Pancake really wanted to explore different cultures and places. She thought about what she could do to do this and decided that the best way to learn about different cultures was to connect with people from all over the world. Pancake was aware of a programme called etwining, which allows students and teachers to connect with each other and collaborate on projects. Pancake got excited and started looking for schools to partner with. She found interested schools in Turkey, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Poland, Italy, Slovakia, Poland, Italy and Spain.

Having received invitations from 3 different teachers in Turkey, Pancake decided to meet teacher İlknur and her students first. She was very excited to prepare for the trip. She knew that Turkey is a country located in southeastern Europe and western Asia, connecting two continents. She had also heard about Istanbul, the Bosphorus, lahmacun, kebabs, yogurt and baklava. I wonder what else he would see and hear. 

They all competed with each other to show Turkish hospitality and said they would be glad to host Pancake. They decided to visit Malatya, which alone meets the majority of the world's apricot production, and set off together. 

They went to the Silahtar Mustafa Pasha Kervansaray in Battalgazi district. Kervansaray; caravans Pancake learned that it was an accommodation place established on trade routes. On the way, they listened to "halay", a Turkish folk music from the Malatya region. 

They heard from their friends that the kervansaray was built in 1637 by Bosnalı Mustafa Paşa, Sultan Murat IV's squire, to Master Ebubekir, son of Master Mehmet, Architect of Aleppo. They explained that today it is used for social and cultural activities. 

That day, there was an event in the kervensaray where food from Malatya was served. She saw that the main ingredient used in the food made into pancakes was bulgur. Meat and different ingredients were combined with bulgur to make various dishes. When she asked the names of the dishes, she learned that they were meatballs with analıkızlı, cabbage rolls with meat, Akçadağ pilaf, pilaf with apricots and almonds, and meatballs with eggplant.

After visiting Battalgazi,the pancake decided to go Levent Valley that isin Akçadağ.It is very eccentric place.I am sure you will enjoy as our hero.Every year, many tourists come and visit Levent Valley

Now it is time to go Arapgir for our hero 'pancake'.İt is very historical place and known as its naturalness.People can have breakfast with the most fresh food,fruit and vegetable.Also Arapgir is famous for its grapes.

It is an amazing image as you see,unbelievable but it is true from the eyes of pancake.Arapgir is also famous for its lavenders like Isparta.You can't guess its fascinating smells.Everybody should see there.

Please pay attention to this magnificent photo that was taken from Somuncu Baba Complex.It was built in 1686.It includes a mosque,library,museum,and a pool full of fish.

Pancake is now ready for a new journey!

 Pancake is in Adana today. Adana is in the South part of Turkey so the weather is usually sunny and warm.  

Adana is on the Mediterranean Sea.

Pancake wants to go to Karataş and Yumurtalık to see the Fishermen and the Lighthouse on the rocks by the sea.

Fishing is important in Karataş and Yumurtalık.

Pancake visits the ancient theatre by the sea.The ancient city is called Magarsus 

Pancake is so excited because he visits the Varda Bridge and decides to have a train ride journey here.

Pancake is amazed by the Great Toros Mountains surrounding the city of Adana.

Pancake discovers an ancient castle above a high hill.The Students of Malazgirt Secondary School tell the name of the castle;Yılan Kale (the Snake Castle) It has mythological story too .

Pancake discovers citrus trees around the city.

Citrus Trees are everywhere! All kinds of citrus trees grow in Adana's fertile agricultural land: orange, crepe, orange, lemon, lime, tangerine.

Pancake asks the white soft things that look like cotton candies in the fields.

Eymen answers ; these are real Cotton Plants.Adana is  home for Cotton Fields

Pancake is really hungry now.He wants to eat famous Adana Kebab .Yes the hometown of Kebab is here ;Adana. what about the beverage that purple thing what is that ? It's called Şalgam (turnip) and as dessert; Halka Tatlı Yummy .

The Greek team thanks the Turkish one for hosting Pancake so warmly and wellcomes him to Greece!!

The Greek team organizes a cruise for Pancake to the Aegean islands to get to know our culture with beautiful places. 

