ŞCOALA „GHEORGHE ŢIŢEICA” - CONSTANŢA

PROIECTUL MULTILATERAL COMENIUS

“WE EUROPEANS HAVE A BAGFUL OF CULTURE TO SHARE”
Acest proiect a fost finanţat cu sprijinul Comisiei Europene.

Această publicaţie reflectă numai punctul de vedere al autorului şi Comisia nu

este responsabilă pentru eventuala utilizare a informaţiilor pe care le conţine

Acest proiect a fost finanţat cu sprijinul Comisiei Europene.

COLLECTION OF
Această publicaţie reflectă numai punctul de vedere al autorului şi Comisia nu este responsabilă pentru
eventuala utilizare a informaţiilor pe care le conţine

SHORT STORIES

Acest proiect a fost finanţat cu sprijinul Comisiei Europene.

Această publicaţie reflectă numai punctul de vedere al autorului şi Comisia nu este

responsabilă pentru eventuala utilizare a informaţiilor pe care le conţine.

Acest proiect a fost finanţat cu sprijinul Comisiei Europene.

 În cadrul proiectului european „We Europeans have a bagful of
culture to share”, derulat în perioada 2008-2010, elevii implicaţi au fost,
pe rând, bucătari, cântăreţi, artizani şi, iată, scriitori, descoperind astfel
prin joc creativ cultura ţărilor partenere, înţelegând şi acceptând mai bine
diversitatea culturală şi lingvistică. Proiectul amintit a sporit interesul
elevilor pentru cunoaşterea limbilor străine, dezvoltând o atitudine
pozitivă faţă de acestea.

Muzica, literatura, gastronomia, meşteşugurile, iată numai câteva

din artele care i-au solicitat pe elevii din România, Spania, Anglia,
Finlanda, Portugalia, Turcia şi Insulele Reunion în a-şi dovedi talentul,
pasiunea, interesul pentru descoperirea trăistuţei culturale, metaforic
vorbind, a celorlalţi.

Prin intermediul povestioarelor create de copii, pe care şi le-au

împărtăşit unii altora, aceştia au posibilitatea de a călători imaginar în
locuri mirifice, forţa gândului creativ şi a imaginaţiei debordante fiind
nelimitată.

Fie că ne vom pierde în Topkapi sau ne vom dori să devenim

dansatori de flamenco, fie că vom trăi emoţia regăsirii mamei pierdute în
lunga noapte polară ori ne vom plimba prin Palacio da Bolsa, fie că ne
vom teme de vampiri în castelul lui Dracula sau vom descoperi un vulcan
secret, oriunde am fi, în Turnul Londrei sau în vârf de munte, peste tot ne
vom simţi acasă pentru că emoţia lecturii este universală şi pentru că micii
scriitori au lăsat o urmă adâncă din sufletul lor pur în rândurile migălite pe
coala albă de hârtie.

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 CONTENTS
Romanian short story set in Turkey
„Lost in the Topkapi Palace” …………………….4

