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 🌞