O testemunho No. 2 da Hanna (Spin)

Older, smarter, countless times sunburnt and happy - these words describe me and my 8 months in Portugal.

I might be a little bit late with my second testimony. It's my eight month here, in this breathtaking country, so much has happened, I have lived through so many different emotions, experiences, and honestly, I don't know where to even begin to tell you about my adventures so far, I did promise you that I would bring you with me, remember?

I would start with the wonderful projects that I had the opportunity to help manage during my summer in Spin. Usually people rest during the summer, take a vacation and lay on the beach all day long - but not me. During those few months, with the hottest summer i've experienced, we had multiple projects, a youth exchange, a training course and our own project Live It Lisbon! It might sound a lot, but as for me, I love to keep busy. It was tiring, but I took a moment to enjoy every second of it. My first time working with kids was in the youth exchange, we had youngsters come from Spain and our own neighbourhood - Bairro Padre Cruz. It was full of challenges, but it was so nice to see kids have fun, find new friends and bond. Live it Lisbon - was a different experience than the rest, it is Spins own project, inviting participants from different countries to sunny Lisbon and taking them to a trip of the summer, through Portugal, its culture and traditions, but also doing something good for the community, by helping around the neighbourhood. 

Our last project of the year, a training course, was heartwarming. It was about mental health and how to be your own best friend. It gave everyone time to think about themselves, and how kind we are against ourselves. It was my first time also being involved in the logistics of managing a project, I got to be closer with the participants, manage timetables, menus and other things you might not think about, when you see a project from afar or if you join one. Not to mention I met other estonians! Finally…

 

Everyone needs to rest, and so did I. My first trip in this beautiful country - I went to Algarve! Yupii! My eyes have never seen such beauty - from Sagres all the way to Faro. I felt like I was in a fairy tale, the old cities tell you a story of Portugal that you never might think of. Swimming in the cold ocean water makes you feel alive, calm and in peace with everything in this charming world we live in.

I would go back every summer, I just could not get enough of Algarve, and so I recommend even to you, reader, maybe even a new volunteer, to go there. You won't regret it.

I never thought that I would bond with my co-volunteers that deeply. With long volunteering comes also time to say goodbye, not yet to my project, but to volunteers, who end their own projects. Spending those precious moments together, you don't realise how much you grow fond of people. My hardest goodbyes, we will meet again soon, somewhere, we will always be in each other's hearts, but it's still hard to change people. But how it goes, when a door closes, a window opens - Autumn is a season of change, new people, new faces, and most importantly, I can give them all my knowledge, be that person, who can be a welcoming face to their new experiences and adventures!

It already feels like it's my last testimony, thankfully it's not. I have 3 months more of this adventure left, time to make my last and best memories yet. My heart breaks everytime that I think that suddenly I only have 3 months left, but I will make my peace with it, every ending has a new beginning, right)

 

 

O Testemunho final do Donatien (Viver Telheiras)

 

Ola a todas e todos ! I’m sadly typing this testimony from my hometown in France where I moved back at the end of August. My last months in Lisbon have been full of memories, let me try to sort them into boxes… 

The project in Telheiras …

We made it ! The first session of the local parliament took place in June on the first Sunday of the Festival of Telheiras. Almost 20 people gathered to share about their experiences, the main issues they are daily facing as inhabitants and the priorities to work on. After 1h30, three priorities have been defined : public transport, public maintenance and streets cleanliness. Such an achievement ! It is now time for the inhabitants who are part of the coordinating group to keep up and start organizing people in order to fix issues and implement new projects.

Meanwhile, the project entitled « Da ETPL para o undo » with about 60 high school students full of energy, creativity and sensitivity, ended. After 4 months spent together, thinking about the societal issues they care about, where they stand and how they could take action, three groups selected by a jury have presented their projects they plan to start to tackle racism, homophobia and waste. Congratulations to them ! I’ve gone through it being surprised and amazed all the time by their maturity and their (self)awareness. 

My life in Lisbon … 

Saudades, saudades and saudades… I couldn’t describe better how I feel now back home. Too many memories I couldn’t sum up but I will keep in mind how much I felt home in Lisbon, how much I love the friends I’ve made, how much I’m missing beaches, sunsets, Lux e MusicBox, pão de deus, pasteis de nata, vinho verde, os maços de Português, o 25 de Abril e as demonstrações.

I feel so grateful for having the opportunity to get up on stage twice to do my rap. In spite of not being understandable for the Portuguese, the public (mostly my friends) warmed me up and I enjoyed it so much! Special mention to my duo with my friend and best dj downtown Catxy !

About my last weeks in Lisbon, I had the opportunity to travel a lot and get to know this country better : Algarve, Alentejo, the natural parks and the mountains. Running up the mountains, I left my ankle behind and sadly had to spend my last weeks in Portugal on my bed… Thankfully, I could enjoy so much my last days with all my friends… I couldn’t have pictured a happier (and sadder) ending

I feel so grateful for having met all these beautiful people from all around Europe and beyond who are now part of my family <3

Até breve Lisboa (mas por favor nunca seja francesa)

O testemunho No. 2 da Katarina (Spin)

 

Hello again!

