The week before last was my 21st birthday and surprisingly I felt younger turning 21 than I did 20. Didn't really like leaving my teen years behind. Anyway went to the associasão, got drunk, the usual. What was really nice was that My boyfriend, Mum and Dad all flew out (at different times) to come and visit me for my 21st. First over was my Dad who fixed all the problems in the house, so thanks to super-dad I now have a dishwasher that works, a brand new fridge and a mouse free kitchen. I wish I was lying about the last part, because I'm still having nightmares about that creepy rodent. Anyway it was lovely having him here in Coimbra the weekend before my birthday and here's what we got up to...
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| First off, we went to the Park next to Praça da Republica. |
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| Then we walked past the Statue of the Pope towards the aqueduct. |
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| We then stopped at the Botanic Garden which is full of plants from every continent. |
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| The only thing missing from this photo is Peter Rabbit. |
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| We also got shown around the off limits green houses where the mimosa moves when you touch it and these Victoria Lilies can hold a baby of up to 30kgs in weight. |
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Then we moved on to Se Velha and had a quick peek at the touristy shops and church. There are loads of churches in Coimbra like there are many castles in Wales. I kid you not. Next we went down 'Quebra das costas' (which is a set of steps called the 'Back-breaker'), and into praça 8 de maio for some lunch. We had chanfana which is a local dish made from old goat cooked slowly in wine. It's reeeally good and I've become a bit of an addict. It's all I eat when I go out now!
Bellies full, we walked down to the river and talked to many fishermen because this is what pops likes to do. Also tried to hunt out some fish with our beady eyes. He had more luck than me.
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| Next we went to Portugal dos Pequentitos on the other side of the Mondego River. This is a model village of Portugal where you can learn all about the discoveries. To be honest with you though it's more of a play pen for little kids and they were everywhere when we went! Was a bit odd! Still worth having a look at though. |
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| This is an example of one of the models. Only just big enough to walk inside of. |
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| On the side of the little houses were captions and quotes and here are some of the ones I quite liked. 'Don't leave for tomorrow, that which you can do today.' |
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| 'Those who go to be late and wake up early have health, possessions and wisdom.' |
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| 'Treat animals well. Give them space and food, they are not our equal, but help you to live.' |
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| 'Work is the Father of Happiness. God always gives to those who work.' |
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| 'To the man the square, to the woman the home.' |
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| 'Only those who think well, speak and write well.' |
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Then we went to the 'Jardim da Manga' for a bite to eat. The name of this place translate literally as 'The Garden of the Sleeve', since a King walked past the open land one day and designed the oversized pigeon coup (not really a pigeon coup but looks it) on his sleeve and had it built the next day. It was built in the 1500's and is a nice place to go and eat.
All of this in a day, so hopefully this gives ERASMUS students ideas about where to take their visitors if they're so lucky to have them.
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