"Pieces of Adventure"

And now some few words about "Pedaços de Aventura" (eng. pieces of adventure):

"Boss" of the crew is Raquel - very warm-hearted, strong woman with a vision. The idea of ​​creating a rope park and then expanding the project, which is "Pedaços ..." with new elements (cafeteria; artistic activities; summer camps) requires lots of creativity, patience and a real energy. With the introduction to the work we heard a story about how the park, where we work, has changed thanks to one woman. And let me tell you, this story has really made a big impression on me. Especially when one looks at the current state park. Once it was an abandoned and neglected place with very bad reputation (which is why the first step of changes was building a real fence, and then came the time for platforms, ropes and all equipment). Now, "our" park is visited by large groups of school children,there are organized birthday parties and you can watch World Cup in the cafeteria, feasting on snails. This is it! And moreover, Raquel cares very much on good working atmosphere and you can simply feel positive relationships between people. And it's so positive place that I've walked there on my day off ^_^

Here are some parts of an article found in local newspaper:
<< The initiative "Pedaços de Aventura" created a city hideout and shows how important nature and sport associated with culture are in life. This project offers kids, youngsters and adults tree-top activities and paths, dedicated to sports. A part of the plan are also: a café with a terrace over a pleasant garden, games for children, active holidays and workshops. This initiative provides help for schools in encouraging children to use their imagination when in contact with nature and to know the area of Cascais. >>

To make you feel a part of our team, I'm uploading a picture taken with the crew of "Pedaços...". There are  still missing Nuno and Fonseca (those, who worked the most often with us) and new guys, who came for their internship - Joana, Miguel and ZeGi. I'm very sorry because of that, but the conclusion is simple: someone must work, so that someone else can take the photo ;)

Our crew (from left in black: Monika, me - Paula, Gus, Raquel, Joana, Patricia,
then in white t-shirts Davide and  Andre).

And  here me in a rope park... Pure happiness :)) 

First days of S-Factor project

Our project started from a cultural training with our Portuguese coordinator, Antonio, who familiarized us with an "cultural ice-berg" and "comfort-zone" models. The aim of the meeting was helping us in avoiding cultural shock, so that our stay and work here could run smoothly and our co-operatation with "Pedaços de Aventura" was as efficient as possible .

The cultural training included not only the theoretical introduction and inspiring discussions but also very pleasant trip to the top-secret place, where we were almost able to touch the sky. We will not tell you how big impression the place made on us, the photograph will express it way better ;)

Few words about participants...

Monika: "I'm 28 years old and I've graduated in Economy and Finances at the university in Cracow (Poland). I'm interested in travelling, turism and sport, and that is why the project S-Factor attracted my attention. My participation in it is not only a great adventure and possibility of getting to know a foreign country, its customs and traditions, but what is the most important, it lets me develop my communication and team-work skills."

Paula: I’m an enthusiast of climbing wall, rope parks and outdoor activities in general. Probably that is why I take part in the project ;) Now as well, I became a blogger. Quite fresh one, but I hope you'll like my posts here. The fact that I'm in Portugal with S-Factor, gives me the chance to broaden my perspectives of getting a dream-job, which would be working with youth, but it is an adventure as well, and it's a wonderful one :)"