A minha visita a Portugal esta a terminar, hoje chegui a Lisboa para dormir a ultima noite. Tonight will be my last night in Portugal, our group returned early this afternoon to Lisbon after a brief stop in Fatima. It has been a few years since I had visited Fatima and since that time a beautiful church has been built. This church has a seating capacity for approximately 10, 000 parishoners and is actually quite comfortable. The seating and controlled air temperature makes this a great meeting point or a place for simple meditation.
I also had an opportunity to vist the Basillica at Fatima and witnessed hundreds of pilgrims participating in various masses in different languages. It was amazing to be visiting this sacred place just eighteen days after the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI had visited.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Batalha Square - Porto
Today my immagination is running wild, maybe it was too many hours of sleep last night or just an apreciation of all the colorful sights that I can finally appreciate in Batalha Square.
My hotel, Quality Inn is at the center of Batalha Square, although it has been my home for the last six days I never had the ooportunity to simply appreciate the hustle and bustle of all that criss-cross this square. To the right of the Quality Inn are two cafes that are filled to capacity with patrons, a scene that I had never witnessed in the evening hours. Cafe Chave Douro and Tropical Snack Bar must have their regular Sunday morning customers, not the same late night tourists that occupy those same seats.
Tour bus after bus have passed this sqaure filled with tourists from all over the world since I have been sitting on my bench, nestled under the shade of an oak tree that I share with my two new friends from Dakar, Senegal. I must not forget that I also share this prime space with twenty or so pigeons that consistently roam the perimeter of Batalha Square.
To the left of my hotel, Charasqueira Brasil is quickly setting up the veranda chairs and tables that I am sure will quickly fill up with hungry patrons. I have not yet had an opportunity to experience this Brasilian style of cuisine but may do just that today. Along the same pathway, you will find Tabacaria Brasil my preferred stop for a morning newspaper and brief conversation with Antonio, an older fellow who appears to have read every headline before 6:00 AM. I walk a few more paces and enter Cafe Java, I rest my laptop at a table closest to the open window and go about my business. Zecca, already knows that when I'm ready I'll signal him over and order my preferred drink, "um cafe por favor".
My hotel, Quality Inn is at the center of Batalha Square, although it has been my home for the last six days I never had the ooportunity to simply appreciate the hustle and bustle of all that criss-cross this square. To the right of the Quality Inn are two cafes that are filled to capacity with patrons, a scene that I had never witnessed in the evening hours. Cafe Chave Douro and Tropical Snack Bar must have their regular Sunday morning customers, not the same late night tourists that occupy those same seats.
Tour bus after bus have passed this sqaure filled with tourists from all over the world since I have been sitting on my bench, nestled under the shade of an oak tree that I share with my two new friends from Dakar, Senegal. I must not forget that I also share this prime space with twenty or so pigeons that consistently roam the perimeter of Batalha Square.
To the left of my hotel, Charasqueira Brasil is quickly setting up the veranda chairs and tables that I am sure will quickly fill up with hungry patrons. I have not yet had an opportunity to experience this Brasilian style of cuisine but may do just that today. Along the same pathway, you will find Tabacaria Brasil my preferred stop for a morning newspaper and brief conversation with Antonio, an older fellow who appears to have read every headline before 6:00 AM. I walk a few more paces and enter Cafe Java, I rest my laptop at a table closest to the open window and go about my business. Zecca, already knows that when I'm ready I'll signal him over and order my preferred drink, "um cafe por favor".
Thursday, May 27, 2010
University of Coimbra
My journey has contiued to Northern Portugal, the three hour drive from Lisbon did allow us to detour to Coimbra, Portugal's best of the best universities. The highlight of our trip was a visit to the Joanina Library that has been preserved since the 18th century. The library contains about 250 thousand volumes, namely works of medicine, geography, history, humanistic studies, science, civil and canonical law, philosophy and theology. It is a National Monument and has a priceless historical value being one of the main tourist attractions among the older monuments belonging to the university.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Carfi
As we concluded our company visits in Lisbon our journey took us to Marinha Grande to visit Carfi. This very dynamic company is ranked number six of 1,500 of Portugal's most inovative companies. Here I present Guida Figueiredo a BSC coffee mug as a thank you for her hospitality.
www.carfi.pt
Obidos - The Walled City
A very enjoyable journey to Obidos, the walled city was only a small part of today's itinerary. You must not leave this city without an obligatory drink of "ginja" poured in a chocolate cup.
