Visit to Portugal - 20 to 25, January 2014
This week, without dough, will be marked for the rest of my life. I loved be together with people of my age from different countries and share with them new experiences. They are all really nice and I hope to keep in touch with all of them, to one day the group can be together again. Beyond the friends I made, I returned to see beautiful places in my city, that I had not seen in a long time, and others where I haven't been before!
This days that we spent together were really specials, teachers and students. I will miss it a lot!
Catarina Macedo
Who would say that just five days was the enough time to create a true friendship? We never thought on that possibility. It’s amazing how life can surprise us. Of course in the beginning the shyness was present. But of course it was a normal thing. The people from the other countries were wonderful, extremely educated and super funny. They teach us some things about their countries and it was really great to know the
other cultures. Different cultures. Our trips made them know more about Portugal and our traditions, and of course were not only them but also us. It’s impossible to know all of Portugal.
Were just five days… Five days full of amazing moments, moments that are going to stay with us during our life. It was an opportunity to find people that now we can call friend, an opportunity to connect with people from Turkey, Poland, Romania and Croatia and also an opportunity to develop our English skills. But, the truth is there are no words to describe how wonderful was to discover new worlds and most of all how grateful we are for having that incredible week.
It was an experience unforgettable.
Marta Costa, Mariana Brandão, Ana Rita Campos e Maria Inês Campos
I think this project is a very interesting project. everyone should be involved. It's a nice way to learn about other cultures and other people with different habits from ours. I received Izabella, a Polish girl and I loved it.She was a super sweetheart and polite girl. I really enjoyed this project and hope to be involved longer.
Nadine Rodrigues
I was looking forward to receive my Romanian guest and I got no disappointments when he finally arrived. I had a busy week at school so I didn’t have the chance to participate in the activities until Friday, so it was only then when I really got to know all the foreign students and their teachers. Everyone was friendly and chatty. It was great to talk to people from other countries and cultures and exchange ideas and experiences. This inter-cultural experience showed me that I have similar interests to people who have grown up in a different country, culture and even with a different religion.
I hope that everyone had a week as amazing and enriching as mine, that all the participants learned to be a “Careland Citizen” and that we all can meet again sometime soon.
João Vasco Palmeiro
This days that we spent together were really specials, teachers and students. I will miss it a lot!
Catarina Macedo
Who would say that just five days was the enough time to create a true friendship? We never thought on that possibility. It’s amazing how life can surprise us. Of course in the beginning the shyness was present. But of course it was a normal thing. The people from the other countries were wonderful, extremely educated and super funny. They teach us some things about their countries and it was really great to know the
other cultures. Different cultures. Our trips made them know more about Portugal and our traditions, and of course were not only them but also us. It’s impossible to know all of Portugal.
Were just five days… Five days full of amazing moments, moments that are going to stay with us during our life. It was an opportunity to find people that now we can call friend, an opportunity to connect with people from Turkey, Poland, Romania and Croatia and also an opportunity to develop our English skills. But, the truth is there are no words to describe how wonderful was to discover new worlds and most of all how grateful we are for having that incredible week.
It was an experience unforgettable.
Marta Costa, Mariana Brandão, Ana Rita Campos e Maria Inês Campos
I think this project is a very interesting project. everyone should be involved. It's a nice way to learn about other cultures and other people with different habits from ours. I received Izabella, a Polish girl and I loved it.She was a super sweetheart and polite girl. I really enjoyed this project and hope to be involved longer.
Nadine Rodrigues
I was looking forward to receive my Romanian guest and I got no disappointments when he finally arrived. I had a busy week at school so I didn’t have the chance to participate in the activities until Friday, so it was only then when I really got to know all the foreign students and their teachers. Everyone was friendly and chatty. It was great to talk to people from other countries and cultures and exchange ideas and experiences. This inter-cultural experience showed me that I have similar interests to people who have grown up in a different country, culture and even with a different religion.
I hope that everyone had a week as amazing and enriching as mine, that all the participants learned to be a “Careland Citizen” and that we all can meet again sometime soon.
João Vasco Palmeiro
This is a small video made in Multimedia Classes with some pictures taken during the visit to the National Park Peneda-Gerês and to Ultriplo institution.
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And some images of the show on the reception day and of the last day.
