Chapter one – The magic stone 

(Class AP4A - Afonso de Paiva School Cluster - Castelo Branco, Portugal | Ms Carla Nunes)

Maya was a girl who loved nature. She lived in a cottage in the Forest of The Gods, a magical forest in Europe and she liked walking in the countryside, feeling the sun on her skin, the wind in her hair and smelling the flowers. She was friends with the animals, talked to the trees and sang with the birds. She felt happy and at peace when she was in contact with nature.

One day, she found a very beautiful and different stone. It was round, smooth and shiny, with different colours. It looked like a miniature rainbow. Maya was enchanted by the stone and decided to take it home. She put it in her room on the table and admired it for a long time. At night, as she lay in bed, she heard a soft, melodious voice coming from the stone. It was the stone that was talking to her!

- Hello, Maya. I am the Magic Stone. I come from a very special place, where nature is pure and beautiful. I have an incredible power: I can take you anywhere you want, as long as it's a natural place. Would you like to try it?

Maya was surprised and curious. She had never spoken to a stone before, let alone a magic stone. She asked:

- How can you do that? How do you know my name? And how do you know that I like nature?

- I can do that because I'm a magician, of course. I know your name because I read your mind. And I know you like nature because I feel your heart. You have a kind 

and sensitive heart that rejoices in the wonders of creation. I like you, Maya. And you, do you like me? Maya smiled and replied:

- Yes, I like you, Magic Stone. You're very beautiful and nice. And I'd love to go with you to visit natural places all over the world. But how do we go?

- It's very simple. All you have to do is hold me, close your eyes and think about the place you want to visit. It can be somewhere you already know or somewhere you can imagine. Then you'll feel a sense of lightness and movement, and when you open your eyes, you'll be there. But be careful: you can only stay in each place for a day, and then you have to go. Otherwise, you could be stuck there forever. Are you ready?

Maya was a little scared, but also very excited. She wanted to see new and beautiful places and go on adventures with the Magic Stone. She picked up the stone, closed her eyes and thought of a place she had always wanted to visit ...

Chapter two – __Selonia__________

(Class 5D -  School: Scoala Gimnaziala Stefan cel Mare- city Bistrita , CountryRomania | Teacher Anca Lazaric)

 The girl thought for a moment.

 -I want to visit Selonia.

 -What is that? Is it far? I don't know how to get you there. You have to be more explicit.

 -Yes , it's very far away. I don't know if you can get me there,beacause it's only in my mind.

    The stone thought for a moment and then told her to close her eyes,next thing she knew she was  in a magical place. There were many mountains, rivers,lakes and waterfalls. There was even sand that felt warm and soft to the touch. There were magical creatures that roamed around. Maya was really tempted to walk by one of the waterfalls. She walked by the largest one. The water was crystal clear. When she was approaching it something happened...the ground was cut in half.

    It was like an earthquake exept nothing else was damaged. She started hearing a weird feminine voice. I was telling her to come closer but she couldn't because of the crack in the ground. She decided to ride one of the animals that had wings. It was a stingray with a bunny head and butterfly wings.

 - Hello! Would you be kind enough to help me get over there to the waterfall?

 -Well of course! Hop on!

And in no time, Maya got over to the other side.

 -Ok, what do I do next? Maya asked the voice.

 -Go through it! Don't be scared! Just go!

 -Ok... here goes nothing.

When Maya went through  the waterfall the water stopped. Inside there were 12 other stones, each carefully placed in a line. They were each of a different colour and next to them a drawing of an animal represented the stone.

-You can now choose a stone you want!

- Wait! Don't! the magic stone replied. She is trying to trick you into staying here forever. If you choose the wrong stone, I will disappear into the air and you won't be able to get out of here.

-He's lying! Don't trust him! a voice heard from afar.

What will Maya do? Will she pick the right stone?