The journey starts from Kastelorizo, the eastern edge of Greece, passes by the magnificient island of Rhodes 

The Deers at the entry of Rhodes port

and then goes to Crete to visit the main Minoan palace in Knossos, which stands out in historical records not merely as a royal residence but as a vibrant epicentre for administration, trade, and culture. 

Also, Pancake visits Gaudos, the southest edge of Europe, and has time to explore in Crete the protected area of Vai Palm forest, (the biggest palm forest in Europe) and relax on the well known for its pink sand "Elafonisi beach"

     Pancake is hungry,   he tastes ntakos,   traditional "hohlious" 

Pentozali (= 5 diziness in Greek) is a dance which makes dancers 5 times dizzy

and drinks"tsikoudia "    while listening and watching  " pentozali"

His cruise goes up to Santorini, to enjoy the beautiful sunset and the Caldera, 

continues to the small, rocky sacred island of Delos in the  centre of Cyclades that form a circle 

around it.  

For entertainment he moves to 

 Mykonos, famous for its nightlife.

The cruise ends to Athens, the capital of Greece, the homeland of democracy.  He visits the rock of Acropolis which contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the           Parthenon.  

He visits the Acropolis museum where he discovers the ancient aesthetic wisdom of the Acropolis and feel the atmosphere of ancient Athens  in an ultramodern environment.

karyatides

and watches with his friends an opera in "Herodeon" 

He visits Panathenaic stadium (Kallimarmaro), where the 1st modern Olympic games in 1896 were held,

Pancake gets hungry and wants to have fun.  So, he walks to Plaka to see tranditional tavernas, he eats greek salad with feta cheese and extra virgin oil, souvlaki with tzatziki, moussaka and drinks

 a glass of domestic wine or ouzo. 

Finally, he enjoys syrtaki dance!!!

Opa!!!

Pancake can't leave Athens without seeing the Greek Parliament on Syntagma Square 

or without a photo with a greek tsolia!!

The Greek team says goodbye to Pancake and wishes the best to Italy!!!

Pancake decides to accept the invitation of I.C. Stabilini Middle School, which is located in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, ROME, the capital of Italy, a city rich in history and charm, with its countless squares, fountains, churches, monuments, parks etc.

 It takes  about 2 hours to Pancake to fly from Athens to Rome. 

Rome is the capital city of Italy, a country in Southern Europe that is located on a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea and that is shaped like a high-heeled boot, as you can see on the map above.

 Hello kids! Nice to meet you and thank you for inviting me in Rome. I can't wait to starting  my  sightseeing tour around the city centre. Rome is the capital of Italy and its foundation  dates back to 753 BC. Truly Ancient!!!!

.Pancake is really excited for arriving in Rome and he look forward to starting his sightseeing tour in this wonderful city. Stabilini school's students gave him a tour itinerary to follow because they have lessons and can't guide him around Rome. They will meet on the last day of his tour because it will be Saturday and they don't have to go to school.

Welcome dear Pancake and thanks for accepting our invitation. We're sure you'll enjoy this tour. This is the tour plan we created for you! 

Pancake starts his tour by visiting Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square), that as well as being a symbolic monument of Roman Baroque, is today one of the most exclusive meeting places in Rome, with its palaces, sumptuous hotels, famous restaurants and so on

In the centre of the square and at the foot of the staircase there is the well-known Barcaccia fountain, which dates back to the early Baroque period, created by Pietro Bernini and his son, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. I

Do you know that Piazza di Spagna owes its name to the Spanish Palace, home of the embassy of the Iberian state to the Holy See since 1622?

Pancake notices that there is a staircase rising up from Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square), it's called the Spanish Steps. It was built between 1723 and 1726 and constitutes the scenic connection between the slopes of the Pincio dominated by the church of the SS. Trinità and the Piazza di Spagna below.

Oh my God! So many steps to climb! I'll do it!

Pancake discovers that near Piazza di Spagna there is the house of the English poet John Keats, who lived there until his death in 1821: today it has been transformed into a museum dedicated to him and his friend Percy Bysshe Shelley, displaying English Romantic books and memorabilia.

Pancake keeps on walking and now he is in a really fashionable street , Via dei Condotti, full of luxurious and expensive shops.

I'm a bit tired, I'll have a break at the Babington tea room! It was established in 1893, and it's a very famous place in the city.

