Today’s Schedule
Coimbra, its University and its People - This morning we transferred to Coimbra where we discover the oldest University in Portugal and have a private tour of the campus. We will learn about the history of the University and its famous Library. Lunch on own in Coimbra. After lunch join our local expert and learn about the city of Coimbra and explore some of the most interesting sites. Later on, visit a local elementary school, Escolas da Zona Urbana da Figueira da Foz, with Helena. We have a chance to interact with teachers and ask questions about the educational system in Portugal. This will also be an opportunity for young learners to improve their English and ask you questions about the US. Then, transfer back to the hotel to attend a lecture about contemporary Portugal
My Observations
Harry Potter - Hogwarts School. What comes to mind? Wizardry? Maybe people wearing capes? Coimbra University has it all. (-:
Each day we see and do more. Can it get better? Yes! 68 photos in album for your viewing pleasure. As we ride in the bus, Helena points out – over there, are some cork trees. Yes, the cork we see on top of many wine bottles. Then in another place we see the pine trees being tapped for pine “syrup” I’ll call it. Here they use it for glue. When I lived in the USA state of Georgia, the dripping resin would be refined to turpentine.
Coimbra is one neat place. Maybe it is the amount of youthful smiling faces. Or it could have been having a chance to visit the most fantastic library collection I have ever seen! To remember details, since I could not take photos, bought a nice book with photos and history. Read about it in link below.
Fado. Again? Yes, the Coimbra version or style here is different than we heard in Lisbon. We were treated to a special concert in a small store that also served as “concert hall." Again, click link to see and hear Fado.
Later in day, had youngsters @ Escolas da Zona Urbana da Figueira da Foz also sang for us. We in turn sang to one student who had a special day.
Here are internet links for highlights:
Coimbra http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coimbra
Coimbra University http://www.uc.pt/en
Joanina Library http://bibliotecajoanina.uc.pt/en
Burning Of Ribbons - Queima das Fitas http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queima_das_Fitas
Student Capes http://www.travelsignposts.com/Portugal/sightseeing/coimbra-university
Fado Coimbra http://www.fadoaocentro.com/en/c/coimbra
Fado Coimbra video http://www.fadoaocentro.com/en/c/photos-and-videos
Pick the bottom right video to hear the Fado version of the ever famous - “April In Portugal”
Photo 1. One of the several classroom and faculty building. The University was founded in year 1290.
Photo 2. Our visit with young students – ages 4-10 @ Escolas da Zona Urbana da Figueira da Foz
Photo 3. Slogans to motivate elementary school - ideias a transbordar - ideas to overflow (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day18Of2730Oct14ThursdayCoimbra
