O testemunho final do Riccardo (Bola p’ra Frente)

These are my last days in Lisbon, I have to write some words about my experience here and I thought it was a good idea to go in a very sentimental place to do it. Now I just want to cry cause the nostalgic feeling is hitting too hard and it’s super difficult to write with blurred eyes.

I’m in Jardim do Rio, Almada, in the margem sul. I decided to come here because from this point it’s possible to see all Lisbon from west to east, that is from the Belém tower to a massive cruise ship docked in front of Alfama, the most historical area of the city. The sunset from this spot is stunning, in this moment the pinky clouds are reflecting on the Tejo River and I am completely immersed in this pinky atmosphere linking the sky to the river. wished to have amazing photography skills to frame this picture, but I tried and from my phone you can barely recognise Lisbon. I got distracted by the view, I was saying that I decided to come here because from this place it’s possible to see all the city from the outside, exactly like I’m watching my almost one year in Lisbon now.

I don’t think I can summarise my eleven months here, so I will just write at what point I am right now pretending you know exactly what I’m talking about.

I did the volunteer activities for the Associação Nacional Futebol de Rua, I have spent my energy for the kids of the association and I tried to use my time in there for them. Probably I could have done more for the association’s activities, I didn’t have a lot of sense of initiative in proposing new activities, but I’m happy that I managed to connect and stay close to many kids there, I cared a lot about them and I think in the ANFR everyone noticed this. I’m bringing back home a t-shirt signed by every kid of the association and with the t-shirt a lot of other things. I’m bringing back the constancy of Mafalda, who is always in the association with a great attitude. The honesty and bravery of Anderson in expressing himself. The cuteness and sympathy of Jorge, Bryan and Erika. The empathy of João and Gustavo, always looking for the lasts. The individual evolution of Telmo during the year. The curiosity of Lara and Rodrigo. The discipline of Erika. The younger brother's relationship with Emanuel, and a lot of other things.
It’s the first time for me to enter in the life of a different community and I like to think I am leaving, at least in part, as one of them.

Being a volunteer though is not something that applies just to the activities of the association. I spent one year (almost) living a communitarian life, living with less, sharing all my time and space with someone. I had to consider for all this time the cheapest solutions and soon I found myself very comfortable in the cheap world. A lot of things were not necessary anymore and my drive easily shifted to the essential. Lisbon for sure helped me in this process, it seems the perfect city for this and it’s very easy to find people with the same mindset.

I met people who drastically changed my life’s prospects, people who are not driven by crazy ambitious career dreams but just by the simple idea of experiencing life.

Now the sky is dark and the nostalgic feeling is not the only thing hitting hard since it’s getting very windy, it is difficult to write a conclusion because I was too optimistic not wearing a jacket and my hands are freezing. I am going to enjoy my last days in Lisbon totally aware that they will not be my real last ones. I will come back soon, the connections here are too strong. I am sure I will write a proper conclusion next time.

O testemunho No. 1 do Nacho (SPEA)

Although I arrived in Lisbon three months ago, it still feels like I just got here.

The day I arrived, I felt very sad. I've lived away from home for many years, but never outside of Spain, far from my family and friends, without a strong support system nearby (even though Portugal is very close to Spain). Because of this, the first few weeks were tough. But as I started to adapt to this new city and my new life (and as they adapted to me), I realized the incredible opportunity I had in front of me.

I’m doing my volunteer work at SPEA (Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves). Within my professional field, it’s an absolute privilege to work here for a year. Any ornithologist would be thrilled to have this opportunity. Honestly, this job has been my greatest motivation throughout this new experience. Because of everything I learn every day and everything I know I still have to learn, I feel incredibly lucky to work in something I’m so passionate about. Bird conservation involves many different tasks, like fieldwork, environmental education, or office work. I enjoy every single one of them.

Beyond my work, I’m experiencing many new things socially. Building a circle of trust from scratch was very challenging at first. But soon enough, I met amazing people, and I’ve never been more open to new experiences than I am now. I feel like the best is yet to come.

O testemunho final da Elena (Crescer a Cores)

 Better late than never.

The original version of this story is missing—at least it hasn’t been published yet—but it’s carefully guarded in a folder on my old PC. In this version, I’ll try to be more restrained, less emotional, and focus on unraveling all the tangled memories.

