries: - We are green all year.

We give food to people. The tasty fruit, our olives from antiquity until today.

- We offer valuable and healthy olive oil, a key element of the Mediterranean diet.

- We relish with this food and sweets.

- Beneath our thick shade, many people find their rest.

- You know that, little orange tree, with our branches we have crowned glorious Olympians?

-And how beneath our shade prayed Christ himself?

- Said the olive trees, greening more because of their anger, and went to bed, without saying goodnight to the orange tree. From their jealousy, they even forgot to brush their teeth!

Throughout the night they did not sleep at all. The only thought of them was that the orange tree had no place beside them and she absolutely had to weep! A wonderful idea crossed their mind: Once dawn would call council, in order to devise a plan of extermination of the small orange.

The hours passed slowly that night ... but finally dawned. The sun sent his daughters to earth. The smallest of the sunbeams was to the grove. But something strange happened. The sunbeam sent such a bright light in a smallish orange, so it matured once and fell to earth. It then began to roll slowly to the entire orchard. Rolling and rolling, until it stopped at the root of an old olive tree! The sunbeam then threw glitter in orange and olive geriatric transferred to the branches of the orange in another orchard. In that orchard appeared a wild skylodrakos (dog-dragon), who was very hungry.

Then skylodrakos got the orange instantly. He clenched his two legs and was ready to make the orange a gulp.

The poor orange, begged skylodrakos to pity and not to eat it. The orange told him about the orange tree and all the problems she had. The skylodrakos, moved and decided to help the Orange and his mother, orange tree. Then skylodrakos got on his back the orange and flew together for the sun When they arrived in the sun, they narrated the whole story. They told him about olive trees and what they had in their minds about the poor orange tree. Soon the sun was angry because he liked the olive trees very much, so the next morning he did not drop his rays to the olive grove Then the olives got sick. The orange tree, not keeping them harm, she pitied them and nursed with her juicy juice. She took care of them with all her love, until they felt better.

When they became completely well, they realized their mistake and regret for their wickedness and bad behavior, thanking the orange tree for everything she did for them.

The olive trees began to wonder what had happened to them and suddenly became jealous and bad. Not recognizing themselves they could not explain their behavior. On the night they went to sleep. While sleeping, the moon whispered to the orange that the spell of a wicked witch made the olive trees jealous and turned them against it.

Then the orange tree thought she had something to do. She had to warn her friends.

She then find the sunshine, moon and skylodrakos with the small orange and told them about the mishap of olive trees from the evil witch.

The orange and her friends thought to make revolution to punish and scare away the evil witch. They have asked moon for help, which brought with him the stars and planets. The sun asked for help his daughters, the sunbeams. But the skylodrakos had nothing to do to help the orange tree. At the same moment, the orange tree thought how skylodrakos could help her. Begged skylodrakos flying away and bring his cousins, the lemon and mandarin trees.

The skylodrakos, once, flew away and brought all the mandarin and lemon trees of Europe.

Once all those gathered, quickly-quickly they searched for the witch. They looked here, looked there, searched further, until she was found locked in a room of a dark tower, shaking and scared. Immediately, was caught and imprisoned on the moon That was the end of the wicked and jealous witch who hated friendship. Since then, olive trees lived with the orange tree united and cherished forever. The friendship had won!

Class IV A GPD school Colleferro Rome-Italy

Once upon a time there was a child named Arancina. She had a beautiful orange tree in her garden. The tree was plenty of wonderful ripe fruit. One day, an evil man passed by Arancina’s garden.

His name was Tamar il Bibitaro. Tamaro hated citrus: he didn’t like neither the colour, nor the flavour but, most of all, he hated orange juice because he liked to drink only coke. So, one night, the evil man stole the orange tree from Arancina’s garden: he wanted to saw and burn it in his fireplace. Tamaro put the beautiful orange tree in his creaky van and he ran away at full throttle.

The next morning Arancina opened the window and saw that her beloved orange tree was no more there : only an orange mtaybe fallen during the robbery, had remained.

