On August 9, 2017, Song and Dance Ensemble "Kujawy" went to the Palacio Freire de Andrade in Portugal. On the way we visited Paris, Pampeluna, The Costa Brava, Barcelona, Verona and Venice.

The first stop was a water park in Paris. Aquaboulevard de Paris is a water theme park for anyone who loves madness in the water. Apart from the modern swimming pool, which made a great impression, we found there slides, where the fun was not over.

At night we set off to Spain. In Pampeluna, we spent the whole day. We tried to see the most interesting places of this city, famous for its annual bullfighting in the streets.

 Next day we had to go further to our destination- Portugal. The inhabitants of Valega were waiting for us. There was a parade promoting the region. Together with the inhabitants of town, we were walking along the streets, playing, dancing and presenting kujawskie dances and songs. We performed there with the first concert to show Polish culture and tradition. We will remember the time spent in Valedo for a long, because we were very warmly welcomed and met great people who would be happy to visit our city.

 After a few days we went to other concerts in other places: Aveiro and Andrade. On stage performed also folklore ensembles from Portugal and Serbia. On hot days the concerts began at. 22.00. After successful performances we rested among the people who cared for us and treated with kindness. From the very beginning of our stay in Portugal, each of us felt very well. We made friends with the local community. After successful concerts and promotions of our region, we had to return.

 From Portugal we went to Barcelona. Together with a guide we were sightseeing the capital of Catalonia. In the evening, we went to a hotel on the Costa Brava in Blanes.

 Then we went to Italy, where we visited Verona and Venice. Of course, we could not give up on Julia's balcony - the beloved of Romeo, the meeting place of a famous couple described by William Shakespeare. Many people were fascinated by the city on the water and certainly intrigued by a water tram, gondolas and other means of transport so different from our way of moving around the city. Which of us is coming to our house by boat?

 After nearly three weeks of travelling around Europe we returned to Poland, where our families were waiting for us. It was the time full of unforgettable experience. We showed our traditions, kujawskie dresses, songs and dances, and by the way we got to know the cultures of other countries.

 We express our gratitude to all who helped us in the realization of festival concerts in Portugal and visiting beautiful places. We would like to express our sincere thanks to our most loyal sponsors, Parents, and "Turysta" Tourist Office from Włocławek for financing the transport. We also thank the City Hall of Włocławek for the gadgets promoting our city.

 Preparation of departure: Maciej Mielczarski - manager of ZPiT Kujawy. Children and youth care: Arkadiusz Piasecki and Agata Krupińska-Lubańska. Costumes: Małgorzata Targańska. Musicians: Barbara Kozińska- violinist, Andrzej Krupiński- violinist, Miłosz Kierzkowski- accordionist and Igor Krupiński- drum.

The trip lasted from 9 to 27 August 2017.

                                               Translation: Lidia Miętkiewicz