KEATS-SHELLEY MEMORIAL HOUSE

After his break Pancake reaches " Piazza del Popolo".

Three churches overlook the square, The oldest is the basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo and the two twin churches, as they are called Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Wow!!! What a wonderful building!

Pancake goes on strolling around Rome and arrives in front of a particular building; the Pantheon. It wasBuilt by Agrippa between 25 and 27 BC the Pantheon was a temple dedicated to the twelve Gods and to the living Sovran. In 608 Pope Boniface IV had the remains of many martyrs removed from the Christian catacombs and placed in the Pantheon. Thereafter the temple was officially converted to Christianity and named Saint Maria ad Martyres. 

The next step for Pancake is Piazza Navona (Navona Square). It's a wonderful square entirely covered in cobblestones, it has an elongated rectangular shape which ends, on one of the two shorter sides with a semicircle. It is built on the site of the 1st century AD Stadium of Domitian and follows the form of the open space of the stadium in an elongated oval. The ancient Romans went there to watch the games, It has three fountains and an obelisk. 

I'm a bit hungry and this square is full of restaurants, I want to taste dish, the carbonara", its ingredients are pasta, eggs, "guanciale", Pecorino cheese and black pepper.

YUMMY!!!

In the afternoon Pancake visits  the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain) one of the most famous fountains in the world that is renowned for its baroque design and grandeur. 

The origins of Fontana di Trevi date back to Ancient Roman times when an aqueduct called "aqua virgo" was constructed in 19 BC by Marcus Agrippa According to a legend if you toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain you'll return to the Eternal city.

I'll throw a coin into the fountain so I'll be back to this amazing city!

In Rome it's a sunny and warm day, so Pancake, while walking, decides to stop and have an ice-cream.  

I love ice-cream !!!

In the ice-cream parlor Pancake hears some tourists talking about the Jewish ghetto of Rome and it seems an interesting place to visit both for its historical aspect both because it's full of restaurants where you can eat very well. So Pancake has chosen his next destination. Let's follow him!

Pancakes goes past Piazza Venezia (Venezia Square) and is impressed by a remarkable white monument. It is created to honour Italy's first king Vittorio Emanuele II. Italians also call it II VIttoriano (the Monument of Victor Emanuel) and Altare della patria (altar of the fatherland). The monument commemorates the unification of Italy in 1861 and the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II-. 

After taking some photos in front of this wonderful monument Pancakes goes on his tour and arrives at the Jewish Ghetto of Rome.

The Jewish ghetto of Rome is among the oldest ghettos in the world; it was built 40 years after the one in Venice which is the first ever. 

Other than impressive ruins and landmarks dating back to the Roman Empire and linked to the history of the Jews in Rome, the Roman Ghetto is characterized by picturesque narrow streets scattered with cafes, shops, boutiques, kosher bakeries and restaurants that stay open until late in the evening!

It's getting dark and Pancakes decides to have dinner in a typical reastaurant of this area. He tastes some Jewish typical dishes such as artichokes at the giudia, courgette concia, anchovy, endive pie and ricotta and sour cherry tart.

The day after Pancake gets up very early because he is very excited...Today he is visiting the Colosseum, he has always dreamt of visiting this place and now his dream will come true..

Near the Colosseum there are the Imperial Fora (Fori Imperiali in Italian) are a series of monumental fora (public squares), constructed in Rome over a period of one and a half centuries, between 46 BC and 113 AD. The fora were the center of the Roman Republic and of the Roman Empire.

Wow!!!

After this full immersion into the archeological area of the Imperial Fora, Pancake heads to Janiculum Hill. From Janiculum Promenade you can enjoy one of the most evocative views of the historic centre of Rome. It consists of two large avenues with plane trees, bordering Villa Aurelia, which meet in Piazzale Garibaldi. Then, they continue as a single road that descends in hairpin bends towards the church of Sant'Onofrio, built to complete the Promenade in 1939. It is Located right above the borough of Trastevere, on the west-side of Tiber River,

What a view!!!

After such a grueling but tiring morning, Pancake rests a little and obviously has lunch in a very good Roman pizzeria in the picturesque NEIGHBORHOOD TRASTEVERE. The name Trastevere is derived from Latin, trans Tiberium; ‘beyond the Tiber’. This old working-class neighbourhood with its narrow alleyways and medieval houses is a particularly lively affair at night – thanks to the many tourists – with lots of restaurants, trattorias and pizzerias

What a goodness!!! I had a pizza, one suppli with stringy mozzarella, two battered cod fillets, and to finish a wonderful maritozzo with cream!

