Tea garden

Polish impressions after visit in Portugal

We are teachers of Gimnazjum numer 2 in Augustów and we have always dreamt of going to Portugal for even few days because Portugal is known as one of the most beautiful countries in the world so thanks to Comenius project TEA  GARDEN our dreams came true.

                           On 22rd November we flew to Portugal. When we arrived  at the airport in Lisbon, Dina ( our coordinator ) with other partners were waiting for us. Their nice and friendly faces caused that we felt safe and our tiredness after the flight disappeared at once and we went to Arraiolos all together  by bus. We stayed in  Arraiolos in a beautiful hotel in the centre of the town.

                      The next day we went to school where Dina works. She showed us around the school answering all the questions we asked. Later she presented the educational system in Portugal and history of her country. After the presentation we watched a short performance prepared by students about drinking  of tea and then participated in common play to break the ice among all the partners. We had a really good time together. After lunch all the partners went for a walk to the city centre. Walking there we could admire the beauty of Arraiolos  which charmed us its extraordinary architecture and surroundings. Narrow streets and white houses with blue elements are typical for this region. Citrus trees and backyard gardens reminded  us   summer .

                     Next Dina took us to the store where older women make tapestries, which are typical of Arraiolos. Moreover we were welcomed very warmly by the Mayor of Arraiolos at the Town Hall. The day we finished with a traditional dinner. The whole evening was lovely but the performance of the folk group impressed all of us especially that as some point we joined the dance and it was wonderful. Common fun brings people together so we arrived at the hotel tired but happy and full of unforgettable memories.

                    The next day we spent at school working very hard. We discussed all the details concerning the realization of our project. The culmination  of this day was dinner. During the meal a local singer sang fado songs and we were very impressed with her emotional performance. Moreover, several students graced dinner playing  violins.

                Last day we went to Evora - historical city where there are a lot of places worth  of seeing like well-preserved old town centre surrounded by     medieval walls and a large number of monuments dating from various historical periods, including a Roman Temple and Cathedral of Evora. Sunny, warm day made us relaxed and happy but unfortunately our visit ended and we had to say goodbye to all the partners.

     These three days brought us together and  enriched us with new experience. We will remember our visit for a long time but we know that we will see our new friends soon in Germany and then in Poland, so see you soon all the partners.