Laudio

(March 2025)

Today was a memorable day in our Erasmus+ mobility in the Basque Country. Our group of 10 students and 2 teachers from Finland, together with our ten students from Laudio IES, set out early in the morning on a bus from Laudio, full of excitement and curiosity for what lay ahead.

Our first stop was Gernika, a town deeply rooted in Basque identity and history. As we arrived, we were immediately caught by the peaceful atmosphere, knowing the town’s tragic past during the Spanish Civil War, and walking the same streets that were once devastated in the 1937 bombing.

We visited the Gernika Jai Alai Fronton, where we had the chance to see the court or Jai Alai and learn more about the traditional Basque sport of pelota. A local guide gave us an introduction to the game, its rules, and its cultural significance. Some of us even tried our hand at holding the cesta—the curved basket used in Jai Alai. It was harder than it looked, but really fun to try!

Afterward, we walked through the town with the explanations of a tour guide and visited the Tree of Gernika, a powerful symbol of Basque freedom and democracy. Standing in front of it, we took a quiet moment to reflect before heading off for lunch. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in Gernika, it was a great opportunity to sit together, share food, and talk about what we’d learned so far.

In the afternoon, we traveled along the coast to reach San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The little island connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge and the steps was even more breathtaking in person. We began the climb slowly, pausing often to take photos of the turquoise sea and dramatic cliffs.

Reaching the church at the top felt like a real accomplishment. Tired but happy, we made our way back down and returned to the bus. The ride back to Laudio was filled with quiet conversations, naps, and laughter as we looked through photos and shared our favorite parts of the day. It was a day full of culture, nature, history and many unforgettable memories.

[EUSK]

Gaur gogoratzeko izan da gure Erasmus+ mugikortasunean hemen, gure herrian. Finlandiako 10 ikaslek eta 2 irakaslek osatutako taldea, Laudioko 10 ikaslerekin batera, goizean goiz abiatu da Laudioko autobus batean, emozioz eta jakin-minez beterik.
Gure lehen geldiunea Gernika izan zen, euskal nortasunean eta historian sakon errotutako herria. Iritsi garenean, berehala harrapatu gaitu giro baketsuak, Espainiako Gerra Zibilean hiriaren iragan tragikoa ezagutu dugu, eta 1937ko bonbardaketan suntsitutako kale berberetan ibili gara.
Gernika Jai Alai frontoia bisitatu dugu, eta bertan frontoia edo Jai Alai ikusteko aukera izan dugu, pelotako euskal kirol tradizionala hobeto ezagutzeko. Tokiko gida batek sarrera bat eman digu jolasari, bere arauei eta bere esanahi kulturalari buruz. Gutako batzuek zestari eusten ere saiatu gara: Jai Alai-n erabiltzen den saski kurbatua. Zirudiena baino gogorragoa izan da, baina benetan dibertigarria saiatzea!
Ondoren, hirian zehar ibili gara gida turistiko baten azalpenekin, eta Gernikako Arbola bisitatu dugu, euskal askatasunaren eta demokraziaren ikur boteretsua. Haren aurrean jarrita, une lasai bat hartu dugu hausnartzeko, bazkaltzera abiatu aurretik. Bazkari goxoa izan dugu Gernikan, aukera ederra izan da elkarrekin eseri, janaria partekatu eta orain arte ikasitakoaz hitz egiteko.
Arratsaldean, kostaldetik ibili gara Gaztelugatxeko San Juanera iristeko. Irla txikia harrizko zubi bihurgunetsu batek lotzen duen kontinentearekin, eta harmailak are arnasestuagoak dira. Astiro hasi dugu igoera, etenaldi bat eginez sarritan itsaso turkesa eta itsaslabar dramatikoen argazkiak ateratzeko.
Elizaraino iristea benetako lorpena iruditu zait. Nekatuta baina pozik, atzera egin eta autobusera itzuli gara. Laudioko itzulia solasaldi isilez, siestaz eta algaraz bete da, argazkiak ikusi eta eguneko alderik gogokoenak partekatu ditugun bitartean. Kulturaz, naturaz, historiaz eta oroitzapen ahaztezin ugariz beteriko eguna izan da.