UK short story set in Finland

„A story of a wolf cub” ..…………………. 6

Turkish short story set in Spain

„Little artists of the dance school” …………………… 7

French short story set in Portugal

„The magic Vasco” …………………… 9

Portuguese short story set in Romania

„Visiting Dracula‟s Castle” ..………………… 11

Finnish short story set in Reunion Island

„The secret volcano” ..………………… 13

Spanish short story set in UK

„The mystery of Big Ben” ...………………… 15

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 I n a hot summer day when the sun was glowing above the magnificent city of
Istanbul, Ana and Radu, who had arrived a few days before, decided to visit
the Topkapi Palace.
They took the bus and arrived at the palace at noon. Being so hot and time for
lunch, the children didn‟t have to wait too much to buy tickets, because the number of
visitors was very small. As they entered the courtyard of the palace, they were amazed by
the beautiful gardens and they admired the landscape and the view over the Bosphorus!
Charmed by what they saw, they could not wait to see what was inside the palace.
They entered but instead of following the guide, they sneaked through the tourists and
walked alone through the room, being stunned by what they saw: crystal stairs, great
pictures, mirrors as walls or the famous Turkish baths. They ran, they slipped between
other groups of guests, looking to all the rooms with great pleasure ... but suddenly they
found themselves alone in a long empty hall…
„Radu, what are we going to do now? Oh, why did I listen to you and left the others?‟ she
said.
„So what, weren‟t you in the mood for adventure and fun? Do not tell me that you didn‟t
like it! If we had stayed with those old people, we could be in the third room now!‟ said
the boy, proud of him.
„At least we would‟ve been with someone...‟said Ana worried.
„Let's not waste our time and let‟s go that way, I think we‟ll find the exit!‟ said Radu.
So they walked in that hall before reaching a Turkish bath ... and still nobody was around.
They found a small window and noticed with concern that the twilight covered the sky ...
and the palace had to close at 6 p.m.
„Ooops‟... I don‟t think it's OK!‟ said Radu laughing.
„What? Are you laughing? The palace will be closed in a few minutes and we will be
stuck here, so what‟s so funny? Let‟s take this way, it‟s better as I say!‟ said Ana
nervously.
„Okay, but you‟ll see my way is better„, said the boy.
The two children walked a little more and reached a large room with a crystal chandelier
hanging above.
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„Oh, this room should be well guarded, it seems to be very valuable!‟ said Radu.
„I think so too, it is very impressive. It should be someone here to show us the way to the
exit. Let‟s shout‟ said the girl.
„Is anybody here?‟ the children shouted.
„What is this noise? We heard you when you were on the stairs! What are you looking
for? The palace will close in about 10 minutes!‟ said the guardian.
„We are sorry, sir, we have lost the group and panicked. We haven‟t done anything wrong
... We just ran a little.‟ said Radu.
„Well, I forgive you because you have not broken anything. But you have to know that
it's better to go with the group and learn new things, than run around the palace by
yourselves,‟ said the guard gently.
„Thank you!!!‟ cried the children. And when they finally got out, they promised not to do
such a thing ever again because they learned a good lesson.

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I stood gazing in wonder at the blue, green and red swirls of the majestic Northern lights.
As I walked back to the hut, the crunch of snow became louder. But, just at that moment,
I realized that it was not just my footsteps, but there was a wolf cub following me!
“You look cold!” I said. “Come with me, I‟ll give you food and warmth.”
With that I scooped the cub up into my arms and took him home.
After my dinner, I scooped up the leftovers into a small bowl for the cub. The cub tucked
in and never stopped eating.
“Since you‟ll be moving in with me, I think I‟ll call you…” I thought long and hard.
“How about Will?”
Then my mum said, “That‟s a lovely name – Will it is!”
The next day, my dad and I had to go logging as we were short of wood for the fire. Right
at the last minute, I asked my mum if I could take Will with me.
She replied, “Well, OK then, but be careful with him and make sure he gets back in one
piece.”
After a long trek across the frozen lake, and into the woods, we found a great lumbering
spot. In the background we could see Will playing around in the snow; he was truly
having a great time. He loved to skate his small feet on the frozen lake. A couple of times
he fell over onto his furry back, but it was nothing serious.
When we came home, we were met by the heavenly smell of mum‟s freshly made berry
pie. After we had eaten some tasty ham and potato casserole and finished off the pie, we
sat down and started talking, whilst the cozy flames of the fire warmed us up.
Halfway through the conversation, we were interrupted by Will‟s howling so we raced to
see what it was for. The majestic blue colours of the Northern lights had caught his eye –
they really were a beautiful sight. Suddenly we heard an answering howl from the edge of
the woods. Racing around in circles, Will stopped, and then scratched at the door.
Opening it, we watched as he hurtled towards a shadow in the trees. Moonlight shone
down on a female wolf – Will had found his mother again.

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 A
long time ago, a sister and a brother named Francisca and Felippe
Fernanadez lived in Madrid , the capital city of Spain where lovely
melodies could be heard. Francisca was 7 and Felippe was 9 years old and
they were students at primary level. They were both keen on dance as most of the
children who were brought up with charming melodies of flamenco and they dreamt to be
famous dancers in the future.

