Portugal

ERASMUS 2016/17 TOMAR

I decided to do my second eramus in Portugal, while I was in Germany I applied for my second Erasmus because with the university you can do it in total one year during the bachelor degree and the Erasmus program is and European Exchange. So around April 2016 I applied for Portugal my fist choice was Lisbon and the secon Coimbra, Tomar was my third, when I saw the result of the graduatory I strated to cry because Tomar is a really small village one houre by car and two hour by train to Lisbon, so I didn’t wanna go there but if I will not go I have to pay a penalty fee so I decided to do it.

I bought the flight ticket to Lisbon on the 23rd of September at 8:10 am and I landed at 10:25 am in Lisbon and from there I took th etrain to Tomar that it was two hours and than a taxi till the campus where I met the responsable of ESN Tomar and she bring me to the student residence of the campus where I was living.

Noon trip all togethere at the Convento de Cristo

The day after I arrived we organized a trip all together at the Convento de Cristo in the noon just to know each other, actually the already know each other because the semester started at the beginning of September and I arrived in late because I tried to do the exams in Italy.

WEEK – END TRIP IN ALGARVE

Just one week after I arrived we decided to do a trip for few days in the South of Portugal , Algarve region exactly ear Lagos we rented a house with airbnb very nice house with the swimming pool and few meters from the center of Lagos and in those days we visited all the beaches around Lagos, doing excursion by walking and ordering taxis while we were there without a car. But we had a lot of fun and we have visited amaizing places.

Week – end all together in Lisbon

We decided to do a week – end all together in Lisbon to have fun and visit the capital city. So we rented an airbnb two houses and we spent there Friday, Saturday and Sunday we come back to Tomar for the classes.

Day trip in Nazarè

We organize a day trip all togethere almost in Nazarè that’s kind of near to Tomar, around two hours by bus and we went there we spent the day walking and exploring the place even if the weather wasn’t the best and we enjoyed the day and than we went back to Tomar in the evening.

Trip with ESN Tomar in Porto

Are you ready for the first trip of this semester?

Overlooking the Douro River, Porto is one of the most ancient European cities, stemming from the northern bank of the river during the Middle Ages. One of the most significant aspects of Porto and its historical centre is its surrounding landscape, the steep river banks providing a dramatic setting for old town. Both the streets next to the river and the surrounding countryside have been classified as a World Heritage sites by UNESCO.

DAY 1 – Saturday 29 of October ’16

We meet all together at the 7:45 am at the station of Tomar and we change the train in Entrocamento and than we arrived in Porto around 11 am we went to the hostel ” Oporto Hostel ” than we had a lunch all togethere and we eat Fanchesina that’s a typical dish from porto and than we did a tour around the city:
• Reitoria da Universidade do Porto e Praça dos Leões
• Piolho
• Torre dos Clérigos
• Avenida dos Aliados
• Estação de São Bento
• Sé do Porto
• Ponte Luíz I
• Jardim do Morro
• Ribeira do Porto
• Livraria Lello

After we had a dinner at the Confeitaria Impero and we went to party at the Villa Porto.

DAY 2 – Sunday 30 of October ’16

We woke up early in the morning we had a breakfast at the Hostel and than we went to visit the Caves of Porto visiting the wine production and than we salling in Rio Douro all together and than we went to catch the train to come back changing the train again in Entroncamento and finally we arerived in Tomar aroud 11 pm.

We celebrated Halloween all together doing partys in Tomar and having fun. We didn’t make a big party but we had a lot of fun in same club where we use to go to patying.

MERIDA AND SEVILLA ERSMUS TRIP 2016

( Plaza de Espana, Sevilla )

In November, during my second Erasmus in Tomar, I decided to plan a weekend trip to Seville with my friends Lucrezia and Agnes. Life in Tomar was quiet and charming, but we were all craving a change of scenery and something a bit more dynamic for a few days.