Today was our second day of the Erasmus+ mobility project in Laudio, and it was all about getting to know the local school, culture, and people. We spent the whole day at Laudio BHI and its surroundings. The morning started with an exciting moment: the two Finnish teachers, along with one of the Basque teachers and two Laudio students who had previously participated in Erasmus+ mobilities to Ireland and the Italian Tirol, were invited to Radio Llodio for an interview. They talked about the project, shared their experiences, and reflected on what international exchanges mean for young people.

Meanwhile, the Finnish students teamed up with older Basque students, who took on the role of friendly tour guides. They showed them around the town of Laudio, sharing interesting facts, personal stories, and local spots. It was a fun and relaxed way to explore, and it gave us the chance to chat more with the locals. After the town tour, we returned to the school and had a sports session led by Javi, the PE teacher. We played mixed team games and had a lot of laughs. There was a lot of team spirit and friendly competition. Following sports, we shifted into something more creative with an arts and crafts activity led by Gotzone, the art teacher. We worked on a visual interpretation of the beautiful Basque song "Txoriak Txori". Even though not all of us spoke the language, the meaning behind the song—about freedom and being true to oneself—really resonated with everyone. Our artworks were colorful, thoughtful, and full of heart.

After a well-deserved break, we headed to Faktoria, a local space for cultural and educational activities. There, we joined in a series of games and activities about the Basque and Finnish languages. It was both funny and fascinating to try each other’s tongue-twisters and words that had no direct translation. By the end of the day, we were all tired but happy. We’d learned so much—not just about each other’s countries, but about what it means to share, connect, and create something meaningful together.

Finally, the Finnish students left home with their Basque host Friends to spend the afternoon and evening with their host families because we had to go to the airport to wait for the Irish students who will stay with us for a week.

[EUSK]

Erasmus+ mugikortasun proiektuaren bigarren eguna izan da gaur Laudion, eta bertako eskola, kultura eta jendea ezagutu nahi izan dituzte. Laudio BHIn eta inguruetan eman dugu egun osoa. Goiza une zirraragarri batekin hasi da: bi irakasle finlandiarrak, Laudioko bi ikasle eta euskal irakasle batekin batera, Erasmus+ ekimenean parte hartu zutenak Irlandara eta Italiako Tirolera, Laudioko Irratira gonbidatu dituzte elkarrizketa bat egitera. Proiektuaz hitz egin dute, beren esperientziak partekatu dituzte eta nazioarteko trukeek gazteentzat zer esan nahi duten hausnartu dute.
Bitartean, Finlandiako ikasleak euskal ikasle nagusiagoekin elkartu dira, eta haiek hartu dute bisita-gidariaren rola. Laudioko herria erakutsi diete, datu interesgarriak, istorio pertsonalak eta tokiko tokiak partekatuz. Esploratzeko modu dibertigarri eta lasaia izan da, eta bertakoekin gehiago hitz egiteko aukera ematen digu. Herriko biraren ondoren, eskolara itzuli gara eta kirol saio bat izan dugu, Javi gorputz heziketako irakaslea buru zela. Talde mistoan jokatu dugu eta barre asko egin dugu. Talde espiritu eta lagunarteko lehia handia egon da. Kirolei jarraituz, zerbait sortzaileagora pasa gara Gotzone arte irakasleak gidatutako arte eta ofizio jarduerarekin. "Txoriak txori" euskal abesti ederraren interpretazio bisual bat landu dugu. Nahiz eta denok ez genuen hizkuntza hitz egiten, kantuaren atzean zegoen esanahiak — askatasunari eta norbere buruarekiko leialtasunari buruzkoak — mundu guztiarekiko oihartzun handia izan du. Gure artelanak koloretsuak, pentsakorrak eta bihotzez beteak izan dira.
Merezitako atsedenaldiaren ostean, Faktoriara jo dugu, kultur eta hezkuntza jardueretarako gune lokalera. Han, euskara eta finlandieraren inguruko hainbat jolas eta jardueratan parte hartu dugu. Xelebrea eta liluragarria izan da, aldi berean, elkarren tonu-bihurkinak eta itzulpen zuzenik ez zuten hitzak probatzea. Azkenean, nekatuta geunden, baina pozik. Hainbeste ikasi dugu, ez bakarrik besteen herrialdeei buruz, baizik eta elkarrekin zerbait esanguratsua partekatu, konektatu eta sortzeari buruz.
Azkenik, Finlandiako ikasleak beren euskal familiekin joan dira etxera, arratsaldea eta gaua familia harreragileekin pasatzera, irakasleok aireportura joan behar izan baitdugu astebetez gurekin geratuko diren ikasle irlandarren zain egoteko.