Chapter three –  Red: the color of her dreams

(Class  6th grade - Integration Class - 1rst grade   School: 2nd Primary School of Agios Nikolaos - Crete Greece - Gika Anastasia - Kakambakou Anthoula - Athanasaki Eirini

Maya was so worried because she didn't know which stone to choose. Then she suddenly realized that a colouful butterfly wander around her head while whispering : "Choose the red, shiny stone!! Go for the red, shiny stone". Without even think about it she made the option of the indicated by the butterfly stone. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It was so harmonious! Like when meditating at school! And then, magic happened: she found herself floating in a small boat with the red stone in her hand.  As she looked all around her, she couldn't decide if the boat was kept afloat in a lake or into the sea. She then realized a fairyman beside her, with a puzzling smilling on his mouth. Was she in a dream?  As she looked at the opposite coast, she noticed a girl and a boy

 waving at her so to hear their voices: "It's a lagoon!! It's a lagoon!! You are at Agios Nikolaos". But, how they could even hear her thoughts!! It was quite an adventure for her: all so mysterious until now! This city was so beautiful!  Before blinking her eyes, the fairyman was turned into a mermaid wearing the same red-colored vest and her long blonde hair placed all over the bottom of the small boat. "How strange life can be..." she wondered. The kids staired at her and couldn't beleive their eyes. "Come play with us, Maya!! they yelled at her!! The little butterfly came out of the long hair and start whistling tenderly again: "It's time to leave ... just close your eyes and think" Maya wondered: Where's next ...? She was decided to enjoy each moment in all places would visit from now on! The kids suddenly realized that a small butterfly wandering around their ears ...

Chapter four–  Maya in Nafplio

(Class 5th Grade - 4th Primary School of Nafplio Greece-Aisopou Aikaterini & Konstantinidou Niki)

Maya closed her eyes, holding the red, shiny stone in her hand, and thought about the next place she wanted to explore. She felt the familiar sense of lightness and movement, and when she opened her eyes, she found herself in the enchanting city of Nafplio, Greece.

Nafplio is a picturesque city with cobblestone streets, neoclassical architecture, and a stunning waterfront. Maya could hear the soothing sound of waves and seagulls in the distance. As she wandered through the narrow alleys, she discovered vibrant bougainvillea cascading down whitewashed walls and charming little shops selling local crafts.

The magical stone whispered to her, "Nafplio is known for its rich history and beautiful surroundings. You can explore the ancient ruins, visit the Venetian fortress, or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere by the sea."

Maya decided to head towards the Palamidi Fortress, which overlooked the city from a hill. Climbing the stone steps, she marveled at the panoramic views of Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf. As she reached the top, the stone revealed more about the history of the fortress, its strategic significance, and the tales of the past echoing within its walls.

Descending from Palamidi, Maya found herself drawn to the sea. The stone guided her to a quiet beach with crystal-clear waters. She dipped her toes into the cool sea and felt a sense of tranquility. The magic stone spoke again, "Nature has a way of bringing peace to the heart. Embrace the beauty around you, Maya."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over Nafplio, Maya sat on a seaside bench, watching the sky change colors. The magical stone continued to share stories of ancient myths and legends associated with the area.

As the night fell, Maya felt grateful for the adventures she had experienced with the magic stone. She closed her eyes, whispering her thanks to the stone and expressing her desire for the next destination. The stone responded with a gentle hum, and once again, Maya felt the familiar sensation of lightness and movement.

Little did she know, the magic stone had many more wonders to reveal, and countless natural marvels awaited her on this extraordinary journey. The butterfly fluttered around her, a silent companion in the ever-unfolding tapestry of her magical adventures.

Chapter five

(2nd Class, ObU "Jordan Jovkov" Plovdiv, Bulgaria)

    In her sleep Maya was thinking about where to go next. She wondered, to go to the mountain? To the sea? Ultimately he wanted to go somewhere that had enough greenery, ancient monuments and hills. When Maya woke up, she found herself in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. A city that is a neighboring country to Greece and a city with a lot of history. Plovdiv has evidence of habitation since the 6th millennium BC. The city was known in the West for most of recorded history by its Greek name (Philippopolis). Philippopolis is on the banks of the Evros River.

    Within the main city there are six hills. At the beginning of the 20th century there were seven, but one (Markovo Tepe) was razed. Three of them are called Three Hills (Трихалмие, trihalmie), the others are called Hill of Youth (Младежки хулм, Mladezki halm), Hill of the Liberators (Хлм на освободителите, Halm na osvoboditeli), and Danov's Hill (Данов хлум, Danov halm).