After this tour in Rome I will have to go on a diet surely !

After eating so much Pancake decides to go for a walk along the "Lungotevere", that is the road that runs alongside the Tiber River and that offers a breathtaking view of the city's historical monuments.  Pancake is really  enchanted by the wonderful view . He walks a lot and goes past the Tiber Island, the smallest inhabited island in the world. He also obesrves the historic stalls, and take some unforgettable photos admiring the sunset over the city.

Pancake is really happy but also a bit tired so he goes back to its hotel and has dinner in his hotel's restaurant. He tastes another typical dish of the Roman cuisine, the "Saltimbocca alla romana", that are tasty slices of veal with raw ham and sage with a flavor so good that they jump directly into the mouth!

After dinner there's a surprise for Pancake!!! Stabilini school 's students arrive and tell him they will spend the night in the hotel so that the day after they cal leave early together and go and visit other beautiful places!

Hurrah! You're back!

It's Saturday morning and Pancake  and his Italian friends leave the hotel very early. As first step they go to Castel Sant'Angelo (the Castle of the Holy Angel)  It was built in the 2nd century as a mausoleum by order of emperor Hadrian. The mausoleum was associated with the name of archangel Michael in 590, when Pope Gregory I saw archangel Michael sheathe his sword on top of the mausoleum during a plague to signal the end of the epidemic. Later pope Pius II built a chapel at the site where the archangel was said to have appeared. The remarkable bronze statue of archangel Michael was made in 1753 by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt. The Castle of the Holy Angel in Rome also owes a lot of its fame to the film adaptation of Dan Brown's Angels and Demons, where the castle served as a hideout for the Illuminati.

The mausoleum was converted to a castle in the year 280 when the Aurelian walls were built around it. The castle occupied a good strategic position on the Tiber river. However, the castle was still sacked twice in 410 and 537, and many of the cover stones of most of the funerary urns were destroyed. Because the Vatican would later fall outside the city walls and turned out to be difficult to defend, Castel Sant Angelo was connected to the Vatican by a tunnel in 1722. This way, the castle served as a refuge for the Pope and treasure chamber to secure the valuable church possessions in case of an attack on the Vatican and the St. Peter’s Basilica. For centuries, the castle was even used as a prison and execution site.

I really like the ornaments around the castle. I loves the statues of angels because they give me a feeling of calm. I also like the basement and the bridge because they’re really old! What about going in?

Sure! Let's go!!!

Later Pancake and his special guides reach the St Peter’s Basilica that is a phenomenal church located in Vatican City and is one of the most sought-after destinations in Rome. A classic example of Renaissance architecture, the church is not only the spiritual core of the Catholic church, but also a treasure trove of historic, religious, and artistic masterpieces of Michelangelo, Bernini, and others. Buried over the site of St Peter’s martyrdom, the Basilica hosts much of the Pope’s liturgies. 

The Basilica is built in traditional Renaissance and Baroque architecture and has been an inspiration for church buildings across the world. The basilica is accessed from St. Peter's Square, designed by Bernini. The oval forecourt is encircled by a Doric colonnade, which ends at the facade of Saint Peter's Basilica designed by Carlo Maderno. The facade features a giant order of Corinthian columns topped by statues.

The original plan by Bramante imagined superimposing the Pantheon on the Temple of Peace, taking the shape of a Greek cross. Michelangelo modified the plan to incorporate the massive dome, which stands as the tallest dome in the world.

Great! Now let's go inside!

Inside the basilica you will find a series of priceless treasures in marble and bronze, papal tombs and several famous paintings.

After the visit to St Peter's Cathedral, Pancake and his friends are ready to go to another famous place in Vatican city: the Vatican Museums.

Let's go!

Yay!!!

This way!

Apart from art, archeology, and ethno-anthropology works such as Egyptian mummies, Etruscan bronzes, the Vatican Museums also contain some of the most artistically significant rooms like the ones frescoed by Raphael, and the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo. You will also find classical sculptures, tapestries, and paintings by Renaissance greats such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Bernini, and da Vinci. They also have a collection of Modern Religious Art with works of artists like Carlo Carrà, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso.