One year. Twelve months in Lisbon.

The longest stretch I’ve been away from home. At first, it was tough, I won’t deny that. But now, it feels like it was meant to be. Like a character from one of those romantic movies, I write while walking in the rain. Damn Lisbon in October. I write and walk, without using the navigator. I must have walked this street a hundred times, back and forth, from home to Graça, from my bed to the Botequim.

I’m walking now near Desgraça, the first social center I discovered here—raw, gritty, alive. Lisbon is full of these spaces, where ideas are traded over a one-euro beer. It’s still raining. I never bought an umbrella, even though winters here can be relentless. “It’s always raining,” they say, and this time, they’re right.

To my left is the cheapest Nepali restaurant in town, Sabor do Nepal. Inside, three Ikea paintings still hang, unwrapped, as if waiting for something. One is a terrifying clown. The walls are painted in loud reds and blues. It was my first Nepali meal in Lisbon. This city is full of places to eat—at a Tasca early in the month, or at an Indian or Thai spot when money runs low… And halal kebabs in Intendente at 4 a.m., all month long.

The 28E eléctrico rattles by, almost soaking me. It’s packed with tourists, even now, in this weather, at this hour. Tourists are always around, and once, I was one of them. But that feeling has faded; for months now, I haven’t identified as a tourist. My parents, my friends, everyone who’s visited—they were tourists, though. I became their guide, showing them around, discovering something new with each group, each time a little amazed, and each time feeling a small pang of regret because the last visitors “missed this.”

I’ve traveled plenty, driving across southern Portugal, exploring those stretches untouched by mass tourism. I woke up to the wild beaches of the Costa Vicentina. I love that place, and the thought of going back one day stays with me, like a promise.

The rain is pouring now, a full storm. I stop under an awning, waiting it out. Next to me, two guys are speaking German, eating ice cream. Lisbon is such a melting pot of lives, people, and cultures. From the young ones chasing their dreams to the elderly Portuguese men who have lived here all their lives. The old men in hats, jackets, and with canes—they’re my favorites on the 747 bus that takes me to work every morning.

Starting work in a new place, not knowing the language, was hard. It was my first time in a school. Just weeks before the end of my project, I realized how far I’d come. Could I have done things differently? Certainly. The early months were difficult; not being able to communicate forced me to live mechanically. Every day felt the same—going out, heading to the Padre Cruz neighborhood, entering Crescer a Cores, doing my tasks: helping, cleaning, playing with the children, helping them take care of themselves, and then cleaning again. It was mechanical, like factory work. Like Charlie Chaplin, lost in thought while chaos happens all around. I could have been bolder, sooner. But I’m glad I am now.

In these last few months, I’ve become more involved, more dynamic, eager to make the most of this opportunity. The responsibilities I’m given now are rewarding, though sometimes overwhelming. Still, I’m happy with what I do.

Lisbon isn’t a city just to be looked at—it’s a city to be lived. It can be so quiet in the winter months, but it bursts to life with summer’s arrival. June. The Santos Populares and endless nights in Graça and Mouraria.

The rain is easing up. It’s time to move on. In Largo da Graça, you can see the road leading up to Alfama. Damas is up there, one of the first places I went dancing. I’ve danced so much in Lisbon—more than anywhere else, with more intensity, for longer hours. I’ve danced to everything: funk, samba, Portuguese music, electronic beats, house, commercial tunes, even powerful rave music.

I turn the corner and arrive at the Miradouro de Graça. You live Lisbon in the streets, but it’s from up here, looking down, that you truly fall in love with it. The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte at night offers a breathtaking view: starting from the left, you see the Castelo de São Jorge, the Tejo, the lights across the river, the Ponte 25 de Abril, and Martim Moniz plaza. All so mismatched, yet so beautiful.

My friends are waiting for me now. There’s sure to be a liter of Vinho Verde and a tosta 3 queijos (that tastes only of garlic) ready for me. What a heavy combo. Tomorrow, I’ll need to wake up for work at Bairro Padre Cruz. Thankfully, one of my roommates will take on the task of waking me.

In many ways, my time in Lisbon can be summarized by this walk—from home to Graça, from my bed to the Botequim. The only street without steps.