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POLISH REPORT ON VISIT TO BRAGA 20-25.01.2014
On 20 January 2014 at 3:00 am we set off to Chopin Airport in Warsaw, where we had a flight towards Frankfurt planned at 6:55 a.m. In the journey took part three of our school students and two teachers: Mrs. Magdalena Makulska and Mrs. Renata Garnys. When we received tickets and checked-in, we passed through the gates and went on the board of the plane. Our trip was delayed nearly 30 minutes due to bad weather conditions. After a nearly two-hour flight, we arrived late at the airport in Frankfurt and quickly went towards the passage that led us to plane to Portugal, and more specifically to the city of Porto. After another long flight, with relief, but also a slight fatigue, we looked at the beautiful scenery. Unfortunately, at the airport rather unpleasant surprise waswaiting for us, since the luggage remained in Frankfurt. They told us that we would get our stuff until the next day. In all the confusion we missed the bus to Braga. We had to wait several hours at the airport to catch the next transport. About 16:00 we set out towards our temporary place of residence –Braga – to get know our new friends and host families.
The next day (01/21/2014) started at 9:00 a.m. After arriving at school we met many new people, not only from Portugal but also from Romania and Turkey. We were a little nervous because of meeting our new friends. After a few moments it turned out that our fear was unnecessary, because everyone welcomed us very warmly. At the beginning of the entertainment we watched a performance of the drama group. Presentation aroused extreme emotions, from laughter to tears. We saw lots of talents e.g. circus talents, musicians and athletes. An appealing movieabout being more sensitive and responsive to the suffering and emotions of other peoplemade a good impression on us. After a short break for coffee Polish, Romanian and Turkish students took turns to make their presentations on environmental protection, usage and safety of water. After that we went to visit the school and eat lunch.
Then the whole group went to the used clothes sorting center. There the guide showed us how to prepare the clothes that are sent to developing countries. After the visit, we returned to school from where the host families took us home. The rest of the day was spent with them, discussing and getting to know each other.
DOMINIKA
Our trip to Geres National Park
We started our trip in the bus at 8:30 a.m. The first things we saw, when we got to Geres, were the mountains. I thought they were very beautiful and filled with life. In Poland, mountains have trees on, so I was also surprised, because all I saw was stone! Mountains in Portugal are really peculiar. I don't know how to call them, but there were mountains that look like they had stairs.
I am an animal person and we saw lots of animals... but not intheir normal place. We saw animals in the mountains and in the streets, which was amazing! They were everywhere. We tried to see the church that was there,however, there was a funeral happening, so we couldn't get in; but it was ok, because the neighbourhood was really nice. After that we took a group photo, so that we could remember the good time we had there. We were hungry and we had lunch together toget to know each other better.
Then we saw little houses on top of the rocks,which were corn preservation houses changed to graves. We also saw enormous dams keeping the river to generate energy from water. I really liked this trip, because I saw the beauty of nature and animals. It was a great way to spend time and learn more about Portugal. I will remember it!
Educational activities at school.
On Thursday at 8:30 o'clock, we had computer classes planned. We started with exercise in Photoshop with students from information technology profile class. When we met, they explained in English what we will do. We deleted defects and compared them to the originals. Next, we used pictures which we took in Geres National Park. We added effects, contrast, picture of the animals put on the photo, inscription, etc. Portugal friends went for a coffee-break with us. They were very nice. After the break we went to another room, adapted to record movies. Students from each country could record themselves. The second class of information technology changed the background, we inserted picture to record, then we watched the video.
For art classes we used different art techniques, e.g. stamps from vegetables. We blew paint through a straw and we used stamps with hands and fingers. We went to school museum, we saw old globes, maps, skulls, collection of butterflies, insects and a book from 1886. We spent nice time.
After lunch at school, we went to see , "7 fontes". These are structures in which water was drawn. We were going up along narrow corridor channel. There were larger rooms but completely covered with the ground from the outside. In the middle we have seen only escaping water. The buildings come from 1744. The water is very clean. This is awesome for us – students from Poland. The weather was nice; after seeing these objects and hearing their story, students from each country and teachers from Portugal were checking the chemical purity of water. The day was nice and interesting.