Since our local ESN group was not organizing any longer trips, we started looking at other options and found a weekend getaway organized by ESN Lisbon from the 18th to the 20th of November. It included stops in both Mérida and Seville, which made it even more appealing. We contacted them to ask if we could join from Lisbon, and luckily they said yes. That small decision ended up turning into one of the most memorable weekends of my Erasmus.

The itinerary promised a mix of history, culture, and social moments, exactly what we were looking for. Mérida, founded in 25 BC, is known for its incredibly well-preserved Roman ruins and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seville, on the other hand, is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, and the charm of southern Spain. It felt like the perfect combination for a short but intense trip.

Day 1 – 18.11.2016

( Night at Oasis Hostel, Sevilla )

( Me, Lucrezia and Agnes in Merida )

The day started very early. We took the first train from Tomar to Lisbon, still half asleep but excited for what was ahead. Once we arrived, we made our way to the meeting point at IST, where dozens of Erasmus students were already gathering. There was an immediate sense of energy and anticipation, with people chatting, introducing themselves, and getting ready for the journey.

At 07:30, we boarded the buses and the trip officially began. The atmosphere quickly became lively, with music playing and people getting to know each other. It felt like the start of something fun even before reaching our first destination.

Around 11:00, we arrived in Mérida. The city had a completely different feel from anywhere I had been before, with Roman history visible in every corner. We visited the ancient ruins, walking through old structures that have stood for centuries. It was fascinating to see how well preserved everything was, and it gave a real sense of stepping back in time.

For lunch, we chose a random local restaurant, keeping things simple and spontaneous. After eating, we had some free time to wander around the city, take photos, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before continuing the journey.

At 14:00, we left Mérida and headed towards Seville. By the time we arrived around 17:00, the light was starting to soften, giving the city a warm and welcoming feeling. After checking in at Oasis Hostel, we took some time to rest and freshen up.

In the evening, we met again at 20:00 for dinner at the hostel. A traditional Spanish paella was served, along with drinks, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere where it was easy to connect with other students. The night naturally turned into a small party at the hostel, with music, conversations, and laughter continuing for hours before we finally went to sleep.

Day 2 – 19.11.2019

( Night at Oasis Hostel, Sevilla )

We started the day with breakfast at the hostel, slowly waking up and getting ready for a full day of exploring. The city tour organized by ESN Seville gave us the chance to discover the most important landmarks while also learning more about the history of the city.

Seville immediately stood out for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful streets, and a mix of cultures visible in its architecture. One of the main highlights of the day was visiting the Alcázar of Seville. The intricate details, the tiles, the arches, and especially the gardens made it one of the most beautiful places we saw during the trip. It was easy to spend time just walking around and taking everything in.

The rest of the day was spent exploring the city, moving between narrow streets, open squares, and lively areas filled with people. There was always something to look at, whether it was a small hidden corner or a busy street full of life.

In the evening, we met again for dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying more Spanish food and the relaxed atmosphere of the group. Later, we headed to an Erasmus party at Club Abril. The contrast between the cultural daytime and the energetic nightlife was part of what made the trip so special. The club was full of students from all over the world, and the energy was high, with music, dancing, and a sense of freedom that comes with traveling during Erasmus.

Day 3 – 20.11.2019

Our final day started with breakfast at 09:00, followed by check-out at 10:00. Even though we were tired from the night before, we still had time to explore more of the city.

We joined a guided tour that took us around Seville once again, including a visit to the beautiful Plaza de España. Despite the rain, which followed us for most of the morning, the place was still impressive. The large open square, the bridges, and the detailed architecture made it one of the most iconic spots in the city.

For lunch, I took a break from the group and met up with two friends from Casale Monferrato who were living in Seville, along with another girl who had just arrived for her Erasmus. It was a completely unplanned moment, but it made the experience feel even more personal and special, like a small connection between different parts of my life.

In the afternoon, I returned to the group at the hostel, and at 16:00 we began our journey back to Lisbon. The bus ride was much quieter this time, with most people either sleeping or reflecting on the weekend.