Enjoy because I certainly did!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Temple of Diana and Temple of the Bones
Part of our journey today took us to Evora to visit the Temple of Diana and Temple of the Bones. This photo was taken outside the Temple of the Bones. Please review the video attached and hang on to your seat!
Parque das Nacoes
Today we had the opportunity to visit "Parque das Nacoes" the former sight of Expo '98. It is presently host to many fabulous restaurants and entertainment venues and is very close to one of the longest bridges in Europe, "Vasco de Gama Bridge" approximately 19 kilometers long.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Are we ready for a bullfight?
Tonight we are off to the bullfight, for 30 Euros we have purchased prime seats to view this unique sporting event. FYI they do not kill the bulls as they do in Spain!
Taguspark
Today our group visited Taguspark. Our day started with a brief overview and introduction of the park by Mr. Antonio Teixeira. He briefed us about the history and development of the park that is now host to over 130 companies that employes over 6,000. Our agenda includes presentations by various project managers, technical directors, and comercial directors of EnerTagus, NetWork Concept and Microsoft. It certainly was a rewarding experience to learn so much about these companies and we were very much appreciative of their hospitality.
I've landed in beautiful Lisboa...
Today I've landed at Portela Airport after a pleasant and enjoyable flight aboard TAP Air Portugal. I'm ready to enjoy the culinary delights and indulge in the fantastic Portuguese wines.
Tomorrow, I'll be ready to explore some of the countries leading technology companies at Taguspark, please stay tuned...
Monday, May 17, 2010
Guida Figueiredo - CARFI
I thought it would be interesting to share with everyone in advance a preview of one of our manufacturing visits that is part of our itinerary. Although the interview is conducted in Portuguese, I am fluent in the language. In summary Guida Figueiredo, Commercial and Board of Director is expalining that her company specializes in the design, prototyping, and assembly of moulds and injection. Carfi is involved with renewable energies, fire-proof safety, the medical industry, telecommunications, automotive industry and houseware appliances.
Here is a link to her interview:
http://vimeo.com/10792596
Here is a link to her interview:
http://vimeo.com/10792596
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Planning and preparing
As the institutional travel coordinator for Bridgewater State College and as a graduate student in the Management program, I take great pride in not only participating but also being part of the planning process.
The behind the scenes work that goes into developing a study tour actually starts approximately five months prior to departure. An initial meeting between the study abroad director, faculty leader and travel coordinator happened back on December 29, 2009. At that time a preliminary itinerary is planned and from that point on numerous emails and phone calls are exchanged almost on a daily basis.
During my brief 20 months as the travel coordinator I have been involved in approximately 25 study tours that have or will be travelling to six continents. I take great pride in being part of each and every one and devote all my energy and dedication to be sure that each tour operates as smoothly as possible and that each student benefits from the culture and educational value.
As I continue to work with Dr. Grossman, I can assure you that we will have an enjoyable time. He has developed a very balanced platform and I am sure that our group members will agree.
Stay tuned to my blog as I plan on providing a very colorful update of our daily itinerary.
The behind the scenes work that goes into developing a study tour actually starts approximately five months prior to departure. An initial meeting between the study abroad director, faculty leader and travel coordinator happened back on December 29, 2009. At that time a preliminary itinerary is planned and from that point on numerous emails and phone calls are exchanged almost on a daily basis.
During my brief 20 months as the travel coordinator I have been involved in approximately 25 study tours that have or will be travelling to six continents. I take great pride in being part of each and every one and devote all my energy and dedication to be sure that each tour operates as smoothly as possible and that each student benefits from the culture and educational value.
As I continue to work with Dr. Grossman, I can assure you that we will have an enjoyable time. He has developed a very balanced platform and I am sure that our group members will agree.
Stay tuned to my blog as I plan on providing a very colorful update of our daily itinerary.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)