Now, the rain falls only from the balconies above. I reach my group—volunteers, friends, lovers, and fellow travelers. My evening begins here.

I go.

Bye, baci stellari,

Ele

O testemunho no. 1 da Marta (SPIN)

I arrived in Lisbon a little over two months ago from Estonia. Although moving to the

other end of Europe can be intimidating and challenging at first, I haven’t regretted my
decision even for a second. 

I know that I chose the right path for myself and made a dream become reality. I love living in a new city where I can go and discover new places every day. I think Google Maps has become the most visited app on my phone because of that. Also, I like living near the sea. I think there’s something very calming about it.

I work at the Spin office and so far I have helped with different kinds of office work. We

also had a training course at the beginning of October, so I had a chance to help out
there as well.

I had a few days off in October and I had heard a lot of good things about Algarve, the

most southern region in Portugal. So, I thought, why not see it myself if it’s as amazing
as people say. I chose to go to a small beach town called Lagos and it truly was
stunning. The vibe, the nature, the beaches, that one Lidl I visited four times in those
three days because I was on a budget - all amazing.

Even though everything hasn’t gone exactly as expected, I still feel very grateful and

privileged to have this opportunity. As I have quite settled in now, I hope to experience
many more wonderful things here, meet amazing people and make these following
months unforgettable:)

O testemunho final do Simone (JFC - Culture)

It’s time to sum things up. I have been asked to summarize in a short text what my year in Lisbon has been like. Many people close to me may take pride in saying “It’s thanks to me or to us that he had a good experience”; First, I want to clarify, as I briefly mentioned, that yes, I had a good experience, but a big thanks goes to my roommates and the friends I’ve made here. I certainly don’t want to undermine anyone; the Spin association played a significant role in all of this, especially in making it possible for me to be here, and the staff at the Natalia Correia library for giving me the freedom to act and welcoming me like a grandson.

Did I give my best? Could I have done more? Perhaps yes. I could have been more involved in the life of the library, but deep down, I feel I listened to those who wanted to talk to me, tell me, or explain parts of Portuguese culture and the workings of the library. I spent 11 months in the Spin project, working 35 hours a week, Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a one-hour break. A very high number of hours compared to other international volunteers, or if based on ESC rules, which set a minimum of 25 hours per week, including 5 hours of learning the local language. In these 35 hours, I also included 5 hours where I tried to teach or spark an interest in Portuguese among my fellow volunteers, even though I’m no expert but have a good foundation due to my background. All this to say, yes, Simone, you did your part.

What motivated me to keep going, even though there were aspects of the library that could have led to boredom or even stagnation, issues that I am not in a position to declare? After a slight nod to my sense of duty, I want to respond by mentioning the books and the search for indirect personal growth. After the first week, I knew what positives and negatives would come from working in that library. I would have the opportunity to immerse myself deeply in the Portuguese language, with conversations about traditions, food, events, and the geographical morphology of Portugal. Feeling that sense of inclusion was a great achievement for me. Being able to return home, knowing I didn’t feel like a tourist or an outsider, is a wonderful feeling.

Books, on the other hand, were part of a very important personal development and growth. Every day I had the choice between an art book, a comic, a newspaper, a book in Portuguese, or children’s classics, to name just a few options. The continuous practice and training in reading surely helped me pass the admission interview for the master’s program I recently took.
Spin had the task of mediating between volunteers, trying to meet their needs, and ensuring that relations between the various parties were as positive and efficient as possible. Personally, I have nothing to complain about. Catarina, first and foremost, and then the other workers at the association, were very welcoming and supportive of me, with consistently positive and enjoyable exchanges. The initial “gratitude”! activity was very nice, and I recommend, for what it’s repeating it in the future. Perhaps, after that first activity, the interaction with the association
lessened; it could have been more extensive, and certain situations with housing and the
volunteers could have been handled better, but nothing too dramatic. I hope it can survive and
continue to grow; organizations like this benefit society.