Arancina went into the garden and realized that the person that had taken the tree, had uprooted the tree: the little tree that gave her many fruits had still its roots and if she had found it, she would be able to plant it again. While she was completely assorted in her thoughts, she heard a voice: “Ahia!!! You are trampling me! Be careful!”

The girl said: “Who is talking?”

A weak voice answered: “It’s me! Look down!”

Arancina saw that the orange , the only survivor of the orange tree, had talked..

So the girl picked up the round fruit that continued to speak. “My name is Milly and I can help you to find your tree, I am not a common orange, I heard Tamaro’s words, He stole your tree because he wants to make of it burning woods for his fireplace.” The little girl, still wondered about this talking orange, asked if she knew where was the thief’s house.

Milly answered: “I heard him saying that he had to go to Rome’s fair because he wanted to sell the good oranges to earn some money and then he would have gone home to burn the tree” You must know that in those days, not far from Arancina’s country, in the capital city of Italy, Rome, there was a big fair where many European countries showed their goods. So the strange couple, the orange and the little girl, Arancina and Milly, left to Rome.

After about an hour trip by train, the two friends arrived to Rome. They took the underground, then a bus and finally they arrived to the big building that hosted the event.

The fair was very crowded. The orange said: “Look over there, in the parking!

That old red van is Tamaro’s! Tamaro is here!” So Arancina and Milly came into the big hall. The stands were colourful and full of different goods: fish, meat cheese, sweets. On every stand there was the flag of the country that it represented. The most crowded stand was the greek one where you could eat many good and fat foods.

While Arancina was watching the picture of Partenone, Milly saw a man walking with a big tree on his shoulder: it was Tamaro. They started to follow him. Now he was going towards the stand of Lithuania. Arancina’s attention was attracted by the smell of smoked salmon and by a waitress who was carrying some typical Lithuanian dishes on a tray.

Tamaro went towards the stand of Turkey, passed over the stand of Portugal and when they saw what was happening there they were speechless! Arancina recognized the famous football player Cristiano Ronaldo and the football trainer Mourinho who were taking pictures with some people.

But when they tried to reach the two famous people, Milly saw that Tamaro was approaching to wards Cyprus’ stand and after a while he was going out of the building.

They followed him by taxi. It was a short race so rolling and walking Milly and Arancina arrived in front of Tamaro’s house. It was dirty, gray and in bad condition.

The door was open so they came into without asking permission. They saw Tamaro that was lighting the fireplace and he was ready to burn the tree. Arancina didn’t know how to stop the evil man but Milly started to roll on the floor and rolling ... rolling arrived under Tamaro’s feet who fell down. Arancina gained to catch the tree and run quickly toward the taxi. Finally they could come back home and plant the tree in her garden, so the orange tree continued to give her its tasty fruits. And Milly?

Milly could hug her sisters again and continued to stay on the tree for many other years.

Binbaşı Necati Bey ilkokulu Istanbul/Turkey

There was once an orange called Clementiny who lived in thebiggest and prettiest orange treein the field. The field where Clementiny lived was in the city ofValencia, Spain, where the best oranges in the world are grown.

Clementiny was very happy living in that tree, for he had everything he needed: sunlight to grow, water to drink and other orange friends with whom to share happy days.

But for some while now, the climate hadn’t been quite the same… Clementiny’s friend the rain no longer visited the field as often as before. And the sun seemed to be lazy and no longer shone as she had before.

One day Clementiny asked the orange tree: “What’s wrong, orange tree? Are you feeling all right? Your branches are all slumping…”

“I’m okay,” replied the orange tree, “but I feel a bit weak because it hasn’t rained for many days and I can’t do my photosynthesis very well, which is why I have no strength in my branches. I hope it rains soon!”

Clementiny grew thoughtful, for although it wasn’t raining, he himself felt strong and healthy. So he asked an old orange who lived next-door: “Why is the orange tree so tired, while we oranges are all ok?” The old orange answered: “Clementiny, we get all our energy from the tree, because it is the tree that supplies us with food.