    The city has over 200 archaeological sites, of which 30 are of national importance. There are many remains from antiquity - the city is among the few, which has two ancient theaters -, parts of medieval walls and towers, Ottoman baths and mosques, a well-preserved old quarter from the National Renaissance period with fine residences, churches and cobbled streets . There are many museums, galleries and cultural institutions.

    Maya continued her exploration. She went to the Ancient Theater (Antichen Theater) which is probably the best known monument from antiquity in Bulgaria. It was built at the beginning of the 2nd century during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan. Then she went to the Ancient Stadium which is another important monument of the ancient city. It was built in the 2nd century during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is located between the hills of Shahat Tepe and Taksim Tepe, today under the main road from Jumaya Square to Kamenica Square. It was modeled after the Delphi stadium.  The Old Town of Plovdiv is a historic preserved area, known for its architectural style of the Bulgarian Renaissance. Almost every house in the Old Town has its characteristic exterior and interior decoration. 

      Maya also went to gardens. The garden of Tsar Simeon is the most important park of the city. It is not a natural green belt, but an artificially created oasis by Plovdiv landscaper Lucien Chevalas – the Swiss gardener known by the nickname of the Minister of Flowers. It has a Viennese pavilion, several fountains and a relaxation area, playgrounds. It is also home to the famous Singing Fountains, built in the middle of the garden's large lake, which have become a major attraction for both locals and visitors to the city. 

Towards the end of the day Maya went for a walk in Gebna Baja. The "lungs" of Plovdiv, as the area around the scree under the hills is often called, was once considered a real phenomenon in global practice. This is one of the most favorite places for walks of Plovdiv residents and visitors to the city. In addition to rest and relaxation, the park is also used for active activities. The sports and entertainment options are many, from cycling and rowing lessons, to tennis and amateur football in numerous venues adapted for this. After this long walk Maya managed to see a few of the beautiful sights of the city. The little butterfly again appeared in front of her and reminded her that she must continue her journey. And so it happened...

Chapter six  Serpil Akkol Murat Kölük Primary SCHOOL İSTANBUL/TÜRKİYE

Maya came to Turkey by plane with the magic stone in her hand. She visited many places in Turkey. Maya went to Istanbul with her family, holding the magic stone in her hand. Maya went to the Rahmi Koç Museum and saw the paintings. She saw many items used in the past. From here she went to visit Dolmabahçe Palace. Maya took the ferry to go to the Maiden's Tower. She visited there, then took the tram to the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower and then to the Beşiktaş beach. 

He watched the sea on the beach and threw bagels to the seagulls. She crossed the bridge connecting the continents of Asia and Europe. 

After visiting Istanbul, Maya went to the city of Van because she was curious about the Van Lake Monster. She made the local breakfast. 

He went to Gazi Antep to eat baklava. Later, he went to visit Çanakkale because he was curious about the Trojan Horse. Maya visited many beautiful places in Turkey. She was very excited to tell her friends about her experiences.

Chapter 7 Maya's Adventure in Ankara

Tusaş Şehit Hakan Gülşen Vocational & Technical Anatolian Highschool

İsmail SARIKAYA & Fatma Ceren KARATAŞ 

Her next stop was the vibrant city of Ankara, the capital of Turkey, renowned for its historical and touristic landmarks.

As Maya stepped off the train at Ankara's bustling station, she was greeted by the energetic atmosphere and the scent of spices wafting through the air. Excitement bubbled within her as she embarked on her exploration of the city.

Her first destination was the iconic Ankara Citadel, perched proudly atop a hill overlooking the city. With its ancient walls and imposing towers, the Citadel stood as a testament to Ankara's rich history. Maya marveled at the intricate carvings adorning the walls and imagined the stories they held within.

Chapter 8

Maya in Sicily....Italy

1°CDS"L.Sciascia"primary school of Caltanissetta, Italy.