Today was another chapter of our Erasmus+ adventure, and it was very special because we were joined by the Irish students and teachers for the first time. The whole day was filled with cultural exploration, new friendships, and lots of learning.

We began the day with a train ride from Laudio to Bilbo (Bilbao). The train was full of excitement, as the Finnish, Basque, and Irish students chatted and got to know each other. When we arrived in Bilbo, we began our journey with a walk to the Guggenheim Museum. The first look at the museum's iconic "Puppy" sculpture was inspiring, and the building itself looked even more incredible in real life—so modern, with curvy titanium panels shining under the sun. We had a guided tour inside, and our guide explained the pieces of contemporary art that filled the museum. We all enjoyed hearing about the creative process and history behind the works.

After the museum visit, it was time for lunch at Doña Casilda Park. It was a great spot for a picnic with plenty of green space. The students, Basque, Finnish, and Irish, sat in groups under the trees, sharing food and talking about life back home. There was a real sense of togetherness as we all got to know each other better.

Once we had finished our meal, we were given some free time to wander around the area and explore Bilbo. The park was near the city center, and it was lovely to walk around, snap photos, and chat with new friends. After that, we went for a walk along the Nerbioi River towards the old part of Bilbo, also known as the Seven Streets (Las Siete Calles). The streets were narrow, full of history, and bustling with life. We admired the old buildings, colorful shops, and had fun exploring little corners we might have missed. Some of the families of the Basque students also joined us at this point, and it was great to see the host families interacting with the guest students from Finland and Ireland. After more free time to enjoy the city, it was time to head back to Laudio and we boarded the train back home. The train ride was quieter on the way back, with most of us reflecting on the day, sharing photos, and chatting about how much fun we had in Bilbo. It was a day of new experiences and discovering the beauty of the Basque country together.

[EUSK]

Gaurkoa gure Erasmus+ abenturaren beste kapitulu bat izan da, eta oso berezia izan da ikasle eta irakasle irlandarrak batu zaizkigulako lehen aldiz. Egun osoa miaketa kulturalez, adiskidetasun berriez eta ikasketa ugariz betea izan da.
Eguna Laudiotik Bilborako (Bilbo) tren bidaia batekin hasi dugu. Trena zirraraz beterik zegoen, ikasle finlandiarrak, euskaldunak eta irlandarrak berriketan eta elkar ezagutzen ari baitziren. Bilbora iritsi garenean, Guggenheim Museora joan gara. Museoaren "Puppy" eskultura enblematikoaren lehen begirada inspiratzailea izan da, eta eraikinak berak are itxura sinestezinagoa zuen bizitza errealean, hain modernoa, eguzkipean titaniozko panel kizkurrekin distiratzen zuena. Bisita gidatu bat izan dugu barruan, eta gure gidariak museoko arte garaikideko piezak azaldu dizkigu. Denoi gustatu zaigu entzutea sormen prozesua eta lanen atzean dagoen historia.
Museoko bisitaren ondoren, bazkaltzeko ordua zen Casilda Iturrizar parkean. Leku bikaina zen leku berde ugariko piknik baterako. Ikasleak, euskaldunak, finlandiarrak eta irlandarrak, taldeka eseri dira zuhaitzen azpian, janaria partekatzen eta etxerako bizitzaz hitz egiten. Benetako adiskidetasun sentsazioa izan da, denok elkar hobeto ezagutzen baikenuen.
Behin bazkaria amaituta, denbora librea izan dugu inguruan ibili eta Bilbo esploratzeko. Parkea hiriaren erdigunetik hurbil zegoen, eta zoragarria izan da paseatzea, argazkiak ateratzea eta lagun berriekin hitz egitea. Ondoren, Nerbioi ibaitik paseatzera joan gara Bilboko alde zaharrerantz, Zazpi Kaleak izenez ere ezaguna. Kaleak estuak ziren, historiaz beteak, eta bizi-zalapartatsuak. Eraikin zaharrak mirestu ditugu, denda koloretsuak, eta ondo pasatu dugu kale kantoietan barrena. Euskal ikasleen familia batzuk ere elkartu zaizkigu puntu honetan, eta zoragarria izan da harrera familiak Finlandia eta Irlandako ikasle gonbidatuekin harremanetan ikustea. Hiriaz gozatzeko denbora libre gehiago izan ondoren, Laudiora itzuli eta etxerako trena hartu dugu. Treneko bidaia lasaiagoa izan da itzuleran, gehienok egunari buruz hausnartzen, argazkiak partekatzen eta Bilbon zenbat dibertitu garen berriketan. Esperientzia berriak eta Euskal Herriaren edertasuna elkarrekin ezagutzeko eguna izan da.