After having some pizza and some sandwiches in a cafe' near St Peter's Square 

They make a quick trip to the picturesque and characteristich market of Campo de'Fiori that is one of the city's most particular and loved areas. It's the ideal context for a pleasant walk among wooden stalls that sell flowwrs, fruit, meat, fish and original souvenirs. 

Pancake has only few hours left before saying goodbye to Rome and his new Italian friends. The last place he visits is "Villa Borghese"

Pancake is surprised when he arrives at Villa Borghese because it is very beautiful public park.

It occupies a large area in the heart of the city and in it there are buildings, sculptures, monuments and fountains, surrounded by centuries-old trees, lakes, Italian gardens and large free spaces, created with great care. It is the fifth largest public park in Rome

There are a lot of places Pancake hasn't seen yet and there are a lot of dishes Pancake hasn't tasted yet but unfortunately he has a plane to Slovakia in three hours so he has to go.

It's time to go my dear friends! I love Rome and I hope to be back in future, but now new beautiful places and great adventures are waiting for me in another country. Thanks for your hospitality! 

It's been a pleasure to host you in our city! You are so nice!

This cup is for you! So when you have breakfast you'll think of us and of Rome!

So kind of you! I will never forget you, that's sure! Bye Bye

Have a nice flight! Bye Bye!

Visiting Rome was really exciting, it is a city

rich in history and ancient monuments, a truly unique experience to do at least once in your life.

Lots of tail waggings from Pancake to Italy!!! 

Slovakia I'm flying to you!!!

Dear Pancake!

Welcome to Slovakia

in the heart of Europe

The country will surprise you with varied and unique experiences, rich history, undiscovered places, authentic culture and hospitality. 

You will spend your first day in the capital city Bratislava. You will visit the castle, the National Theatre and gallery, St. Martin´s Cathedral (the coronation place 1563 - 1830), take a photo with the statue of Čumil and take a boat trip on the Danube river. 

From the west to the centre of Slovakia 

UNESCO World Heritage site Banská Štiavnica

It is spring time so you will enjoy hiking in the High Tatras - the tarns, peaks, valleys and beautiful fauna and flora. It is the most visited national park in Slovakia (we have 9 national parks in our country).

In winter you can enjoy skiing!

Even the FIS world competition was held in here, in Jasná. Do you know Petra Vlhová? She is our ski champion, our star. 

Continue to Čičmany. The stunning architecture will take your breathe! The symbols on the houses were also typical for local embroidery.

Bojnice castle is a fairytale place. You can spend time in the local zoo and swimming area. Bojnice is also well-known for its spa complex. 

You must be hungry!

A typical Slovak ingredient is bryndza - made from sheep milk. For those who like sweets - trdelník & fánky. We also love soup with sour cabbage, sausages and mushrooms - kapustnica.

Have a nice evening listening Slovak folk music and dancing karička or odzemok. 

Look! What a beautiful folk costumes!

Eastern part of Slovakia is famous for its wooden churches and their  GOGOGOGOGOGOGOGOGGOOGGOGOGOGOGOGOusing a nail! They are on the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

Around 70 caves were discovered here. The unique aragonite cave is located in Ochtiná. Visit also an ice cave in Dobšiná. It is high time because it is melting due to the global warming :-(

visit Slovakia is always a good idea

 "My stay in Slovakia was unforgettable!" Pancake.

Transfăgărășanul is a Romanian road that starts in Bascov commune, Argeș county near the city of Pitesti, in the direction of the city of Curtea de Argeș and ends at the intersection with the DN1 road between Sibiu and Brașov, near the commune of Cârtisoara, with a length of 151 km, crossing the Făgăraș Mountains on the north-south axis. The section from the Vidraru dam to Cârțișoara crosses mountainous terrain at high altitudes and was built in the period 1970–1974, with a length of approximately 91 km.

What a wonderful road! I love it!

Pancake visits the Lake Vidraru is a reservoir created in 1965 by the Vidraru Dam in Argeș County, on the Argeș River, for electricity production, irrigation and flood prevention. Also, the lake and adjacent facilities are used for recreation, tourism and sports.

