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When we got to Portugal after a long trip, our expectations weren't too high because we weren't amazed by the way the hotel looked. We got some rest and then went for dinner. 
Caffee Vianna was the restaurant where we had all our dinners and lunches. We had no idea how much we'd end up liking that place and all the staff. 
After dinner, some of us stayed and went for a night walk with one of our teachers. The weather was a bit cold, rain was expected. That night walk was when I fell in love with Braga. During those moments I immediately knew I was going to have a great time. 

The next day we visited Bom Jesus. The twist was, that we weren't alone! Some Greek students were travelling with Erasmus as well. We thought we could be their friends and have normal conversations with them. Soon we realized that was not going to happen. They weren't too nice. 
After our guide sent us to hell at Bom Jesus (literally!), he took us to the centre of Braga. The first thing I saw when we walked through the Arco da Porta Nova was a text on some building saying "Porta Nova...". I just had to tell him about our "Porta Nova". He talked about the history, some fun facts, and taught us about the culture and the language. We could ask him anything we wanted to know and he'd happily answer. Definitely the best guide I've ever had, he was funny but still serious, never let anyone disturb him while talking. At the end he said; "Now disappear, I don't wanna see you". We never saw him again. 


The upcoming week was exciting because we were starting our practical classes at the institutions we were in. 
Most days during the week had the same routines.

 

Mine looked like this: I woke up and got ready for the day, then went for some breakfast at the hotel. Nea, the teachers, and I always had breakfast together and talked about our plans for the day. After breakfast Nea and I headed to Centro Social de São Lázaro. I talked about our days there.

 

We were supposed to have lunch with the staff at the institution, but they always told us to leave earlier and go have lunch at Vianna. While walking to Vianna Nea and I felt like we were in a movie. Every. Single. Day. Without fail. It was beautiful each time. Why? It was sunny, the type of weather that simply doesn't exist in Croatia. The type of weather where it's 18-20 degrees, and everyone is wearing T-shirts and/or short pants. While the sun is shining, there's always a street musician singing or playing some sort of an instrument. People around us are never in a hurry. Everyone is just taking a walk to wherever they're going. Not walking, but taking a walk.

 

People have a big great smile on their faces, talking to their friends without a worry on their mind. Just appreciating the sun kissing their skin and the warm weather. When we get to Vianna, we sit on the terrace outside. While having our lunch we'd listen to the music playing, watch the interesting people walk by, or we'd just talk and get to know each other.

 

Life seemed perfect and I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to be there at those moments. I still knew my hard work was the greatest part of it all though. After lunch, Nea and I sometimes went shopping, sometimes went for a walk, or just went back to the hotel. There was not much time to rest at the hotel, because I never let myself waste any time.

 

While at Bom Jesus Vanessa and Marija asked Iris and I if they could join us during some free time there. Of course, Iris and I said yes not knowing they'd become the people we'd make some of the most beautiful memories with while in Portugal. So every day after the practical classes I waited for Iris, Marija, and Vanessa to come to the hotel too, so we could go explore Braga until 19h when we had to be at Vianna for dinner. After dinner, we continued exploring Braga until curfew.

 

During the weekend, we visited Lisbon, Fatima, and Porto, and during our last day there we visited Viana do Castelo and Estádio Municipal de Braga.  

 

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I will continue talking about all the wonderful and funny experiences we had at Vianna and while exploring Braga and other cities, as well as about all the people we've met. All of those experiences happened because I was surrounded by the right people. Iris, Vanessa, and Marija were always up for trying new things, new food, drinks, and walking no matter how far just to see some beautiful views or visit an interesting-looking small business. They never wanted to waste time at the hotel, we always found a way to enjoy and make the most of our time. Even if we were at the hotel, which rarely happened - we spent our time together, talking, doing art, and listening to quality music! During this Erasmus trip while spending time with those beautiful people you'll see that I learned how to appreciate experiences over material things, finally left my comfort zone, gained confidence, got to know different cultures and gorgeous strangers, became spontaneous...most importantly - learned that I'm capable of doing these kinds of things, and that I should never stop learning. 

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