It hasn’t rained for a long time now, so the tree is gradually dying - because he is giving the little energy he has to us.”

Clementiny’s mouth fell open at hearing these words, and he began to think about what he could do to help the orange tree… After a while, he began calling out to the tree next door, which had been looked after by an old farmer for many years. “Hello next-door orange tree!! Can you hear me?” A serious voice answered: “Hello Clementiny, yes I can hear you. What do you want?”

“I need your help! Our tree is dying because it hasn’t had any water for many days. I know you’re a good tree, and that’s why the old farmer looks after you. Is there any way you could help us?” asked Clementiny.

Well, the next day brought with it a very odd sight: the tree next door had adopted a rather strange position with most of its strong branches pointing towards Clementiny’s tree… Can you guess why?

Just as he did every day, the farmer came to water the tree and when he arrived he couldn’t believe his eyes. But he understood straightaway – for when he looked over at Clementiny’s tree, he knew that the poor tree needed water.

From that day on, the farmer would take his hose and water both trees. Little by little, Clementiny’s tree regained its strength and its branches became as slender and beautiful as they ever were. So what was the lesson our little friend Clementiny learned? That’s right, that water is essential for all life on earth.

Druskininkų "Atgimimo" mokykla, Druskininkai, Lithuania Once upon a time there lived a cheerful old woman in a small cosy house in the middle of the grove. Every year, just before Christmas she used to bake traditional Christmas biscuits, pies and cakes. As she was very warm-hearted, she liked sharing her home-made pastries with her neighbours.

One stormy and snowy winter evening Granny was getting ready to bake gingerbread biscuits for Christmas Eve. She put some flour, sugar, butter, a few eggs and ginger powder on the kitchen table. Suddenly she noticed that the only thing she forgot was an orange.

Granny remembered she had one orange left in the fridge. The old woman started making biscuits. When she wanted to grate the orange peel, she heard a scream.

“Granny! No! Please, stop!”

The woman gasped in amazement, “Who is it? Orange? Is that you? Unbelievable! Oranges can’t talk…”

“Please let me go. I have a dream to travel around Europe. If you fulfil my wish, I promise I will make your three wishes come true.”

“Hmm… Let me think… OK, these are my three wishes. First, find out the capitals of the countries you visit. Second, talk to local people and ask them how they greet each other in their native language. Third, bring a souvenir from each country.

The orange said good-bye to Granny and started his journey around Europe...

Hello again! This is me, Orange Jonas. Yes, Jonas… It is a very common name for boys in Lithuania. I can assure you that I am safe and sound after my long and adventurous journey to some warm countries of Europe. Do you want to know if I managed to make Granny’s wishes come true? Then be patient and listen to my tale.

I said good-byes to Granny on that cold and snowy winter night and started thinking how to move to the South. I decided to start my trip from Portugal. That is why I headed to the harbour of Klaipeda, a city on the coast of the Baltic Sea. I thought I could get to Portugal by ship. Granny lived not far from Klaipeda, so I rolled up and down the paths and roads in the snow till I saw the lights of the harbour. There were many huge ships and smaller boats, lots of workers around. Which boat to choose? Suddenly I noticed a flag on one of the cargo ships. There was a captain on deck talking to his crew. ‘When we reach Portugal, you will have a day off for sightseeing’. I had no doubt it was the right ship for me, a ship to Portugal! I jumped into one of the boxes close to the ship and a worker brought it on deck. Thank you, man! It was warm and cosy in the box and I was able to doze and dream of the sun, the blue sea and new adventures. The trip was long and tiring but I was excited. One early morning a beam of the bright sun woke me up. I jumped on my legs and rushed out of the cabin. There was a land in front of me. Portugal? Hmm, I was not sure. The captain shouted: “Madeira! Get ready to berth!” Madeira? Was that the island which belongs to Portugal? I hoped I was right. Sailors left the ship for a day off. I rolled out the ship too as I needed many things to do. I headed to the nearest park and, to my luck, there I met a girl named Eliana. As well as many people of Portugal she spoke English and we started talking. ‘Can you greet me in Portuguese?’ asked I. ‘Oi!’ greeted Eliana. ‘How interesting and how simple! Now I can greet people in Portuguese! And what is the capital of Portugal?’ I went on asking. ‘Sure, Lisbon! It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world!’ I had to