Our fourth day of the Erasmus+ mobility in Laudio was filled with warmth, tradition, and creativity. It was a day in which we celebrated everything this project is about—connection, culture, and shared memories.

The morning began at Laudio BHI with a welcome ceremony for all the Finnish and Irish students and teachers. Two of our Basque students opened the event with a beautiful agurra, the traditional Basque dance performed as a sign of respect and welcome. It was a powerful and emotional way to start the day, and many of us felt truly touched by the gesture. Our headmaster then shared a few words, followed by short speeches from the visiting Finnish and Irish teachers. It was amazing to hear how meaningful this exchange had been for everyone involved. After the formal part, some of our Basque Erasmus+ students led everyone in ludic activities—icebreaker games and group challenges that had us laughing and learning together. The atmosphere was friendly, fun, and full of energy. While the students were bonding through games, the visiting teachers were taken on a tour of the school, getting to see what daily life is like for us in Laudio BHI. They explored classrooms, met staff, and asked questions about our educational system and local traditions.

Next, we all headed to Laudio's Town Hall, where we were welcomed by the mayor. It felt very special to be officially greeted by the town’s representatives. We also enjoyed an engaging presentation by archaeologist Sergio Escribano, who gave us a fascinating look into the origins and history of Laudio. His talk helped us better understand the deep roots of the town we’ve come to feel part of over the last few days.

Back at school, the students gathered again to work on one of our favorite collaborative projects: the multilingual dictionary. Together, we added words and phrases in Basque, Spanish, Finnish, English, and Irish, celebrating the richness of our languages and cultures. It was amazing to see how much we could teach and learn from one another just through language. After the workshop, everyone went home for lunch and a bit of rest, with the anticipation building for our final event together: the farewell party.

In the evening, we met again at the Casino in Lamuza Park, a beautiful and historic venue, the perfect place for the closing celebration. The atmosphere was festive but emotional. There was music and dancing, and plenty of delicious food prepared by the host families. The highlight of the evening was the ceremony where all participants received their certificates. There were hugs, applause, and even a few tears—especially as we said goodbye to the Finnish group, who are leaving tomorrow. It was a bittersweet moment, but also filled with excitement, knowing that we’ll meet again when we visit Finland in early April.

This day reminded us of how powerful and meaningful international connections can be. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but the friendships we’ve made and the memories we’ve created will stay with us long after this mobility ends. After the part at the casino the students left home with their host families. The Finnish will leave tomorrow but the Irish will stay with us till next Wednesday

[EUSK]