Pancake visits the Mausoleum of Heroes in Valea Mare-Pravăț commune, Arges County, also known as Mateiaş Mausoleum, is a monument dedicated to the heroes of the War of National Unification between 1916-1918. It is located on European Road E574 (DN 73), 11 km from Campulung to Brasov, on Mateiaș Hill

So beautiful! What a trip! I cannot wait to dicover more of the Romanian historical places!

Chindia Tower, is a tower built in the 15th century, in Târgoviște, which is part of the Royal Court complex monument. The tower was built by ruler Vlad ȚepeS, during his second reign, initially for military purposes, the building serving as a guard point, firehouse, but also for storing the treasure.

"Count Dracula" is a novel written by Irish author Bram Stoker and first published in 1897. The book tells the story of Dracula, an evil vampire from Transylvania who leaves his castle to travel to England in search of human blood. The main narrator , Jonathan Harker, is an English lawyer who is hired to assist Dracula in his real estate dealings in England, but Harker soon discovers the Count's unnatural nature and his dangers.

Now Pancake is visiting Bran Castle, a historical and architectural monument located in the Bran-Rucăr Pass, 30 kilometers from Brașov. It has a tunnel called the Time Tunnel, it is 30 meters deep underground and 40 meters long. Here you can meet Queen Maria, Vlad Țepeş or Count Dracula in the form of interactive holograms, or you can admire the original multimedia exhibition with animations, modeling and three-dimensional simulations. 

Antipa Museum

Bâlea Lake is a glacial lake (formed in a glacial circus) located at an altitude of 2034 m, in the Făgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County. The dimensions of the lake are: 360 m in length, area of 46508 m2 and depth of 11.35 m. In 1932 Balea Lake and an area of about 4.7 ha around the lake were declared a natural reservation.

The Merry Cemetery is a cemetery in Săpânța, Maramureş County, famous for its brightly colored tomb crosses and naïve paintings representing scenes from the life and occupation of the buried persons. On some crosses there are even lyrics in which the persons are remembered, often with humorous nuances.

Pancake visits Lake Sfânta Ana, this is the only volcanic lake in Romania. It is located in the Ciomatu massif in Harghita county, on the left side of the Olt river, near the Tușnad resort. The lake is located at the bottom of the crater of an extinct volcano, called Ciomatu Mare. The Ciomatu massif belongs to the volcanic arc of the Eastern Carpathians, which was formed on the northern and eastern extremity of the hilly depression of Transylvania as a result of intense volcanic activity from the Tertiary period.

The castle of Hunedoara was built in the 15th century by Iancu de Hunedoara on the site of an old fortification, on a rock at the foot of which the Zlaști stream flows. It is an imposing construction, equipped with towers, bastions and a keep. The castle has been restored and turned into a museum.

Now, Pancake will make a tour with Mocănița. Mocăniţa is the generic name used in Romania for the trains that run on the narrow lines. Currently, there is only one fully functional moped, the one that runs from Viseu de Sus, on Valea Vaserului, in Maramures. In the past there were many such local trains, used more for the transport of passengers and goods, especially wood

Sarmaua is a culinary preparation made of minced meat (usually pork, but also beef, mutton, poultry or even fish), mixed with rice and other ingredients, wrapped in leaves of cabbage (fresh or sour (pickled)), vine or stevia, etc. in the form of a roll. In Romania it is usually served with polenta and cream.

"Bulz" is a traditional Romanian dish, especially popular in Transylvania. It consists of polenta mixed with cheese (usually sheep cheese), formed into a ball, and either grilled or baked. Sometimes, bacon bits or sour cream are added for extra flavor. The dish is simple yet flavorful, often served as a hearty snack or as part of a main meal. It's a comforting dish enjoyed by many in Romania, particularly during colder months.

It is so GOOD!

Cozonacul is a traditional Romanian and Bulgarian cake, traditionally cooked for Ester or Christmas. The main ingredients are flour, milk, sugar, eggs, butter, sugar, yeast, and for a more pleasant taste, different essences are added, vanilla sugar , grated lemon or/and orange peels. The recipe for cozonac differs depending on the area of Romania where it is prepared. Traditionally, buns are kneaded by hand in a bowl. 