believe as I had never been to Lisbon. ‘What do visitors of Portugal usually take home with them as souvenirs? I want to buy something for Granny for memory’ wondered I. ‘There are many things to buy but if I were you, I would buy one of Portuguese ceramic tiles called ‘Azulejos’. I believe it would be a perfect present for Granny’s fireplace’. I thanked Eliana for help and promised to contact her after my return home. I felt very happy that I had a chance to meet a Portuguese girl Eliana in Madeira but I was in a hurry. I needed to buy a souvenir for Granny.

I was packing one of Portuguese ceramic tiles into my rucksack when suddenly I heard two elderly ladies talking about their holiday trip to Italy. ‘Oh, dear, it is a must to visit Italy at least once in your life! We have time as we are retired. Let us find a travel agency and buy plane tickets right now!’ the Lady in red talked excitedly to the Lady in green. I chance to continue my journey to warm countries. I jumped into

felt

it

was

my

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Lady’s in red handbag and even stopped breathing: I did not want them to notice me before we reached the plane.

Oh, let me tell the part about the flight to Italy in short. It was my first experience on the plane but not the best. The handbag of the Lady in red was put up with other suitcases and I worried I could turn to juice or choke without any air. What is more, I had no safety belt as all normal passengers did, I could not watch a safety presentation, I did not get any refreshments… Well, I waited to get off the plane anxiously.

When the plane landed and the handbag of the Lady in red appeared in her hands safely, I did not want to wait longer. I jumped off the bag and rolled on along the street of …Italy? Yes, I was in Italy! The sun was shining and it was green around. I could hear people speaking a different language and I got anxious: ‘What if I did not manage to contact native ones? I do not speak Italian…’ But I was lucky again. While I was sitting in the grass and worrying what to do, a dark-eyes boy came closer and asked me in English: ‘Do you need any help, buddy?’ I nearly jumped from happiness and hugged my new friend. We spent a couple of hours talking. His name was Luciano and he mentioned that he was from Collefero, a picturesque place in the center of Italy. I asked many questions again. I found out that in Italy people greet each other saying ‘Ciao!’ I also got to know that Rome is the capital of Italy. Luciano gave me a small guide book about the most spectacular places of visit in Italy. I promised I would be back there again one day. When I asked about the souvenir for Granny, Luciano offered me to buy spaghetti forks as she liked cooking. I listened to his advice and bought a set of spaghetti forks in the nearest shop. I hoped Granny would be delighted with such a gift. Sadly, the time with Luciano passed by very fast and I had to move on. Where to? I knew Greece was another warm country, so why not there? Right then I heard a man shouting: ‘A trip to Greece by boat! A trip by boat!

We are leaving in 15 minutes! Hurry up!” I had no time to think, waved to Luciano, grabbed my rucksack with souvenirs and ran after the man. Good-bye, Italy!

Part 3. Greece.

A trip by boat was more exciting for me than a trip by plane. The light breeze was blowing from the sea and the sun was shining brightly. These were the things I missed so much while being in cold and snowy Lithuania. Right, Lithuania was cold but there I had … Granny. I was thinking about her alone in the house waiting for me to come back from my journey. That is why I wished to reach Greece as soon as possible. I was ready to get off the boat any minute it reached the land.