Laudioko Erasmus+ mugikortasunaren laugarren eguna berotasunez, tradizioz, eta sormenez bete da. Egun horretan proiektu honen inguruko guztia ospatu dugu: lotura, kultura eta oroitzapen partekatuak.
Laudioko Laudio BHIn hasi da goiza, ikasle eta irakasle finlandiar eta irlandar guztiei ongietorria emanez. Gure bi euskal ikaslek “agurra” harrera dantza dantzatu diete kanpotik etorritakoei, euskal dantza tradizionala, errespetuaren eta ongietorriaren adierazgarri. Eguna hasteko modu indartsu eta hunkigarria izan da. Gure zuzendariak hitz batzuk esan dizkie gure bisitariei, eta gero irakasle finlandiar eta irlandar bisitarien hitzaldi laburrak izan ditugu. Harrigarria izan da entzutea trukeak zer-nolako zentzua duen parte hartzen ari diren guztientzat. Zati formalaren ondoren, gure Erasmus+ ikasle euskaldun batzuek jarduera ludikoak egin dituzte, jolas izozkorragoak eta talde-erronkak, elkarrekin barre eta ikas genezan. Giro atsegina, dibertigarria eta kemenez betea egon da. Ikasleak jolasetan elkartzen ziren bitartean, irakasle bisitariak ikastetxea ikustera joan dira, Laudio BHIko eguneroko bizitza nolakoa den ikustera. Ikasgelak aztertu dituzte, langileak ezagutu eta gure hezkuntza sistemari eta tokiko tradizioei buruzko galderak egin dituzte.
Ondoren, Laudioko udaletxera joan gara denok, eta alkateak harrera egin digu. Oso berezia izan da hiriko ordezkariek ofizialki agurtzea. Era berean, Sergio Escribano arkeologoak Laudioko jatorria eta historia modu liluragarrian aztertu eta azaldu ditu. Haren hizketak azken egunetan parte sentitzen ari garen hiriaren sustrai sakonak hobeto ulertzen lagundu digu .
Eskolara itzulita, ikasleak berriro bildu dira gure lankidetza proiektu gogokoenetako bat lantzeko: hiztegi eleaniztuna. Elkarrekin, ikasleek hitzak eta esaldiak gehitu dituzte euskaraz, gaztelaniaz, finlandieraz, ingelesez eta irlanderaz, gure hizkuntzen eta kulturen aberastasuna ospatuz. Harrigarria izan da elkarrengandik hizkuntzaren bidez zenbat irakatsi eta ikasi genezakeen ikustea. Tailerraren ondoren, denak etxera joan dira bazkaltzera eta atseden pixka bat hartzera, elkarrekin egingo genuen azken ekitaldiaren zain: agur-festa.
Gauean, Lamuza Parkeko kasinoan elkartu gara berriro, leku eder eta historiko batean, amaiera ospatzeko leku ezin hobea. Jai giroa izan dugu, musika eta dantza zegoen, eta familia anfitrioiek prestatutako jaki gozo ugari. Gaueko gauzarik nabarmenena parte-hartzaile guztiek beren ziurtagiriak jaso dituzten zeremonia izan da. Besarkadak, txaloak eta malko batzuk ere izan ditugu, batez ere Finlandiako taldeari agur esan diogunean, bihar abiatuko baitira beraien herrira. Une gazi-gozoa izan izan da, baina baita emozioz betea ere, apirilaren hasieran Finlandia bisitatzen dugunean berriro elkartuko garela jakinda.
Egun honek nazioarteko konexio indartsu eta esanguratsuak gogorarazi dizkigu. Inoiz ez da erraza agur esatea, baina egin ditugun lagunak eta sortu ditugun oroitzapenak gurekin geratuko dira mugikortasun hau amaitu eta askoz geroago. Kasinoko partearen ondoren, ikasleak beren harrera-familiekin joan dira. Finlandiarrak bihar joango dira, baina irlandarrak asteazkenera arte geratuko dira gurekin.

After a weekend with the families, the Irish group and 10 of our students, set off on a full-day adventure to explore part of the province of Álava (Araba). Despite the rain, it turned out to be a fascinating and enriching day.

Our first stop was the unique and historical site of Gesaltza–Salinas de Añana, a salt valley that has been used for salt production for thousands of years. Even though the weather wasn’t on our side, the moment we stepped onto the wooden walkways and saw the geometric pools of saltwater, we knew we were somewhere truly special. A local guide walked us through the salt flats, explaining how the salt is naturally extracted from the saline spring water and how the process has barely changed since Roman times. We learned not just about salt production, but also about the cultural, historical, and ecological importance of the area.