IZABELA
24.01.14 (Friday)
That was our last day in Portugal with our new friends, but it was surprising like the other days. We were meeting in front of the school at 8.30 am. It’s where our trip had always begun. The first point was the bus stop. From there we came to basilica Bom Jesus. When were arrived, we realised that the place, where in fact the church was, is so much higher than we supposed. We got by the electric trolleyto the top and there we saw beautiful views. We didn’t know what we should look at first. Everyone started taking pictures. Later we went to a fountain which was hidden under something, what looked like transformed rocks with lots of plants. Portuguese mate told us that it’s kind of wishing fountain. The next place we saw was Bom Jesus. Inside it was amazing, very interesting and nice to watch. When we went out it was time to buy souvenirs in the shop near the church. It wasn’t easy, because there were so many things and it was hard to choose. After we saw everything,we went downstairs. It was a longer way than by the trolley, but looking at really nice views made it more pleasant. On each floor there were fountains, which showed peoplethat water falls from five organs of the senses. When we went down we weren’t too tired. We went to a restaurantby bus. The restaurant was small, but nice and pleasant. After a meal Mr. Manuel Vieira showed us a little of Portuguese music.
Later we visited main streets of Braga. We had the last chance to see some monuments and buy souvenirs. We saw the oldest church in the city. There were a lot of paintings inside and it looked amazing.
About 6.30 pm we came back to school,but it wasn’t the end, because a farewell partywas waiting for us. We came to one of the classes, a kind of auditorium. There we watched a video, which showed all events, places and of course all wonderful people we met in the project. Next,a charming woman, Mrs. Isabel Barbosa was speaking. You can really enjoy her way of being, hospitality towards people from foreign countries and a strong commitment to the project. The student received certificates of attendance in Comenius Project and the teachers gave each other small gifts. After the official part we came to the school canteen, where we could try some Portuguese dishes and hear traditional Portuguese New Year music. After a pleasant evening the students had fun together, referred to as the best last day.
25.01.14 (Saturday)
The day to say goodbye has come. Nobody likes it;a few people were crying, but only because of that we met brilliant people. We met on a coach station. Then we went to the airport in Porto. At the airport we didn’t have to hurry because we had a lot of time till the departure. We could visit a few duty-free shops. Finally, we board the plane. The flight was calm without any turbulence and delays.
At the airport in Frankfurt we had even more time, so we could buy or eat something. But it isn’t easy to find the shop you want, because that airport is really huge. When we boarded the plane. it turned out that there were some technical problems, but it all ended well and the flight was as calm as the previous one. At the Warsaw airport we were a bit nervous, because when we had arrived to Portugal five days ago, our luggage had been lost and we didn’t want this to happen again. But it didn’t – thank God. We had the last trip to our houses by bus. We had just one stop in McDonald, because the trip wasn’t too long.
Probably everyone was happy to be back home, but the memories of this trip will remain in our memoryfor a long time and we’ll miss Portugal and Portuguese friends.
SANDRA
On 20 January 2014 at 3:00 am we set off to Chopin Airport in Warsaw, where we had a flight towards Frankfurt planned at 6:55 a.m. In the journey took part three of our school students and two teachers: Mrs. Magdalena Makulska and Mrs. Renata Garnys. When we received tickets and checked-in, we passed through the gates and went on the board of the plane. Our trip was delayed nearly 30 minutes due to bad weather conditions. After a nearly two-hour flight, we arrived late at the airport in Frankfurt and quickly went towards the passage that led us to plane to Portugal, and more specifically to the city of Porto. After another long flight, with relief, but also a slight fatigue, we looked at the beautiful scenery. Unfortunately, at the airport rather unpleasant surprise waswaiting for us, since the luggage remained in Frankfurt. They told us that we would get our stuff until the next day. In all the confusion we missed the bus to Braga. We had to wait several hours at the airport to catch the next transport. About 16:00 we set out towards our temporary place of residence –Braga – to get know our new friends and host families.
The next day (01/21/2014) started at 9:00 a.m. After arriving at school we met many new people, not only from Portugal but also from Romania and Turkey. We were a little nervous because of meeting our new friends. After a few moments it turned out that our fear was unnecessary, because everyone welcomed us very warmly. At the beginning of the entertainment we watched a performance of the drama group. Presentation aroused extreme emotions, from laughter to tears. We saw lots of talents e.g. circus talents, musicians and athletes. An appealing movieabout being more sensitive and responsive to the suffering and emotions of other peoplemade a good impression on us. After a short break for coffee Polish, Romanian and Turkish students took turns to make their presentations on environmental protection, usage and safety of water. After that we went to visit the school and eat lunch.