One day when they were dreaming about their dance career, Felippe said: “ we are
always dreaming. We need to do something”

“Yes, you are right” agreed Francisca and added “ we need professional help and that‟s
why we must attend a dance school”

Felippe “let‟s talk to our father and mention about our plans to him”

They were eager to attend a dance school in order to make their dream come true so they
talked to their father, Marcus and persuaded him to take them to the dance school. The
next day, they arrived at the place. Its name was The Dance Floor.
Whilst entering the threshold of the school, their hearts were pounding.

Mrs. Carmen, the director of the school said “ you need to buy a pair of castanets and
special flamenco shoes”.

Francisca, Felippe and Marcus started to look for a shop that sold castanets and shoes
after they went out of the school. They finally found in a shop what they were looking for
but the shoes were pretty expensive. So, Felippe who was a real fan of Real Madrid
offered his father to add the money that he had saved to go Bernabeu stadium.

At last “ we can buy them” said Felippe.

“Look at that” said Francisco “what a beautiful thing it is!”

It was a very beautiful flemenco dress which was crimson and glittering. And there were
black rose motifs on it.

“I am sure you would look gorgeous in it” said Marcus while going in the shop.

Francisca was over the moon since she had the dress.
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When they went back to their home, the children told all their adventure to their mother
while enjoying the delicious omelette and oil‟s bread.
The Fernandez worked hard after that and became very good and famous dancers. They
became the representatives of their culture all around the world.

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enjamin looked at the bridge and sighed… It was a week since he had arrived and he was

B
always so sad. When his parents had announced that they had to go and live in Portugal,
Benjamin protested. He wouldn‟t leave; he will stay in Reunion‟s island with his friends.
They had arrived last week and the boy spoke no longer to his parents. In order to
convince him, his parents had decided to show him the city and that‟s how he found
himself in front of Ponte Luis I.
“Come, Benjamin!” said his mother who walked away. Benjamin was preparing to join
her when a small hand tugged at his sleeve.
“Did you see? Asked a little girl with black hair and green eyes.
“What was I supposed to see?”
“The ghost of Vasco de Gama!” cried the little girl.
“A ghost?”
“Yes! Look! He‟s going … let‟s go, we have to catch him.”
The girl took his hand and began to run. Benjamin was so surprised than he ran too. They
ran so long that they didn‟t see the bridge anymore and Benjamin was tired. He looked
around him, Douro was far. They were next to a big tower:
“Did you see? He‟s going on top of the Torre dos Clerigos, let‟s go!
“No! I‟m so tired”, complained Benjamin.
“Now you‟re here, you must come.”
They went to the top, the view was magnificent. Benjamin was happy to be there when
suddenly he heard a chuckle.
“Hello young boy, welcome to Porto! said an old and dusty ghost. So Paulina, who‟s this
guy?

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“A sad boy Sir”, replied the little girl. He was near the Douro looking so sad around him
then I decided to catch you with him. But it was too easy; you‟re always hiding in this
tower! Said Paulina with a big smile.”
Benjamin was amazed: this girl, Paulina, and this old ghost seemed to know each other
well.
“Benjamin, why are you so sad? Asked Vasco.
Benjamin was not even surprised that the ghost knew his name; he told them his whole
story.
“Let‟s make a deal, young boy. Paulina will show you the city during this day. At
midnight, I‟ll come to see you in your bedroom. If you don‟t agree to stay here, I‟ll take
you back, ok?” Benjamin was so happy and so sure to go back to Reunion…
So Paulina became his own guide, they went everywhere. First, they were so thirsty that
they went to Café Majestic to drink something and then they discovered the Praça
Mouzinho De Albuquerque, the Palacio Da Bolsa. Benjamin was feeling well, visiting
everything with Paulina. They met some of Paulina‟s friends who invited them to go to
The Casa da Musica. When Benjamin heard the Fado, he felt so happy; the singer sang
his own feelings. When they were leaving, he heard Paulina‟s friends arguing about
football teams. They took him to Estadio do Dragao and to Estadio do Bessa XXI to
convince him to support one of these teams…
The day passed quickly, Benjamin couldn‟t forget his new friends. He returned home and
he wasn‟t surprised that his parents were not worried: a new trick of Vasco the ghost!
Then midnight came and Vasco appeared and we let you, young readers, to guess the
answer that Benjamin gave to Vasco… But don‟t forget if one day you feel “saudade” try
to find Paulina and Vasco playing hiding games near the Douro!