Teacher: Sabrina Verde

During her travel, Maya's fallen asleep and when she woke up she opened her eyes and...ops! She was in front of an indication with Sicily written on it. She Asked to herself:"What a strange name...let's go and visit this island...She fond herself in Cefalù. Cefalù is a delightful Norman town nestled on the shores of a very blue sea and dominated by a fortress so famous that it is known simply as... the Rocca. Easily reachable by train, it is the perfect destination for a day trip from Palermo, for a few days' holiday or as a base for exploring the nearby Aeolian Islands. Suddenly she thought: " once you arrive in Cefalù you will never want to leave". Suddenly she blinked her eyes and...she found herself...

...in Agrigento and  is world famous for its Valley of the Temples, an impressive UNESCO world heritage site. When its name was Akragas, Pindar considered it “the most beautiful city among mortals”.So she decided to visit the city but...when he was in the bus she fallen asleep again and when opened her eyes she was in front of a huge, white sand staircase...she tought it was a mountain with the snow but when she climbed it she realized thet it wasn't cold as the snow ...and when she turned around to look the amazing landscape she noticed that there the see and so she realized that it was a white sand. then she moved on others adventures...

In Italy Maya flew to Venice to see the festivity of Saint Mark and the Bocolo.Engaged couples give gifts to their loved ones on April 25th every year. The rosebud is from a legend based on a true story of Tancredi and Vulcana.

IC Padre Pio da Pietrelcina Italy

Carmelita Iuvara

Chapter 9

Maya in Munich....Germany

P4/5ELA Greek class of the European school of Munich

Teacher: Alexandra Sagri

Maya holding the stone in her hand, thought about the next place she wanted to discover. Suddenly, she closed her eyes and when she opened them, she found herself in Munich, Germany.

Munich’s history came alive as she was walking through the paths of the city.

She could learn about the city's founder Henry the Lion (Heinrich der Löwe) and other historical figures.

It was October and every year people at that period celebrate Oktoberfest in Munich, a festival full of music and dancing, so Maya visited this festival and discovered the Bavarian way of entertainment.

Maya then took the train and visited the most beautiful castle in the whole world, Neuschwanstein Castle. The fairytale castle Neuschwanstein is a popular sight-seeing in Germany. The castle in Hohenschwangau (Bavaria) was built by order of King Ludwig II and it was the inspiration for the Disney Cinderella castle.Wow. She felt like a real princess for a while. And the view of Alps astonishing. 
When she returned back to the city of Munich, the stone led her to Isar river and the amazing Englischer Gardens, where she saw the famous Surfers! She aproached `the river, that is called "Eisbach", that has a standing wave where brave surfers show their skills every day, every season, no matter how cold the water is.

It was then that she was grateful realising that her magic stone was a treasure for her, because she had the chance to meet so many interesting places. She was very excited to tell her friends about her experiences.But now where will she be transferred?Will the journey go on?

Chapter 10 -  The ancient city of Thebes

Maya in Thebes....Greece

8th Primary school of Thebes 

Teacher: Irene Matsagoura (ΕΙΡΗΝΗ ΜΑΤΣΑΓΓΟΥΡΑ)

Maya, holding the magic stone in her hand, closed her eyes and focused on her next destination. As she opened her eyes, she found herself in the ancient city of Thebes, located in Central Greece. Thebes is known for it rich history, legendary tales, and archaeological sites that date back thousands of years.

Upon her arrival, Maya was greeted by the majestic sight of the Cadmea, the acropolis of Thebes, rising proudly above the city. 

She could feel the echoes of ancient myths and stories that had unfolded within these ancient walls. The stone whispered  to her, sharing tales of brave heroes and fierce battles that once took place in this legendary city.

Eager to explore, Maya wandered through the streets of Thebes, marveling at the ruins of ancient temples that stood as testaments to the city's glorious past. She could witness firsthand the remnants of a civilization that had shaped the course of history.

As Maya continued her exploration, the stone guided her to a mystic cave, where was the remains of the famous Sphynx of Thebes, a symbol of wisdom and mystery.

The stone revealed to her the enigmatic riddles and legends that surrounded this mythical creature, leaving Maya in awe of the secrets that lay hidden within the city's ancient walls.