It feels like I have blinked and woke up many months later. Though the heat is gone, the sun still shines over Lisbon and gives its share of happiness to the ones who’re lucky enough to wake up in this amazing city today.

Everyone also lives their life, being the main character in their own story and all the other people are around just to fill the gaps and the holes of the plot. I also feel like that: my life is my own story and my own experience, and life in Lisbon is just another chapter in my life novel. The only thing is that even I don’t know what is going to happen on every page I get to turn. Although maybe it's not what I have been picturing in my mind back when I first arrived, there are many things to enjoy, to treasure and to be grateful for.

Certain periods in the flat I am living in have been challenging, but many times people give you the advice that you should see the obstacles as an opportunity to grow and broaden your perspectives. Even though it can be true in some cases, in my opinion, some things and situations should be solved if they are continuously crossing the line, and they should not be turned into an opportunity to grow, or be more flexible, or be more patient or be more this or that. Luckily, things have their way of falling into place, so in the past month we got new volunteers and I live with them now, and I think they are amazing people and that we have a lot in common and a lot to share, so I am looking forward to spending the months that I have left in a better environment and the healthier place to live.

I have been visiting some places around Lisbon, and I am extremely satisfied with the 40 euro card deal that the public transport company offers, because with this card you’re able to visit many places around, as there is a good train and bus connection to almost every place you can imagine. My favorite spot is actually any spot by the sea, so I took advantage and spent more than a few of my days just looking at the horizon and listening to the waves.

One of the highlights for sure has to be a mid-term training that we had in Braga, which is a lovely little town in the north of Portugal. Even though the weather forecast predicted a week of rainy days only whilst I was there, I got lucky and was able to spend a sunny afternoon walking around Braga and exploring the place. The people in the training were something else, and the group dynamic was outstanding. I felt the amazing connection we had with one another, helping each other express our experiences and feelings towards our ESC projects. I felt really happy and relieved that I was not the only one facing some challenging situations, and I really changed my perspective on some things that happened. I cherish those moments and I take some connections with me, to hopefully meet again in one of many places those people come from.

Lisbon is a vivid city and has to offer something for everyone, if you know where to look or even just if you are willing to explore. Lots of museums, galleries, bars, food places, gardens, viewpoints. Over time, I’ve got to have my favorite of many things: favorite park – Gulbenkian, favorite beach – Parede, favorite Portuguese food – bitoque from Portvgalia, favorite foreign food – Korean bbq, favorite place to chill – south bank… the only one I don’t have is a favorite pasteis de nata place, simply because they are amazing wherever you get them.

My Portuguese is still not at a level I would have hoped, but I’ve got only myself to blame, as I think I should’ve dedicated more time to studying. I understand quite a lot though, and finally I don’t have any problem maintaining the necessary conversation with the supermarket workers during the check-out.

I think this is it for now, I guess that I’ll be back here and writing my final testimony faster than I can know. Until then, I will continue enjoying my life in Lisbon the way it is and saving a special place in my heart for some experiences and people that happened to me in this very place.

Beijinhos,

K

O testemunho no. 1 da Weronika (Spin)

 

Moving to Portugal has always been my dream. I really wanted to get to know the Portuguese slow life, learn about the culture, the language and learn to surf. This week  was my first week od my Portugal life and i can say it has been an incredible adventure. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the charm and beauty of this country. The people are warm and welcoming, and there's a certain sense of tranquility that fills in everyday life.

The breathtaking landscapes, from the lush vineyards of the Douro Valley to the stunning beaches of the Algarve, have left me in awe. The food is an absolute delight; I can't get enough of the world-famous Portuguese custard tarts, pastéis de nata.

Exploring the historic streets of Lisbon has been like stepping back in time, and I'm constantly discovering new hidden gems around every corner. The architecture, with its intricate tiles and colorful facades, adds a unique character to the cities.

But what has impressed me the most is the strong sense of community and the rich cultural traditions. The Portuguese people know how to celebrate life.

I've only just begun my journey here, and I can already say that Portugal has a special place in my heart. It's a place where old-world charm meets modern living, and I'm excited to continue embracing all that this beautiful country has to offer. See you around 😁

Weronika

O testemunho da Eva (Spin)

 Olá a todos! 

I'm Eva, and although I live and study in Ghent, I have decided to do my internship adventure in beautiful Lisbon. My host organization here is SPIN. My first encounter with Lisbon was several years ago, and that experience has always stayed with me. It piqued my interest to return one day, and that happened in February 2023. During a vacation with friends in Portugal, my enthusiasm grew to spend three months here soon and fulfil my internship. And here I am!

 

My academic background includes a bachelor's degree in Social Work, and I am currently working on my master's degree in Gender and Diversity. I hope that my practical experience in Social Work, combined with the theoretical concepts and frameworks I am studying in my master's, can be a valuable addition to the SPIN team.