Then the whole group went to the used clothes sorting center. There the guide showed us how to prepare the clothes that are sent to developing countries. After the visit, we returned to school from where the host families took us home. The rest of the day was spent with them, discussing and getting to know each other.
DOMINIKA
Our trip to Geres National Park
We started our trip in the bus at 8:30 a.m. The first things we saw, when we got to Geres, were the mountains. I thought they were very beautiful and filled with life. In Poland, mountains have trees on, so I was also surprised, because all I saw was stone! Mountains in Portugal are really peculiar. I don't know how to call them, but there were mountains that look like they had stairs.
I am an animal person and we saw lots of animals... but not intheir normal place. We saw animals in the mountains and in the streets, which was amazing! They were everywhere. We tried to see the church that was there,however, there was a funeral happening, so we couldn't get in; but it was ok, because the neighbourhood was really nice. After that we took a group photo, so that we could remember the good time we had there. We were hungry and we had lunch together toget to know each other better.
Then we saw little houses on top of the rocks,which were corn preservation houses changed to graves. We also saw enormous dams keeping the river to generate energy from water. I really liked this trip, because I saw the beauty of nature and animals. It was a great way to spend time and learn more about Portugal. I will remember it!
Educational activities at school.
On Thursday at 8:30 o'clock, we had computer classes planned. We started with exercise in Photoshop with students from information technology profile class. When we met, they explained in English what we will do. We deleted defects and compared them to the originals. Next, we used pictures which we took in Geres National Park. We added effects, contrast, picture of the animals put on the photo, inscription, etc. Portugal friends went for a coffee-break with us. They were very nice. After the break we went to another room, adapted to record movies. Students from each country could record themselves. The second class of information technology changed the background, we inserted picture to record, then we watched the video.
For art classes we used different art techniques, e.g. stamps from vegetables. We blew paint through a straw and we used stamps with hands and fingers. We went to school museum, we saw old globes, maps, skulls, collection of butterflies, insects and a book from 1886. We spent nice time.
After lunch at school, we went to see , "7 fontes". These are structures in which water was drawn. We were going up along narrow corridor channel. There were larger rooms but completely covered with the ground from the outside. In the middle we have seen only escaping water. The buildings come from 1744. The water is very clean. This is awesome for us – students from Poland. The weather was nice; after seeing these objects and hearing their story, students from each country and teachers from Portugal were checking the chemical purity of water. The day was nice and interesting.
IZABELA
24.01.14 (Friday)
That was our last day in Portugal with our new friends, but it was surprising like the other days. We were meeting in front of the school at 8.30 am. It’s where our trip had always begun. The first point was the bus stop. From there we came to basilica Bom Jesus. When were arrived, we realised that the place, where in fact the church was, is so much higher than we supposed. We got by the electric trolleyto the top and there we saw beautiful views. We didn’t know what we should look at first. Everyone started taking pictures. Later we went to a fountain which was hidden under something, what looked like transformed rocks with lots of plants. Portuguese mate told us that it’s kind of wishing fountain. The next place we saw was Bom Jesus. Inside it was amazing, very interesting and nice to watch. When we went out it was time to buy souvenirs in the shop near the church. It wasn’t easy, because there were so many things and it was hard to choose. After we saw everything,we went downstairs. It was a longer way than by the trolley, but looking at really nice views made it more pleasant. On each floor there were fountains, which showed peoplethat water falls from five organs of the senses. When we went down we weren’t too tired. We went to a restaurantby bus. The restaurant was small, but nice and pleasant. After a meal Mr. Manuel Vieira showed us a little of Portuguese music.
Later we visited main streets of Braga. We had the last chance to see some monuments and buy souvenirs. We saw the oldest church in the city. There were a lot of paintings inside and it looked amazing.
About 6.30 pm we came back to school,but it wasn’t the end, because a farewell partywas waiting for us. We came to one of the classes, a kind of auditorium. There we watched a video, which showed all events, places and of course all wonderful people we met in the project. Next,a charming woman, Mrs. Isabel Barbosa was speaking. You can really enjoy her way of being, hospitality towards people from foreign countries and a strong commitment to the project. The student received certificates of attendance in Comenius Project and the teachers gave each other small gifts. After the official part we came to the school canteen, where we could try some Portuguese dishes and hear traditional Portuguese New Year music. After a pleasant evening the students had fun together, referred to as the best last day.