To the staff at the Natalia Correia library, I send a big hug. Sonia, Maria José, Prazer, Rosario, and Isaura—amazing women. They argue among themselves but, in the end, they care about each other. Their work is not easy, nor is the environment in which they carry it out. Calling them kind is an understatement; they were always good to me and treated me wonderfully this year. Every day, conversation was at the core—an 8-hour school of language and culture. Little by little, I became more involved in the dynamics. They always made room for my needs and endured my difficulties and demands. Thank you. In return, I had the pleasure of making a nice coffee after lunch to enhance our camaraderie. A big thank you also goes to the cooks at the elementary school in the Padre Cruz neighborhood—you can’t imagine how much you lightened my life, my wallet, and improved my nutrition.

Lastly, to my friends. This summary seems like the final part of a thesis acknowledgment, but in
some way, it is. A big thank you. Waking up in the morning and going to bed at night with your
company made life easier. Moments of passive learning with everyone’s thoughts and cultural
activities stimulating one another. These moments don’t end here like something disposable; they endure over time and remain imprinted in everyone’s memory. The dedication will develop further personally in the future.

It’s been a wonderful, almost full year.
Saúde,
Simone

O testemunho final do Andrea (SPEM)

What can I say, a simply crazy experience. I haven't been in Lisbon for ten days now and I already miss it, along with everything I went through during that time and the people who came into my life a bit randomly and who now have a special place in my memories. When I arrived I didn't really know what to expect, now I just want to go back in time to relive everything exactly as it was, along with all the ups and downs. 

I wouldn't change anything but the fact that it could never end. Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, is an amazing place full of wonders that welcomed me and made me feel at home, in fact now I almost feel out of place here in Italy and I miss it with a place where I feel I belong. 

During these days during my volunteering at SPEM I felt like I was part of a family and this motivated me to continue along this path. The same goes for the people I have lived with and who have left an indelible mark on me. I write these words as a stream of consciousness, still prey to my emotions, there is still so much to say that I fear I would not be able to write it all down in a month. 

But there is something I am certain of: I could not be more grateful to have had this opportunity, which made me grow a lot and also helped me rethink who I am and work on myself. In short, I would recommend this experience to anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone or simply put themselves to the test by building a new everyday life in an environment where everything is to be discovered and which often leads one to rethink one's own inhabitants and convictions in a continuous becoming that never stops. So why not try and enjoy every second?

And here I learnt to recognise it, to feel part of something beyond my comprehension, to feel useful for someone who needed it and, above all, part of a larger reality where everyone is accepted for who they are.

After all, as someone often said, ‘Life it's a Movie’.

O testemunho final da Katarzyna (Spin)

 My volunteer adventure has come to an end. I can't believe these six months went by so quickly. This time has been incredibly valuable to me. At SPIN, we organized several youth exchanges, and although there was a lot of work, I had a great time. It was exciting to be involved in these exchanges from an organizational perspective, and sometimes I even got to participate in activities with the participants, such as learning the Brazilian martial art Capoeira. I also really enjoyed painting a mural. Although I had initial doubts, I ended up enjoying being a guide and taking groups on cultural visits, like to the castle. I experienced many memorable moments at SPIN that will stay with me forever. The team is fantastic, and we had a lot of fun together.

In early May, I had the chance to spend a week in Chaves for on-arrival training. I loved it and met volunteers from all over Portugal. We shared our experiences and learned valuable things that helped me make the most of my volunteer time. Additionally, I got to see a part of Portugal I wouldn't have visited otherwise, and it's truly beautiful there.

In mid-June, I had the opportunity to go to Marseille for the Youthful project, which focuses on creating a guide for immigrants arriving in Lisbon and Marseille. I really like the concept of this project, so I'm glad I could be a part of it and share my ideas. I enjoyed meeting another organization and their volunteers, who welcomed us warmly. Marseille is really amazing, especially the beautiful beaches nearby that look like paradise.

Living in Lisbon has been an amazing experience for me. The city is beautiful, and I felt grateful every day to live there. As a resident, I could visit various monuments for free every Sunday, which helped me get to know Lisbon even better. The Portuguese people are very kind, making me feel at home. Additionally, I explored nearby cities, which also captivated me.

Although there were some tough moments, in the end, I only remember the good times. I met many interesting people from different countries. Moving to Lisbon and this six-month volunteer experience changed me a lot. I feel like I've grown so much. This is a precious life experience that no one can take away from me. If I had to decide again whether to go, I wouldn't hesitate for a second.

Beijinhos 💋💋

Kasia