We arrived in Lisbon around 22:00 and then took the train back to Tomar. By the time we reached our residence, it was around midnight. We were exhausted, but it was the kind of tired that comes from a full and meaningful experience.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR ROAD TRIP IN PORTUGAL 2016/17

Road trip in Portugal with my boyfriend during  Christmas 2016

DAY 1 – 25.12.2016

( Night at: America Diamonds Hotel )

I spent the Christams day alone at the residence of the university in Tomar where I was living alone because the only people left in the campus I didn’t know them very well. And at 6:11 pm I went to took the train and I arrive in the train station in Lisbon around 8 pm than I went to the airport T1 to wait my boyfriend that he comes to visit me. We broke up more than a month eralier and we had few big fights so wasn’t the best period of our relationship but we decided to do this trip anyway. After the airport we went back to the hotel to talk a bit and rest.

DAY 2 – 26.12.2016

( Night at: Hotel Ibis San Joao )

We woke up early in the morning we went back to the airpot with the metro to rent a car because the day before was too late, and we rent it at Europcar and we started to drive ( he drove all the time ) to north in the Porto direction, for lunch we stopped in Nazarè / Alcobaca which I already visited with my university friends during a day trip that we did it in November. We arrived in Porto around 6 pm we did the check in at the Hotel and than we went out for a dinner in a restauramnt in the center.

DAY 3 – 27.12.2016

( Night at: Hotel Ibis San Joao )

We wokr up ealy in the morning and we started to visit the city even if I already visited with my university friends in the end of October during a week end trip with ESN Tomar. With my boyfriend we visited more relaxed and chilling in the morning we did a boat tour on the River Duero and we visited: Palaco da Bolca, Ponte Luis, Church od san francisco, Libreria Lello, Casa della Musica, chiesa dos Clerigos con Torre, Stazione.

DAY 4 – 28.12.2016

( Night at: Hotel Ibis Budget Braga Centro )

We woke up early to visit the last things in Porto we had a lunch next to the river while it was a sunny day, we eat Francesinha I already eat it when I was in Porto but I bring my boyfriend there to eat it because he never tryed that, and id one of my fav dish in Portugal. Than we went back to the Hotel did the check out and we went to Braga that’s like around two hours by car, we did the check in in the new Hotel and than we went to the center to vist the city and we had an aperitif and than we just come back at the Hotel and relax.

DAY 5 – 29.12.2016

( Night at: Hotel Abeiro Inn )

We woke up early in the morning we visit he last things in Braga and we had a breakfast, Check out and we went to visit the Santuario de Bom Jesus and than we went to Aveiro around 2 pm by car we arrived there we did the check in and we started to visit the city walking around. We had an aperitif in the littles beautiful streets of Aveiro and than we had a dinner at ” Tasca do Sol Restaurant” and than we went to sleep.

DAY 6 – 30.12.2016

( Night at: Hotel Kamanga Tomar )

We woke up early in the morning we did the check out and we visit the last thing in Aveiro actually we just did the breakfast and than we went to Costa Nova where there are all th elittle beautiful colorfus houses and than before lunch we strated to drov eto Coimbr to visit the university and the historical center and than in th evening we arrived in Tomar where we did the check in at the Hotel and than we went to have a dinner at my favorite restaurant ” Taverna Antiqua ” and than to sleep.

DAY 7 – 31.01.206

( Night at: Lisbon Holidays Alfama )

We woke up early we had a breakfast at the Hotel than we drove till my university so I show it to my boyfriend and than I passed to the bedroom of Lucrezia my friend that she was just back from the Christmas Holiday in Italy and than we went to visit the Convernto de Cristo we had a lunch at the square of Tomar and than we did the check out at the Hotel and we drove till Lisbon, we give back the car at the airport and with the metro we went to the Center of Lisbon and we did the check in at the apartment that we rented and we started to looking for a place were we could have a dinner which it was the new year, we found it in our area Alfama a nd than we went to Prca de Comercio to watche the fireworks for the mid night and than we went back to sleep.