Suddenly, a big white bird appeared from nowhere, sat on the edge of the boat and looked at me

with interest. ‘An orange? Alone on the boat? What are you doing here?’ asked the bird. I was not surprised that the bird talked to me. Be sure, these days anything can happen; you have to be ready for any surprises. I explained the aim of my visit to warm countries and also reminded Granny’s wishes. The bird listened attentively and then added: ‘Do you want me to give you a lift? I am going to Nafplio ‘Sorry?’ asked I but it was too late. The bird grabbed the rucksack on my back by its beak and flew up to the sky. One more new experience for me – a sky taxi! Thank you, bird! I reached the land faster than by boat. My new friend left me in the middle of Nafplio town and waved me by a wing for good-bye. I looked around and noticed a grocery shop nearby. I believed there I could find local fruits to talk to. I started rolling along the pavement when suddenly a girl appeared in front of me.’ Geia sou! ‘I do not speak your language, sorry’ apologized I. ‘No problem, nearly everybody can speak English in Greece as we have a lot of tourists’ smiled the girl. ‘Then you can help me’ I cheered up. ‘I have a couple of questions for you’. ‘But first let me introduce myself. My name is Calista. What’s your name?’ ‘Orange Jonas, simply Jonas’ I felt my cheeks turned red. Calista was pretty. After a few questions I got to know that people in Greece greet ‘Geia sou!‘ and that a capital of Greece is Athens. Then I asked about a gift for Granny. Calista offered so many things that I got confused; I did not know what to choose. Finally, I decided to look for olive oil in the local market. I did not notice that we were talking for a few of hours. I liked my time in Nafplio because I had a nice companion to chat. But I had to keep travelling. I wanted to visit Cyprus and Turkey before I turned back home. I was nearly leaving when the sounds of Greek music grabbed my attention. There was a festival of hot -air balloons. People around were cheering and waving flags of different countries. I noticed a Portuguese flag in one of the hot-air balloons. Oh no! They were going to take off in a minute! I was fast enough to jump into the basket. Good-bye, Calista, and thank you for your hospitality! I hope one day we can meet in Lithuania!

While sitting quietly and hiding in one of the corners of the hot-air balloons I could hear people talking in the language that I had never heard before. I wished I could understand at least something. ‘How cool it is when you can speak more languages, not only your native one’.

Right then I decided to start learning new foreign languages when I was back home.

I might need them for my next trip around the world, right?

Suddenly I felt something soft next to my side. It was a puppy!

Wow! A dog on the hot-air balloon? ‘Hello, stranger!’ the puppy barked. ‘Hi! How come you are here? Isn’t it scary for you to fly so high?’ asked I. ‘I am used to it as I am the owner’s dog. We travel a lot around the world’ boasted the puppy proudly. I was glad to meet a new friend again. After a few hours we started landing and I could see a lot of people in the park again.

They were welcoming hot-air balloons on the land of Cyprus. After good-byes I wished all the best for the puppy

and rolled off the basket. I was ready to explore a new country. I was hungry but I had nothing to eat. I found the nearest cafeteria and sneaked in. There were a lot of people, I guess, tourists because I could hear them speaking English. I asked a waiter for a sandwich (I told you before not to get surprised – oranges talk, eat, travel and make friends in the modern world!). I sat closer to the foreigners and started listening to their chat. ‘I know how to greet in Cyprus from now on. ’Kaleespeerah’ shouted a little boy. ‘And I know more information than you. I know the capital of Cyprus ha. Do you?’ argued boy’s sister. ‘Sure! Who doesn’t? It is Nicosia!’ ‘But will we bring back home as memory about Cyprus?’ asked Father. ‘Why don’t we take Cypriot coffee or Cypriot handmade lace with us? I guess that would be one of the best memories about this wonderful country and our holidays’, Mother replied. I was eating my tasty sandwich and thanking the family for their distant help to answer all three questions about Cyprus. I rushed to the nearest shop and bought Cypriot handmade lace for Granny. I am thinking about you, Granny! Wait for me to be back! Then it was time for my last trip – a trip to Turkey. I heard there were boat trips to Bodrum, a city in Turkey, so I headed to the harbor. There was nobody there. It was getting dark and I was losing my hope to reach Turkey that night when suddenly I noticed something moving the blue waves of the Mediterranean Sea. A dolphin? Yes, a huge dolphin was playing in the waves! I started jumping up as high as I could – I wanted the dolphin to notice me and help me to cross the sea to Turkey. I guess he got interested what was going on at the beach and he swam closer. “What is going on here?’ asked he a bit surprised. ‘Oranges are dancing at the beach of Cyprus? Ha ha!’ the dolphin laughed at me. I took a deep breath and told him my story in a couple of minutes.