I have been here for one month now, and I must admit that the start was challenging at times. Arriving in a city I didn't know very well and being all alone was a bit overwhelming. But my sense of loneliness quickly disappeared thanks to the warm welcome at SPIN. My arrival coincided with the start of the "Be your best friend" training. Although I was prepared for a hectic week (and at times it was!), above all it was an incredibly fun week in which I met many wonderful people. It was great to spend my first few weeks during this activity, which soon made me feel like a full member of the team.

If SPIN is such a welcoming place, so is Lisbon. It is a city where discovery and wonder go hand in hand. Everywhere you go, you will discover something new and fascinating. It is a city where you can get lost (a lot), but that makes it very exciting. Until now, the sun has been shining all period, so there is still a vacation feeling in the city. Lisbon is also close to a lot of beaches, so you can always go and relax and enjoy the sunsets. And I haven't mentioned the food yet. From delicious pasteis de nata, to fresh fish dishes in local restaurants, every meal so far has been delicious. So this is not just another city, it is a city that is alive, that is cosy and where people are always in the mood to discover. I can already say that I am going to make some really great memories here.

So far, I look back on my first month in Lisbon with great gratitude. I can't wait for the adventures to come!

O testemunho no. 1 da Jessica (Spin)

 

I am Jessica (21), a volunteer from Liechtenstein. My excitement began a week before departure. My wish was to bring a little variety into my life, so I decided to do this project. I was very excited about what awaits me here in Lisbon at SPIN. I will stay here for six months and gain experience and knowledge.  Most of all I am looking forward to meet new people from different cultures/countries. It would be great to learn some Portuguese, even though I am not that good with languages.

When I arrived at our accommodation, I had to settle in a bit. But now with time I get used to the shared apartment life.

These six months give me the opportunity to reinvent myself and take time out from "real life". As I am a very reserved person, I would like to improve my social skills.

Lisbon is a stunning city, the houses are colourful and the people are very friendly. The paved streets are slippery and it's always going up and down. There are different parks but my favourite is the one with the chickens. The beaches are incredibly beautiful, but the water was freezing cold.

I have been to several vantage points from which the whole city could be seen. The red bridge is gigantic and reminds me of America. Next door is the Jesus Statue, just like in Rio.

I have also never seen such a beautiful botanical garden. We even got in for free.

I am excited about what awaits me and look forward to the next few months here in Portugal.

O testemunho no. 1 da Marta (Spin)

 

Hey! 

My name is Marta Alethe, I am from Estonia and currently doing my 8-month volunteer service at SPIN Association in Lisbon, Portugal.

I knew from the start of high school that I did not want to go to university right after graduating...I wanted something more. I have always been driven to see the world, experience new cultures. So this project is perfect for me!

When I got off the plane I was welcomed by hot portuguese weather. Coming from a cold country like Estonia it was pretty surprising to me that it would be this warm in October!  At the moment I have been in Portugal for just a week, but I already feel that this project was the right path for me. 

Portugal is super interesting, rich in culture and has many wonderful people. I am ready to take on this new challenge and am excited to see where this adventure takes me.

Bye!

O Testemunho final da Moka (Spin)

 

My most favorite word in Portuguese is Saudade. It is an untranslatable Portuguese term that signifies melancholic longing or yearning. As a  recurring theme in Portuguese and Brazilian literature, saudade refers to a sense of loneliness and incompleteness. 

My feelings about my 1 year in Portugal can be easily exemplified in this word. It’s not even about me going back to my home country in a matter of weeks and missing Portugal, but it is also about the amount of incredible and heartwarming memories I have made here that make me long for more of this country and its people every day. I feel proud of the work I have done with my association and the moments I shared with my colleagues and the participants of our projects. I also feel a significant amount of love and appreciation for every person who made my stay welcome and helped me understand this country and its die-hard language better.

 

The last few months have been full of new projects and experiences. My association hosted 2 youth exchanges and 1 training course where I learned new ideas and topics. During that time, I have contributed to working with my colleagues to brainstorm and prepare for the projects, and implementing the ideas and adjustments we come up with for every new project. In between I had my second training in the heavenly mountains of Serra da Estrela in a remote hostel that felt like the perfect escape from the city with other volunteers and facilitators from around Portugal. Everything has been exhilarating and joyous, and never really felt nerve-wracking. 

I think what I will miss the most about Spin is the intercultural lunches we had. It was an open space for people to sit down and learn about each other’s cuisines and life experiences according to their culture. We shared a lot of laughs and dandy moments during these lunches, and of course I had to show off my Egyptian culture by cooking Koshari, which is considered Egypt’s national dish and an absolute vegan carb bomb!

Time to say goodbye to Spin and the ever-charming city of Lisbon. I know it’s not the end because I will come back here next year, but I can’t help to predict that I will fall into the deep well of saudade while I am away from here. And, dear reader, if you are ever hesitant about coming to Portugal and working with Spin, this is your sign to fill out that application form now. What a privilege it will be, and what a privilege it has been for me. 

Até à próxima vez, meus amores 🌞