DAY 8 – 01.01.2017

( Night at: Lisbon Holidays Alfama )

So the first day in Lisbon, obiusly wasn’t fo r me the fist day in lisbon but anyway we tryed to visit something even if we slept a bit and than everything was close and the wetaher not thr best kind of raining alcloudy all day, so we visited the Castelo de Sao Joao and all the area around there, praca do Comercio o an we walked around the city exploring new corners for me and for him.

DAY 9 – 02.01.2017

( Night at: Lisbon Holidays Alfama )

We woke up early to go to Sintra one of the best villages near Lisbon, we took the train at the Rossio station which is located the undergroud as well and it takes less than an hours. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t the best so we couldn’t really enjoy the day trip but anyway is one of my fav village in Portugal even if it’s very turistic.

Sintra main attractions: Palacio Nacional da Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, Castelo dos Mouros, Palacio nacional de sintra.

DAY 10 – 03.01.2017

( Night at: Lisbon Holidays Alfama )

We rest a bit and enjoying the city for the last day and we went to visit the Belem tower and all the attraction near there and than we keep walking and exploring Lisbon for the last day.

DAY 11 – 04.01.2017

We woke up not too early we did the check – out, breakfast and than we went to the metro me to go to take the train and him to the airport to go to Itlay. My train was at 12:53 am and I arrived there at 2:40 pm which later in the noon I had a lssons because the university was already open again.

Day trip in Leira

Leiria was my fourth choice where to do my Erasmus program, so I decided to visit it since Agnes and Ana they have to go there for few documents also me and Lucrezia we went there just to have a noon snack and see something new.

ADVENTURE IN AZORES

San Miguel at the beginning of the 2017

” Where are the Azores islands? “

The Azores, officially the Autonomous Region of the Azores, is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal (along with Madeira). It is an archiprlago composed of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic Ocean about 1,360 km (850 mi) west of continental Portugal, about 1,643 km (1,021 mi) west of Lisbon, in continental Portugal, about 1,507 km (936 mi) northwest of Marocco, and about 1,925 km (1,196 mi) southeast of Newfoundland, Canada. 

Its main industries are agriculture, daily farming, livestock, fishing, and tourism, which is becoming the major service activity in the region. In addition, the government of the Azores employs a large percentage of the population directly or indirectly in the service and tertiary sectors. The main capital of the Azores is Ponta Delgada.

Me and my friend Lucrezia we decided to do a trip in the Azores in the main Island Sao MIguel even if the period wasn’t the best because in January is very raining but the flight were so chep around 35€ go and come back that we decided to do it. And there we were very lucky to met a guy that he rent a car otherwise we couldn’t travel around the island by our self, I mean there are the buses but they are not going every where and everytime.

Day 1  – Friday 27.01.2017

( Night at: The Nook Hostel )

Me and Lucrezia we woke up early and we took the train to Lisbon and at 11:00 am the flight depart to Ponta Delgada with Tap Portugal and we landed at 12:25 am. One we arrived there we had the lunch at Burger king and we did the check in at the hostel and than we started to walk around the city to explore it and we figured out that without a car was almost imposible visit the island so we talked with different tour organizer but we couldn’t fin a solution. When we went back to the Hostel we ask at the reception and they told us that a Spanish guy just rented a car so we went to ask him if we coul join him and as well comes an other Spanish guy so we make a group of four to travel around the island we were very lucky. And we had a dinner at “Casa de Rosa” Restaurant.

Day 2 – Saturday 28.01.2017

( Night at: The Nook Hostel )

The second day we went with the two Spanish guys from the Hostel into the car in the direction Tea plantation in the nord of the Island and than we went to Lagoa das Furnas exploring all the area around it was amaizing never saw something like that in my life. And after for the sunset we arrived at Lagoa do Fogo even more amazing with the sunset. In the evening when the sun goes down we come back to the Hostel and we had a dinner at ” Taberna Acor ” Restaurant.