‘No doubt, I can help you. Jump on my back, buddy, and I will bring you to the coast of Turkey’ said the dolphin. I did not wait for longer and accepted his nice offer. It was safe on the back of such a big animal and he seemed very friendly. A new experience in my life - another means of water transport to try!

I guess I fell asleep and had a nice dream about Lithuania when suddenly I heard the sounds of minarets. Yes, the land of Turkey was in front of us! It was an early morning when my friend let me slowly down into the water and waved me by his tail for good-byes. Thank you, dear dolphin! Good luck to you! Hello, Turkey! Hello? No, they should greet in Turkish there, so I got off the water and rushed to town to find out interesting things about Turkey and Turkish.

The weather was cool and there were no people around yet. ‘Too early for the tourists to leave their hotel rooms’ I thought. ‘Where can I find help in such an early morning?’ When I was looking around in the park, I noticed a white cat on the bench. ‘Sure! Cats wake up earlier than people. This one might help me’ wondered I and came closer to the cat. ‘Hello! Sorry, I do not speak Turkish” murmured I. ‘But you are in Turkey, Orange boy. You must know at least how to greet in Turkish if you are polite’ first the cat bit me with the words but later smiled in the whiskers.

‘Relax, I am joking. So where are you from?” the cat continued. ‘I am from Lithuania, one faraway country from Turkey’ replied I. ‘Lithuania? It seems your country is really far away, I have never heard about it’ I was a bit surprised because I knew how much Lithuanians liked going to Turkey for their holidays. I was excited to know something interesting about the country. ‘Then how do they greet in Turkey?’ ‘Merhaba!’ ‘What is the capital of Turkey?’ ‘Ankara.’ ‘What places of visit would you suggest for me?’ ‘If I were a tourist, I would visit Istanbul for sure. It is one of the

most beautiful cities in the world!’ ‘What can I bring as a souvenir from Turkey for Granny?’ ‘You could buy many things in here. Why don’t you buy a colourful carpet for her? Our carpets are special but you can find it out only if you buy it,’ the cat said those words whispering like a secret. ‘Strange,’ then thought I. But please be patient, dear listeners, and you will agree with the white cat from Turkey. I was grateful to meet a sweet chatter but I started worrying about my trip home. ‘Again by plane? No way! Planes will be crowded with tourists and I hate little space somewhere up the shelf. It is impossible to enjoy the view…’ complained I. Anyway, first I had to find a carpet market. There were many men shouting prices and offering their goods.

My head went round from the patterns and colours: which one to choose? Suddenly I noticed my friend, a white cat, close to one stall. The cat was caressing one of the carpets by his tail, not too huge, not too small but really beautiful. I understood that as a sign for me to buy especially that one. ‘Merhaba,’ said I to the seller. ‘I want to buy that carpet,’ I sounded ensured. The man looked at me suspiciously and packed the carpet into a bag wordless. I left the market happy but still worried about my trip home. Then a strange thing happened. When I was just about to pack all my stuff ready for the trip, a bag with the carpet started moving. Well, I was ready for any surprises but that one really scared me. The carpet rolled itself out of the bag in all its width and length, then floated in the air and started moving. ‘A flying carpet? Right! That was a secret whispered by the cat! Great! I can fly home on the carpet! Hurray!’ I got ready in a minute. Good-bye Turkey and thank you, dear cat!

