As the Centre for the Meeting of Cultures in Lublin, a key part of the project meeting, was open only on Friday that week (because of an important congress taking place there), we had no choice but to go to Lublin on the last day of the mobility. It was important due to the urban apiary located on the roof of the Centre and the beekeeping workshop we took part in. Mr Marcin Sudziński, a true bee enthusiast, took us on a journey into their world, explaining the structure of beehives, the roles of individual bees, and above all, their importance to the nature and humankind. The group was also introduced to the rituals of Slavic beekeepers, learning how much respect they had for these insects, which are extremely important for the ecosystem and humanity. Students from Poland’s only beekeeping technical college in Pszczela Wola showed the group bees at work in the hive, explaining the stages of honey production and harvesting. During the beekeeping workshops, we were divided into groups, so we took the opportunity to explore the CSK building in turns and discover its multiple secrets.
Thanks to the kindness of the Brama Grodzka Centre, Teatr NN were able to take the underground tour and learn about the history of Lublin. The highlight of our visit to Lublin was a workshop at the Cebularz Museum (Onion Bread Museum), where a member of staff took on the role of Esterka, who, in a light-hearted tone, told the story of how, thanks to the cebularz, she stole the heart of King Casimir the Great. Then, with our help in chopping onions, grinding wheat grains, sifting flour and kneading the dough, she baked the mini onion cakes we had prepared, which we devoured with relish. It was the last activity with all the project participants. Having come back to Kraśnik, the Polish team said goodbye to the guests, letting them have some time for preparation for the return journey home.