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 nce upon a time, in Porto, there lived a boy called Francisco. Francisco‟s

O parents have got a small business in Romania. That business was a car
selling. Francisco one day told his parents that he wanted to go with them
to Romania. When Francisco and his parents got there, Francisco tried to taste
cozonac…but he didn‟t like it.
The very next day Francisco went to have a look around the city and lost himself,
because he was very distracted. Finally a boy helped him and he could return to the hotel.
That same boy told him about a haunted castle...
The next day he wanted to visit the castle called Dracula. His parents new that, the castle
was a hunted castle; it was hunted by a vampire called Vlad Dracul.
When he heard, what his parents told him, he got scared. In Romania Francisco was in a
private school. Everybody was very friendly and joyful.
One day the school invited Francisco, to visit the castle of Dracula. He was scared, but he
accepted the invitation. So they left at four o‟¬ clock in the afternoon.
When they arrived to the castle, they had to make groups of 3, Francisco went with
Tomas and Frederico. All of them were very scared, and worried…and while they were
walking in the castle, the paintings were moving and the boys were very scared, and
worried that the vampire would take them.
The castle had also a kind of a park...The boys went to see and they saw someone playing
Oina but they did not know who was playing. After one hour they felt that somebody was
watching them. Francisco looked everywhere except the bathroom.
Tomas was distressed to go to the bathroom. He found it and he went to the bathroom. 15
minutes later and he still did not come out, Frederico and Francisco were very worried,
because Tomás was not in the bathroom, and they thought that the vampire had taken
him.
Then they saw a door, a very black door. They opened it and got surprised. All the class
was there, but not their friend Tomas…All the class and the two boys were very worried.
Two girls called Julia and Shasha, went to the bathroom, but before, they saw Tomás
running near the class. He seemed to be scared…He said that the vampire took him but
he couldn‟t run away. Everybody was happy that he was fine and safe.
Everybody heard something coming from the corridor. It was a man who came to tell
them that they have to go away, because it was late and the vampire was about to come in
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order to scare them. So all the class went to a restaurant to eat some Mamaliga,
everybody loved it...Tomás and his friends will never forget that adventure!

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 O nce upon a time there was a girl, who lived on a small French island called
Reunion. The girl was called Sophia and she was 7 years old. Sophia
loved adventures and volcanoes.
One day Sophia went out to the mountains with her friends. Her friends Sarah, Lisa and
Rosalie loved adventures as well.
-Sophia, are you sure that the mountains are quite safe? asked Lisa, who was a little
worried.
- Yes, I´m absolutely sure about that, answered Sophia
And so all the girls kept on going…..
-What is that? called out Rosalie
- A secret volcano! They yelled all together
- That volcano is going to be our secret hiding place, said Sophia
The girls dag a cave into the volcano. Finally it was ready.
-It looks very fine here, said Sarah
-Yes, but there are no belongings in here, added Lisa
The girls went out. Suddenly they heard a terrible rumble. The volcano was bursting out!
-Help us!!!!!! screamed all local people.
- Our cave is breaking down! cried out Sophia
Next day the girls were very sad when they went to school.