After the tour, we took part in a workshop where we got to touch, taste, and compare different types of salt—including flor de sal, black salt, and flavored varieties. We were all a bit surprised by how different they could taste and how much detail goes into something as simple as salt.

Once we finished at Salinas, we hopped back on the bus and made our way to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of the Basque Country. Unfortunately, the weather took a turn for the worse—heavy rain and wind—so instead of a walking tour, we had a break at a shopping mall, where we could all dry off and enjoy a proper lunch together. It was a nice chance to relax, chat, and have a warm meal.

After an hour in the mall, the skies didn’t clear, and we headed by bus to the old quarter of Gasteiz to visit the newly restored Santa María Cathedral. The experience was absolutely breathtaking. Our guide took us on a detailed tour through the cathedral and its restoration project. We learned that the building had been “sick” for many years—its structure slowly collapsing from below—but thanks to an incredible conservation effort, it's being saved and brought back to life. The tour ended in the cathedral’s high tower, where we went upstairs to enjoy a panoramic view over the old part of Gasteiz. Even in the rain and mist, the view was magical—rooftops, cobblestone streets, and bell towers stretching out in all directions. Tired but happy, we returned to Laudio in the evening with a whole new appreciation for the history of this part of the Basque Country.

[EUSK]

Familiekin asteburua igaro ondoren, irlandar taldeak eta gure 10 ikaslek egun osoko abentura bati ekin diote Arabako zati bat esploratzeko. Euria egin arren, egun liluragarri eta aberasgarria izan da.
Gesaltza kokaleku bakarra eta historikoa izan da gure lehen geltokia. Gatz haran hori milaka urtez erabili izan da gatza ekoizteko. Eguraldia gure alde ez bazegoen ere, zurezko pasabideetara igo eta ur gaziko putzu geometrikoak ikusi ditugun unean, bagenekien leku berezi batean geundela. Bertako gidari batek gatz-pisuetan barrena eraman gaitu, eta nola berez ateratzen den gatza iturburuko ur gazitik, eta prozesua ez dela ia aldatu erromatarren garaitik azaldu digu. Gatzaren ekoizpenari buruz ez ezik, zonaldearen garrantzi kultural, historiko eta ekologikoari buruz ere ikasi dugu.
Biraren ondoren, tailer batean parte hartu dugu, non gatz mota desberdinak ukitu, dastatu eta konparatu ditugun, besteak beste, flor de sal, black salt eta zaporedun barietateak. Denok harritu gara, apur bat, zein ezberdin dasta zezaketen eta zenbat xehetasun sartzen den gatza bezain sinplea den zerbaitetan.
Gesaltzan amaitu ondoren, autobusean itzuli eta Gasteizerako bidea hartu dugu, Euskal Herriko hiribururaino. Zoritxarrez, eguraldiak okerragorako joera hartu du — euria eta haize zakarra —, eta, beraz, paseoan ibili beharrean, atseden hartu dugu merkataritza-gune batean, non denok lehortu eta elkarrekin bazkari egokiaz gozatzeko aukera izan dugun. Aukera polita zen lasaitzeko, hitz egiteko eta otordu beroa egiteko.
Merkataritza gunean ordubete igaro ondoren, zerua ez da argitu, eta autobusez joan gara Gasteizko auzo zaharrera, Santa Maria katedral zaharberritu berria bisitatzera. Esperientzia guztiz hatsankorra izan da. Gure gidak katedrala eta zaharberritze-proiektua zehatz-mehatz aztertu ditu. Azaldu digunaren arabera, eraikinak urte asko zeramatzan "gaixorik" — egitura behetik behera erortzen ari zitzaion pixkanaka —, baina kontserbazio ahalegin ikaragarriari esker, salbatu eta biziberritzen ari dira. Katedraleko dorre altuan amaitzen zen ibilbidea, eta han gora igo gara Gasteizko alde zaharraren ikuspegi panoramikoaz gozatzeko. Euripean eta lanbroan ere, ikuspegia magikoa zen: teilatuak, galtzada-harrizko kaleak eta kanpandorreak norabide guztietan. Nekatuta baina pozik, Laudiora itzuli gara, Euskal Herriko alde honetako historiari estimu berri batekin.