25.01.14 (Saturday)
The day to say goodbye has come. Nobody likes it;a few people were crying, but only because of that we met brilliant people. We met on a coach station. Then we went to the airport in Porto. At the airport we didn’t have to hurry because we had a lot of time till the departure. We could visit a few duty-free shops. Finally, we board the plane. The flight was calm without any turbulence and delays.
At the airport in Frankfurt we had even more time, so we could buy or eat something. But it isn’t easy to find the shop you want, because that airport is really huge. When we boarded the plane. it turned out that there were some technical problems, but it all ended well and the flight was as calm as the previous one. At the Warsaw airport we were a bit nervous, because when we had arrived to Portugal five days ago, our luggage had been lost and we didn’t want this to happen again. But it didn’t – thank God. We had the last trip to our houses by bus. We had just one stop in McDonald, because the trip wasn’t too long.
Probably everyone was happy to be back home, but the memories of this trip will remain in our memoryfor a long time and we’ll miss Portugal and Portuguese friends.
SANDRA
From Turkey ...
I'm Azra and I'm 17, from Turkey.
Marta Alexandra hosted me. She and her family are wonderful. They behaved me very well. It was a really good trip. I love Braga. Portuguese people are really good. They are hospitable and friendly. We have similarities but of course, there are also lots of different points. Their music and food are different for us. I like their music and food. Their lifestyles and home are like ours. Their language is very difficult for me. They speak really fast. I learned a few words. Their language is different from our language. Braga has a lot of nature beauty. I saw a lot of green places. I love every place but my favorite place is Bom Jesus. There churches are very nice. I learned a lot of things about them. I have new friends and family. I learned a lot of things about different cultures.
I am İpek, from Turkey.
Wonderful week. I think people are excellent. I stayed in Mariana’s house. They are excellent people. I made Turkish coffee for them. They like it very much. When I miss my mother Mariana and her mother helped me very much. It was the best week of my life. I had so much funny time during the project meeting. I attended classes so I learned something about their education system. The school is very big and nice. We went to very nice places. Especially; Bom Jesus is very nice place. I have tasted different dishes. I visited many beautiful churches in Portugal. I met with different people. It was a memorable week for me...
I am Selcan, from Turkey.
Firstly I'd like to say that I was happy because of visiting Portugal. It was wonderful thing to go to Portugal via Comenius Project. My host friend, Catarina and her family are so friendly and we had a good time. (Now, I have missed very much:) I learned lots of thing about their education system, school, and their culture. I think I am very lucky that I met Portugese people. We tasted new foods, met new people, and visited new places so we pleased to meet them. I am so happy for recognizing different culture. I had wonderful days during was in Braga. It was so enjoyable. Portugal and my new friends are unforgettable. I will always miss :)
I'm Azra and I'm 17, from Turkey.
Marta Alexandra hosted me. She and her family are wonderful. They behaved me very well. It was a really good trip. I love Braga. Portuguese people are really good. They are hospitable and friendly. We have similarities but of course, there are also lots of different points. Their music and food are different for us. I like their music and food. Their lifestyles and home are like ours. Their language is very difficult for me. They speak really fast. I learned a few words. Their language is different from our language. Braga has a lot of nature beauty. I saw a lot of green places. I love every place but my favorite place is Bom Jesus. There churches are very nice. I learned a lot of things about them. I have new friends and family. I learned a lot of things about different cultures.
I am İpek, from Turkey.
Wonderful week. I think people are excellent. I stayed in Mariana’s house. They are excellent people. I made Turkish coffee for them. They like it very much. When I miss my mother Mariana and her mother helped me very much. It was the best week of my life. I had so much funny time during the project meeting. I attended classes so I learned something about their education system. The school is very big and nice. We went to very nice places. Especially; Bom Jesus is very nice place. I have tasted different dishes. I visited many beautiful churches in Portugal. I met with different people. It was a memorable week for me...
I am Selcan, from Turkey.
Firstly I'd like to say that I was happy because of visiting Portugal. It was wonderful thing to go to Portugal via Comenius Project. My host friend, Catarina and her family are so friendly and we had a good time. (Now, I have missed very much:) I learned lots of thing about their education system, school, and their culture. I think I am very lucky that I met Portugese people. We tasted new foods, met new people, and visited new places so we pleased to meet them. I am so happy for recognizing different culture. I had wonderful days during was in Braga. It was so enjoyable. Portugal and my new friends are unforgettable. I will always miss :)