As its name suggests, Rădăuţi soup was first prepared in Rădăuți municipality in Suceava county in the 70s. Cornelia Dumitrescu invented this variety of soup. The housewife introduced chicken into the belly soup, at the insistence of the husband, who wanted chicken-flavored belly soup

Coliva is a food that is used for religious rituals (it is given as alms at memorial services and funerals) and is prepared from threshed wheat or arpacaș (coarsely ground barley). Coliva is an offering brought by the faithful to the church for sanctification, in the honor of the saint of the day, on someone's name day or for the relief of the souls of the deceased, of sins and their removal from eternal damnation.

Papanas are a kind of dessert made from sweet cottage cheese, eggs, flour, semolina, breadcrumbs and sugar. They are normally served with cream and jam or jam, but they are also served sprinkled with sugar. Papanasi are a traditional dessert.

Tuica is a traditional Romanian alcoholic drink obtained by fermenting and distilling plums. The Țuica is a symbol of Transylvanian people and was documented in Bistrita, in 1386, in a Hungarian tax collection act under the name "cujka".

"Hora" is a traditional Romanian folk dance that is also popular in other Eastern European countries, such as Moldova, Bulgaria, and Israel. It is a circle dance performed by a group of people holding hands and moving in a synchronized manner to lively music. The dance typically involves simple steps and patterns, with participants often rotating in a clockwise direction. The hora is commonly performed at weddings, festivals, and other celebrations, and it is known for its joyful and energetic atmosphere.

I'm so excited and happy as I have just arrived in Barcelona.

PANCAKE, WELCOME TO SPAIN

Sagrada Familia

Pancake is going to visit Sagrada Familia. 

Sagrada Familia is a catholic temple created by Antoni Gaudi in the year 1882. Sagrada familia

 is 138m high and measures 4500 m2 and has a capacity for 9000 people. Pancake is surprised. Sagrada familia is an example of the art of Antoni Gaudi and a modern Catalan Basilica.  It is made of rock. Sagrada Familia is the most visited church in Spain and the second in Europe. Sagrada Familia has a metro station called Sagrada Familia too.

Breakfast time

Pancake has just arrived, it is 9h in the morning and since he is hungry, he has decided to go to a typical place for breakfast and, upon request, he ordered orange juice, toast with tomato and some churros with chocolate.He says that he is in love with the Spanish food.

He likes playing sports apart from going sightseeing. 

In Barcelona,  there is a famous football team called Barça ( FC Barcelona) and they are playing at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic mountain.

Pancake has arrived at Camp Nou because he likes sport.

The four most popular sports in our city are:

1. Football                                    2. Basketball

3.Swimming                                 4.Tennis        

Pancake is playing football and is happy because he likes playing with friends. The players are playing and invite Pancake to play, Pancake is incredibly happy because inhabitants from Barcelona have invited him. The color of the Barça  uniform is blue and garnet.   

Football

Most of the people in Spain play football. In Barcelona, we had a football stadium called Camp Nou where Football Club Barcelona played.  The new football stadium is currently under construction. This sport is between two sets of eleven players each, while the referees ensure that the rules are followed correctly. It is widely considered the most popular sport in the world, as some 270 million people practice it.

 Pancake also likes basketball a lot.

In Catalonia, there are good teams: Barcelona, Joventut Badalona and Bàsquet Manresa. In Spain there is also Real Madrid Baloncesto, Baskonia, Unicaja and Valencia Basket.

Basketball: Played between two sets of five players each in four quarter periods of ten minutes each 4 -. The team’s objective is to score points by putting a ball through the basket, a hoop 3.05 meters above the playing court surface from which a net hang. 

The score for each basket or basket is two or three points, depending on the position from which the shot is made, or one, if it is a free throw due to a foul by an opposition player, The winning team is the one that obtains the greatest number of points. 

6 Calatrava Tower (Carol)

️Swimming: Swimming is an individual or team racing sport that requires the use of the entire body to move through the water. The sport takes place in swimming pools or open water. 

There are different styles: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, and individual medley. 

Famous swimming clubs in Spain are: 

CN Sabadell, CN Atlètic-Barceloneta, CN Terrassa, CN Barcelona, CN Sant Andreu and Real Canoe. 