Today was an incredible day for the Irish group as we set off on our final excursion before saying goodbye to Laudio tomorrow. The destination was the famous Bizkaia Bridge (Puente Colgante) in Portugalete, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic landmarks of the Basque Country.

We took the train from Laudio to Portugalete, and the journey was pleasant as we enjoyed the beautiful landscapes and chatted. Once we arrived, we took a short walk around the area on the left bank of the river. The view of the bridge was already impressive from down below, but we were all eager to see it up close. The real fun began when, after crossing the bridge below on its platform, we boarded the lift that took us up to the bridge. It was a smooth ride, and as we ascended, the view expanded more and more—until we were standing high above the river estuary with the sea in the distance. The bridge is a marvel of engineering: a suspension bridge with a pedestrian walkway across the top, suspended over the water. It’s the oldest of its kind in the world and has been in operation since 1893. Walking along the bridge felt amazing—especially since it’s so high up.

After soaking in the views, we took the lift back down and walked around the right bank of the river. The area was lovely, it was a perfect place to walk around and explore. We took lots of photos, and enjoyed just hanging out before heading back. Once we had explored enough, we took the train back to Laudio. As this was our last full day together before the Irish group heads back home, the students were given the afternoon off. It was a bittersweet time for everyone, as they had the chance to relax, reflect, and enjoy some final moments with their host families. It was a day full of spectacular views, fun experiences, and the realization that the Erasmus+ journey was nearing its end. We all agreed that this exchange has been unforgettable and that the bonds we’ve formed will last long beyond this trip.

[EUS]

Gaur egun sinestezina izan da talde irlandarrarentzat azken txanpari ekin diogunean bihar Laudiori agur esan aurretik. Helmuga Portugaleteko Bizkaia Zubia (Puente Colgante) zen, UNESCOren Gizateriaren Ondare eta Euskal Herriko mugarri enblematikoenetako bat.
Laudiotik Portugaleterako trena hartu dugu eta bidaia atsegina izan da, paisaia ederrez gozatu eta solasean aritu baitgara. Iritsi garenean, ibilaldi labur bat egin dugu ibaiaren ezkerraldean. Zubiaren ikuspegia txundigarria zen goitik behera, baina denok gertu ikusteko irrikaz geunden. Benetako dibertsioa, beheko zubia bere nasan zeharkatu ondoren, zubiraino eramaten gintuen igogailura igo garenean hasi da. Ibilaldi leuna zen, eta gora egin ahala, ikuspegia gero eta zabalagoa zen, harik eta ibaiaren estuarioaren gainean, itsasoa urrutian genuela, goian egon garen arte. Zubia ingeniaritzako miraria da: zubi esekia, goiko aldean oinezkoentzako pasabide bat duena, ur gainean zintzilik. Mota honetako zaharrena da eta 1893tik funtzionatzen du. Zubian ibiltzea harrigarria iruditu zaigu, batez ere oso goian dagoelako.
Ikuspegiak ikusi ondoren, igogailua berriro hartu eta ibaiaren eskuineko ertza ezagutu dugu. Ingurua zoragarria zen, leku ezin hobea zen batetik bestera ibili eta esploratzeko. Argazki asko atera ditugu, eta souvenirren bat ere erosi dugu itzuli baino lehen. Nahikoa arakatu ondoren, Laudiora itzultzeko trena hartu dugu. Irlandar taldea etxera joan aurreko azken egun osoa zenez, ikasleei arratsaldea libre eman zaie. Une gazi-gozoa izan da guztiontzat, lasaitzeko, hausnartzeko eta azken une batzuez gozatzeko aukera izan baitdute harrera-familiekin. Ikuspegi ikusgarriz, esperientzia dibertigarriz eta Erasmus+ bidaia amaitzear zegoela konturatzeaz beteriko eguna izan da. Denok bat gatoz truke hau ahaztezina izan dela eta osatu ditugun loturak eta harremanek bidaia hau baino askoz gehiago iraungo dutela.