Day 3 – Sunday 29.01.2017

( Night at: The Nook Hostel )

We woke up early in the morning and we went to the west coast of the island fist we stopped at the Termas Ferraria amaizing scenario, than we went to visit the Lagoa das sete cidades the best one in Sao Miguel and today supposed to be the best weather but unfortunately was too foggy that we couldn’t even seen the lake, barely nothing. We stopped at the Hotel Abandonado to take few pictures and that’s it and we went in the nord west coast to visit the little villages and the ocean by the beach. And than we went at ” A Tasca ” Restaurant near to our Hostel.

Day 4 – Monday 30.01.2017

( Night at: The Nook Hostel )

We woke up we had a breakfast all together at the Hostel and than all four we went to Isolate de Villa Franca but just to see it because we didn’t had enought time to visit and take the boat, we stopped at well at the Igreja de Sao MIguel Arcanjo just in front of the island, and than we proceed to east visit the Terra nostra natural park we had a lunch out of there and we spent few hours at the garden absolutely beautiful. On the way back to the hostel we stopped at the Upside – Down house in Furnas and we went back and we stpped . For the dinner we went gaain at ” A Tasca ” Restaurant that we really liket and I can say that we had everynight a very good typical dinner and absolutely not expensive.

DAY 5 – Tuesday 31.01.2017

We woke up later and we definately chill we walked around the city as we did it the first day taking pictures and having lunch again at the Mcdonald’s and than we grab our staff and we went to the airpot that the departure was at 5:35 pm and we landed in Lisbon T2 at 8:55 pm with Rayanair, we found a bit of turbolence but arrived safe and than we took the train as usual to Tomar and we arrived at home around mid night.

Trip with ESN Tomar in Castelo Branco

On the 3rd of February ESN Tomar organized a day trip to meet the ESN of Castelo Branco that they make a tour of the city for us and we visited the city and the castle that’s the most famous thing of the city. While we went there with the private bus of the university we stopped in Serra de Estrella and was snowing there because is the only place where is snowing in Portugal.

Daily trip to Sintra in February

Since the first time I’ve been in Sintra I like it a lot and we decided to do a day trip to Sintra me Lucrezia, Agnes and Gian Filippo, fortunately this time the weather was nice so we could enjoy the day and visit Palacio National da Pena and Castelo dos Mouros.

ERASMUS TRIP IN MADRID, FEBRUARY ’17

While I was doing my second Erasmus in Tomar ( Portugal ), I decided to spend a few days in Madrid with my Italian friend Lucrezia and our Turkish friend Muratan, who had just finished his Erasmus and was flying back home to Turkey from there. It felt like the perfect chance to explore a new city together before going our separate ways again.

Even after just a few days, I can say that Madrid is an amazing city. It has such a vibrant atmosphere, full of life, culture, and energy. It is definitely a place I would love to return to in the future, maybe during the summer, to experience it more deeply and stay a bit longer.

DAY 1- Tuesday 14.02.2017

( Night at: Motion Hostel, Madrid )

( Metropolis building, Madrid )

We actually left Tomar two days earlier, on the evening of the 12th. After dinner, we took a taxi to Entroncamento, a small town near Tomar, where we caught the night train to Madrid at 22:30. Spending the whole night on the train was not the most comfortable experience, but we managed to rest a little and arrived in Madrid around 08:40 the next morning.

After dropping off our bags at the hostel, we headed straight into the city. Our first stop was Puerta del Sol, one of the most central and lively places in Madrid. From there, we walked to Plaza Mayor, surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and filled with people enjoying the day.

We spent the afternoon walking around, getting our first impressions of the city, and simply enjoying the atmosphere. In the evening, we stopped at 100 Montaditos for an aperitif, a casual and fun way to end our first day in Madrid.