Pancake likes swimming, because I like swimming and playing with their friends.

The Real Club Barcelona is a famous tennis court because important championships take place. RCTB is considered the most prestigious tennis club in Spain.

It was founded on April 13, 1899.

Tennis: The main objective of the game to throw a ball by hitting it with the racket so that it bounces on the other side, passing the net within the allowed limits of the opponent’s field, ensuring that the opponent cannot return it to get a second .

Tennis, also called field tennis, is a sport played between two players (singles) or between two pairs (doubles).

In Barcelona, there is a well-known mountain: Montjuïc. 

You can find: 

1. Palau Sant Jordi     (an indoor facility)

2. The Montjuïc Communications Tower (designed by a Valencian architect, Santiago Calatrava).

 3. Mountain Montjuic (a famous hill in Barcelona). There, a World Fair was held in 1929 (palaces, pavilions, parks, sports stadiums and exhibitions rooms).

Palau Sant Jordi is a multifunctional pavilion located in the mountain Montjuïc and  includes other facilities such as the Olympic Stadium or the Picornell Swimming Pools.

It was designed by a Japanese architect. Arata Isozaki. 

The Montjuïc Communications Tower (also called Calatrava Tower)  is located in the Olympic park and it was built from 1989 to 1992.

It is made of steel, 136 meters high, it has an innovative design compared to most communications towers, with a structural form that is not based on a vertical trunk.

It represents an athlete holding the Olympic Flame. 

It was built for a telephone company to transmit television coverage of the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona.

The tower is white and is also made up of smooth metal plates. 

It is a former military fortress located in Montjuïc Mountain, in Barcelona. The fortress was an installation of the Spanish Army, although it was later transferred to the city council, which currently manages it. Historically, the castle was important in the history of Barcelona

Now, I want to buy some souvenirs

Ok, Pancake,so let's go to buy something!

If you are in Barcelona you need to buy something to remember this amazing trip. Magnets for your fridge are a very good idea. Pancake already has his magnet.

I want a FC Barcelona T-shirt because I’m going to Camp Nou.

Barcelona has one of the most famous football clubs in the world (Barça), so if you come to Barcelona you need to buy the T-shirt of the team. I know it is so expensive but it is a good present and behind the T-shirt you can add the name of the person and a number .You can buy the T-shirt in the Barça store

When you go to Barcelona you have to buy a nougat. In Barcelona are a lot of stores that sell a lots of types of nougats. There are a lot of flavours like- caramel, pistachio, chocolate... Vicens is a very famous nougat trademark.

I LOVE NOUGATS

THE RAMBLAS

The Rambla is a very beautiful iconic street and there are many green trees and there are also people who dress up as aliens and angels and many more things. It is a lively street.

It is 1.2 km long and connects the famous Catalunya Square with the  C Columbus monument at Port Vell (harbour).

I really like Las Ramblas. It is like a large boulevard. It is the most well known street in central Barcelona.

The Rambla is divided into 5 parts:

1Rambla de Canaletes 

2 Rambla dels Estudis

3 The Rambla de les Flors, full of florists

4 Rambla dels Caputxins

5 Rambla de Santa Monica

Rambla de Canaletes

La Rambla dels estudis

La Rambla de les flors

La Rambla de Caputxins

La Rambla de Santa Mònica

La Rambla is known for the street artists who are dressed up.

Pancake wants  to go to a new city because he wants to  visit Valencia

VALENCIA is a nice city in Spain. 

Valencia is a beautiful city and the language is Valencian derived from Catalan and has the Mediterranean sea.

The Valencian futbol club was founded in 18 march of 1919 was created by Augusto Milengo

the club is on the  9th position in LALIGA.

LUNCH  TIME

He is in a bar in the Barceloneta and he orders typical tapas, like bread with tomato, croquettes ,paella and a typical drink mojito. 

I'ts 14:00pm,  Pancake! so its lunch time and Pancake is hungry. 

Pancake is in love with the Spanish food

After visiting Barcelona

we are travelling to Madrid...

Famous people in Spain

Famous people 

Plaza Mayor

Food from Valencia

So, it is time to say goodbye!

This is the end of Pancake's trip. Visiting the countries in Europe  was an unforgettable experience! We have learnt a lot of things together!

Bye bye Pancake