Have you ever had a chance to fly on the flying carpet? No? Then try! I could admire beautiful landscapes of different countries - blue waters, green fields and high mountains. The wind was blowing mildly, a magic carpet was on the way home to Lithuania. ‘I fulfilled my dream to visit warm countries, meet new friends. Now it is time to make Granny happy,’ I could not wait to see her again. It seemed to me it took hours of flying before I saw green pine forests and blue lakes of Lithuania. ‘I am home! Home sweet home!’ shouted I rolling on the carpet. But my heart (Yes, yes, the heart!) started beating wildly when I recognized the red roof of Granny’s house. The carpet landed just in front of the doorstep and I rolled into the house excited. ‘Granny, I am back!’

Granny was cooking something as usually. She took me up closer to her cheek and kissed: ‘Welcome back, Jonas! I am so happy to see you again!’ I noticed a tear on Granny’s face. I guess I dropped one too.

Granny served biscuits and tasty herbal tea with honey, then the time for presents and long talks came. I handed Granny in different countries. I also answered all her questions about I had visited. I did not forget to mention all my new friends that had helped me during my journey.

Thank you all again! But let me tell you – South or West, home is best!

presents from different five countries

GREECE

CYPRUS

Marilena Kapsioti Stavrina Kouli Antonis Mandrozos George Metousi Georgia Mpoili Marivasia Sarantou Georlia Sgouraki Konstantinos Sotiropoulos Evelina Stathogiannopoulou Efi Stathopoulou Savas Stogianovits Manolis Ikonomou Nikos Xatzaras Kostakis Xatzikos Kostis Xintaropoulos Stella Taravira Pelagia Tsiotra Marina Chrisikopoulou

Roberto Zamfir Panagiotis Keramida Giannis Kettiris Giannos Kofidis Constandinos Stavrou Valentino Stefanov Agathi Anastasiou Florendia Aniftou Rafaella Kousi Stefania Papadopoulou Andria Savva Teacher: Elena Neofytou

PORTUGAL Ana Macedo Carlota Freitas Chloe Camacho Érica Salgado Érica Mendes Iara Baptista João Sousa José Perdigão Lara Tanque Laura Fernandes Manuel Aguiar Mauro Borges Natasha Camacho Roberto Gomes Roberto Jardim Simão Ascensão Teacher: Rosa Luisa Nóbrega da Silva Gaspar

Teacher Argiri Biliouri Thaleia Tzevrentzi

ITALY

Virginia Cirilli Francesco Coppola Claudia Crispino Eleonora De Biasio Alessia De Paolis Nicolò De Sio Piergiacomo Delle Prugna Kevin Ferrazza Arianna Funari Marco Girardi Ginevra Maria Giretti Peter Jakub Homola Luca Magnosi Andrea Necci Lorenzo Risi Samuele Rouissi Samuele Santucci Benedetta Scaccia Stefano Scafariu Lorenzo Scarchilli Arianna Severa Micol Sinibaldi Irene Sordi Teacher: Maria Rosaria Rogato LAYOUT: Mpiliouri Argiri DILIGENCE: Mpiliouri Argiri

LITHUANIA

Rytis BOZYS Ilma BULOTAITE Ugne BUNEVICIUTE Doroteja JUKNEVICIUTE Pijus Domantas VALENTUKEVICIUS Matas MIZERAS Vilmante KUDELYTE Azuolas KATAUSKAS Indre MARACINSKAITE Ugne SVIOKLAITE Arvydas KALEDA Gabija ZUKAITE Kamile BARANAUSKAITE Gabija BOCKUTE Deimante PIPIRAITE Donata VYSNIAUSKAITE

TURKEY

Deniz Işıl DEMİR Y.Kerem Pala Şevval UZUNER Zeliha AKTAN Zeynep BATMAN Zeynep ŞAHİN Büşra EĞERCİ Hayat IŞIK Tuana ÖZKAN Aysu MERİÇ Τeacher: Derya Ors

Teacher: Gitana Stukienė Rovena Kvaraciejute ILLUSTRATION: The students of the involved countries Especially: Oranges and flags by Italians students Cartoons with clouds, by Pijus from Lithuania Flags in oranges, by Greek students

The orange rolled and our stories completed.

With it we knew many places and we make new friends.

Our goals were succeeded and we are ready for a new ITHACA