Sophia lived on the mountain range of Reunion. One day Sophia went for a walk. After
she had walked a little while, a thunderstorm began. Sophia was so frightened that she
almost fell down from the mountain edge. A lightning hit very close to Sophia. Now she
was so scared that she began to run round and round and finally went to a wrong
direction. When the thunderstorm calmed down, Sophia noticed that she was far away
from home. She didn´t know where she was. Sophia walked forwards. She couldn´t see
anything because it was so foggy. Suddenly there was nothing under her feet and she fell
down. Now she was hanging on a branch of a tree. She screamed for help but no one
heard her screaming. Then a gigantic butterfly flied to the same branch with her. The
butterfly asked her:
- What´s the matter?
- Please, take me home, asked Sophia, almost crying
The butterfly was very kind and helped her with pleasure. It took Sophia home. At home
her parents were a little angry but at the same time they were very happy, too. Sophia
learned that it is not very sensible to go for a walk all alone.

One day Sophia´s family went to the store. They had to walk because they don´t own a
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car. It took quite a long time but finally they arrived there.
When they came back home, they noticed that the volcano gave off smoke. It was a sign
of volcanic eruption. They were walking home when their dog Petri ran towards them.
They ran home very fast and at the same time the volcano began to rumble. The volcano
started to burst out. Magma was streaming down straight to a big city of Reunion. People
ran away from their houses. Suddenly, magma solidified. People came back home very
terrified. Reunion was saved! But no one knows, why the magma had set up.

The next day I planned to go diving. When I came to the beach, I saw a glass bottom
boat.
I forgot about diving and went for a boat drive. I saw lots of different fishes and a few
turtles, too. When I came back, I went to a museum of turtles. It was a very fine museum.

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 I t was a quiet day and Queen Elizabeth II decided to explore her castle. She
loved a picture of her grandmother so she went to it. She stared at it for a
while, and as he liked so much, she decided to pick it up but behind it she
found a little secret door. The queen opened it and saw a map that indicated where there
were the most valuable possessions of her great-grandmother. But the map was so old
that she could not tell where the treasure was. First she went to the Tower of London, she
walked through Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Parliament of London, Westminster
Abbey, Piccadilly Circus to get to the Tower of London by the river Thames.
- This weather is horrible, it rains constantly and it is wet, some nights the fog does not
allow us to distinguish the person next door.
The queen was with a lord, a friend of her who knew London like the back of his hand
and together they began to investigate.
They reached the Tower of London and went to the ground floor but there were only
dungeons and a couple of dead rats, although people had told them some very amusing
stories about the crown jewels.
„The Tower of London was a prison, defensive fort in which the crown jewels were
guarded by the famous Beefeaters”.
In the other places they did not find anything.
So they decided to go to parliament and ask the Prime Minister, who said:
„Recently there have been works and nothing valuable has been found there.”
They searched all the buildings in London, but found nothing.
Someone gave them a clue:
„Go close to Portobello Road and in a famous antique shop you will find a very old map
that will help you with yours”.
Desperate, they sat on the curb. The queen looked around.

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 „This city is unique, cars drive on the left, the wheels of the cars are on the right. The
double-decker buses, fast food restaurants, fish and chips, sandwiches and soup, our
schedule of food is different. Well, what we can expect of the place through which O
meridian, Greenwich passes”.
Suddenly it started raining .
„Oh! It begins this typical London rain”.
Then something miraculous. The water was clearing the fog and they saw clearly that the
building they had to go was Big Ben.
„That's the only place we have not looked!”
„But what happened to the clock? It stopped!”
They ran inside, somebody had stolen a piece of the clock and the city was paralyzed.
They found traces of the robber so they decided to follow him until they reached the
British Museum, where a boy told them that the thief was fed up with the sound of the
bell, because it woke him up at the weekends and that they would not get the piece back.
Then the queen decided to speak with him. She told him how important this clock was for
the Londoners lives and that it was a symbol which represented London and Britain in
general.
So the Queen told him to choose of the most tranquil and relaxing place in London. He
could spend the weekends and avoid the clock to wake him up.
The thief told: „For me, the best place in the world is the Royal Botanic Gardens”.
So the thief returned the pieces to the Queen who took care that the Big Ben worked
again.
Eventually the Queen and her Lord went and found a chest hidden in the steps leading up
to the bells of Big Ben. The queen opened it and there was the treasure.
And they all lived happily ever after.

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