Learning Outcomes

We were asked about our learning outcomes from the project.
The question was a good motivation to sum up our stay in Portugal. Here is, what we discovered ;)

Paula

I learnt: 

• how to speak to the bigger group of children and how to take care of them;
• the creativity in communication, especially how to talk with "my hands and legs" (when my basic Portuguese was not enough to talk with kids)
• various games and outdoor activities and how to organise free time for children;
• living in an international environment taught me how to be more tolerant and respectful person;

I've gained linguistic skills: 

• I had a perfect possibility to practise my English;
• I learnt some basic Portuguese phrases, mostly these which were useful in rope park or at work with children (and I got to know about my good Portuguese accent, maybe I should have stayed in Portugal? );
• I felt on my skin, what it means that all people smile in the same language =)

By the project I feel enriched:

• with new experiences (in working with youth and children);
• with the knowledge about Portuguese culture and customs (connected with exploring the country);
• with fresh motivation to develop my skills and gain more experience in outdoor work with youth;

Monika

• Through the project I got to know not only a beautiful country that is Portugal, but its culture, customs, history, daily life of people.
• I visited interesting places and got to know their stories. 
• Working in rope park taught me, what the job of rope park monitor is.
• I learnt how to use professional equipment and its maintenance.
• I passed the routes on my own and lead the course.
• I climbed  the climbing wall, defeating my fear of heights. 
• I learnt how to work with children and about the organization of their leisure time
• I learnt basic phrases, gestures used by the local population, as well as strenghtened my knowledge of English language, learnt greater assertiveness, team work and responsibility for others. 
• I broadened my cultural horizons, and linguistic, professional and social skills.
  
  
   

Discover Portugal

There are some places, you should not miss, being in Portugal. Well, ok....  there are plenty of them, but that's pretty obvious (guidebooks did a good job). That is why instead of more writing, I'd like to show you, what I liked.
....and let's hope that you'll want to go there, too !! :)



1) LISBON

... on just very few pictures tht I liked (with one of my favourites on the left; showing a lovely couple - the guy focused on fixing a shoe of his woman).

I wish I could add here some of them (especially these taken at night), but my camera got stolen after I hitch-hiked to Porto for São João festival (that's the risk of going out at night to the crowded streets ).Well, definetely you need to see Lisbon's and Porto's day&night side ! :)



What I want to share is not only beautiful views of Lisbon, a bettern known one

My own hand-made panorama 

The Bridge of 25th of April seen from the Lisbon's centre(up) and from Belem(down)

One of two fountains at Rossio square (downtown)

... but the other face of Lisbon too

2) SINTRA & CABO DA ROCA

Quinta da Regaleira,
one of many miracles of Sintra

Extremely windy
mostwestern point of the Europe.
THE END

3) PORTO

"They say love hits you when you least expect it, and in the city of Porto, Portugal, it might come in the form of a hammer to the head during the Festa de São João."  =)

CASCAIS, place where the sea kisses the land

...Just 30 km away from Lisbon, there's is a town with charming landscape and a constant holiday atmosphere, and its name is Cascais.
If you keep it top-secret, I can share with you << My list of MUST SEE PLACES >>

1. Boca do Inferno - "Mouth of Hell":
For those, who want to combine nice walk and have wonderful view upon the ocean at the same time, I recommend strolling along the coast. There, somewhere on the way to Guincho beach, you'll find an impressive cave curved in the rocks.

2. Lighthouse view

Walking from historic center of the town towards "Boca do Inferno", you will pass the old lighthouse facing the sea. Probably it's the most popular and famous picture of Cascais, and not without a reason. Simply stop there and enjoy the view =)

3. Citadela
A unique example of the military architecture, notable historic fort, recently renovated. At the end of 2011 it reopened as the Palace of Citadela with a restaurant, an ice-cream store and even a hotel inside (which I don't find the best idea ever). On the left side of Citadela, there is one of its ramparts, called Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Luz. Visiting this part of the monument, you can watch a short video inside, that tells an intriguing story about kiddnaped wife (but if I tell you, it won't be intriguing anymore! so go there and get to know on your own). If you are not fan of short documentary videos, just walk the stairs up and you will find a magnificent terrace overlooking the sea ( and sparkling (4.) Cascais Marina, in the lower picture - with lots of restaurants, bars, shops).

5. Cultural Centre of Cascais

I'm not a big fan of museums, but if anyone is interested in art - Cultural Centre of Cascais promotes it by hosting exhibitions and other events. You'll find it in a pink house just next to the Citadela.

6. Merechal Carmona Park
That park is a hidden gem of the town. You can simply rest there, enjoying lovely atmosphere of the place. But there are more options. One of them is a visit in (7.) The Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum. On your way there, you'll see few peacocks and some funny roosters. I tried to catch them, but maybe it's easier when you show your good intensions, e.g. by feeding them.

And if eventually, you will not want to get inside the museum, just the building for its architecture and the fountain with hand painted tiles are worth seeing.


8. Guincho beach
Guincho is one of the biggest beaches in Cascais area. Laying at the foot of Sintra and very exposed to northern winds, Guincho is internationaly famous as a perfect beach for windsurfers. 
The ocean can be quite dangerous for swimmers due to its strong tides and winds. However, when the weather is nice, Guincho is one of the most pleasant beaches in the region. You can easily check it, renting a bike for free (!) and having a great ride on the coast using a special bike route (9.) Cascais Bicycle Path. 

10. Old Town
Here's the picturesque place for those who want the taste of real Cascais. From Largo de Camões, which is the town’s central square and a popular meeting point, you can start your wanderings around many little, charming, tiny streets. Whenever heading out of town, take a pleasant, leisurely walk on the (11.) Seaside promenade between Cascais and Estoril -  it accesses most of the golden sand beaches. Any time you can simply rest on one of them, getting a little sunshine :)

ACTIVITIES
Muraliza 2014: Mural Art Festival Cascais, 4-10th of June

One of many arrows leading
to some nice pieces of street art
(as presented on the left side)

(It's very recent project, which started at the beginning of June and until now I have found just a short information written in Portuguese and three sentences in English. It seems that I will be the first one writing a real note about the initiative in English :) )

Muraliza Festival is integrated with celebrations of the 650 years of Cascais' Charter and aims to improve the quality of artistic interventions in the town. The painting of murals was handled by six local artists with international renown. The main topic of the wall art was Cascais portrayed in large and medium-sized panels. It is intended that the "graffiti or street art" becomes an integral part of urban planning.

For me looking for graffitis in the downtown is like searching for hidden gems.


That is my Cascais. Just keep your eyes wide open and enjoy the place =)