DAY 2 – Wednesday 15.02.2017

( Night at: Motion Hostel, Madrid )

We started the day early, but this time we split up. Lucrezia and Muratan decided to visit the stadium, while I chose to explore some of Madrid’s most famous museums on my own.

I visited the Museo Reina Sofía and the Museo del Prado, both incredible in completely different ways. Walking through the galleries alone gave me time to fully take in the art and enjoy the experience at my own pace.

We met again later for lunch, and in the afternoon we headed to the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid and then to El Retiro Park. It was a sunny day, and the park was full of people relaxing, walking, and enjoying the weather. One of the highlights there was the beautiful Palacio de Cristal, reflecting the light and surrounded by nature.

In the evening, we visited the Mercado de San Miguel, where we tried different foods and soaked in the lively atmosphere. Later, we treated ourselves to churros with chocolate, the perfect sweet snack to end the day.

DAY 3 – Friday 16.02.2017

( Night at: Motion Hostel, Madrid )

We started the morning early again, and this time I met up with Nerea, a Spanish friend I had met in Ireland while we were both working as au pairs. It was really nice to reconnect in a completely different place.

We spent the morning catching up and then went out for lunch at a local restaurant she recommended which I don’r remember the name. Afterward, we met Lucrezia and Muratan near the Royal Palace of Madrid, where we spent some time exploring the area together. Nerea became our unofficial guide, showing us around and sharing local insights.

We continued walking through the city until we reached the Temple of Debod, one of the most unique spots in Madrid, especially for its views.

Later, I met another friend of mine, Francesca, whom I had known since kindergarten and middle school, and who was also doing her Erasmus in Madrid. We grabbed a beer together, which made the day feel even more special, full of unexpected reunions.

In the evening, we all got ready for our last dinner together. We went to a restaurant recommended by Nerea, Casa de Valencia, where we had a delicious paella in a warm and friendly atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end our final night in Madrid.

DAY 4 – Saturday 17.02.2017

On our last morning, we woke up early and said goodbye to Muratan, who left from Plaza de Cibeles to head to the airport and fly back home.

After that, Lucrezia and I spent the day together, enjoying our final hours in the city. We met another friend of mine, Chiara, from my hometown Casale Monferrato, who was also doing her Erasmus in Madrid. Together, we walked through the city, visited a few last spots, and simply enjoyed the beautiful weather and relaxed atmosphere.

Our flight was in the evening at 21:05. We landed in Lisbon around 21:10 due to the time difference, and from the airport, we took the metro and then the train back to Tomar. We finally arrived around 23:00, completely exhausted but happy after a trip full of experiences, reunions, and unforgettable moments.

THE LAST MONTH IN PORTUGAL

I finished the exams in February at the beginning actually but i decided to stay more there for my internship and for the money that I recived for this exchange because I supposed to stay there till the 23rd of March to do the perfect six months, so I stayed there and with my internship I helped the ESN office of Tomar with the welcome week that started on the 20th of February, and we did all the introduction activities.

On 21st of Febrary visit the Convento de Cristo

We did the trip to the Convento de Cristo with all the new guys of the second semester that most of them are Brazilians like Giselle the Brazilian friend of Agnes in the photo. So me Lucrezia and Agnes we tried to make agroup with the new people even if we knew that we were leaving soon, just to enjoy the last period in Tomar without studying and exams.

Before leaving when most of the people already left they went back to their countries, me and Arturo and Itlian guy that he was staying all year we decided to do a day trip to Fatima hoping that the God bless us for having a degree sooner as possible, that actually didn’t works.

So I spent the last week alone with the Italian boys while I moved even in their houses because in all the residence there was only the new Erasmus group of Brazilian mainly, I enjoyed with them the last days having dinner all together and partyes and than I come back to Italy alone because Lucrezia she already left, on the 9th of March 3:20 pm in Lisbon and i landed at 19:05 pm in Milan and my mum comes to picks me up.