We have just arrived from a week long stay in Porto, where we have attended an intensive Portuguese language course during the mornings and engaged in some cultural activities in the afternoons and evenings.
This year, our group consisted of 12 participants, ranging from beginners to higher intermediate levels and even had a Portuguese-born student, D. Raquel, from Basildon, who could make a dream come true: achieving her first certificate of Portuguese language!
In Porto, we attended classes at Fast Forward where we received a warm welcome by Sr Ernesto, the school principal. Sr. Ernesto showed us around the school and helped the teachers run the placement tests, a necessary step to better place students onto the correct class level.
Fast Forward is located right on the High Street, Rua de Santa Catarina, so the students gathered around that area most of their times. The street is very pleasant and mostly pedestrianised, filled with independent and high street shops, some dating back to 1801!
Segunda-feira: our first lunch at ancient Majestic Café and a Walk tour!
On our first day, we had lunch at Majestic café, the restaurant/café place where J.K. Rowling used to go to for a cup of coffee, when she lived in Porto. It is believed that she has drafted some of her Harry Potter book whilst sipping a Portuguese coffee at this splendid Café.
After lunch, we joined a tailor-made tour designed and delivered by the excellent Porto Walkers.
Our guide, Nuno, delighted our students and their feedback was fantastic! We had a chance to know a little bit more about this enchanting city through the eyes and tales of a local. Thank you, Porto Walkers! If you want to find out more about this competent tour company, visit their website.
We also visited the wonderful Lello Bookstore, a must-do while in the city. Our guide had already bought all the tickets and the students had some time to stroll inside this legendary building, considered the 3rd most beautiful bookshop in the world! What a privilege! - This incredible bookshop inspired the Harry Potter’s library in Hogwarts.
The building was inaugurated on January 13th, 1906. The facade is in a splendid neo-gothic style, adorned by two figures painted by José Bielman, representing the Science and the Art. The interior was designed by Xavier Esteves. Nuno stayed with us for a while inside the bookshop while students explored its interiors and even searched for a good Portuguese dictionary!
Terça-feira: Time to explore the city in Portuguese!
On our third day, I called all Basic Level students for a special activity after their classes. They engaged in a type of "Treasure Hunt" around 2 central streets, where they would have a chance to explore and find out more about that area in Porto.
Quarta-feira: Heritage and Splendour!
On our fourth day we gathered at Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange). The building is one of the most important historic monuments in Porto. It was built in the second half of the 19th century in the neoclassical style and was destined to become the headquarters of the Porto Commercial Association, which reflects the importance of this activity in the city’s history.
One of the highlights is the celebrated Arabian Hall, said to have been inspired by the even more renowned Alhambra Palace in Granada. The room is a showcase of lush arabesques, fine woodwork and jaw-dropping stained-glass works. This room works as a reminder of the presence of the Moors who ruled Portugal during the Middle Ages and played a key influence in the making of Portugal.
Quinta-feira: Time for Port!
On the fifth day we had our afternoon reserved to what Porto is best known for: the world famous Vinho do Porto!
We headed for W & J Graham’s magnificent 1890 Lodge, situated on a commanding ridge in Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River from Porto and only a few hundred metres from the river’s south bank. Graham’s is one of the very few working lodges still operational after 100 years!
In there, we joined an English speaking tour of the cellar, where we re told about the making of the Port Wine and the importance of the river Douro. We could also see the Symington’s private collection of ports from years gone by. It was very interesting to see bottles from the beginning of the 19th Century!
The Last day...
On the last day students wrapped up their lessons at Fast Forward and everyone was awarded a certificate of participation during a very "simpática" ceremony promoted by the school
After this fantastic farewell, we had a picnic under the vines at Cockburn's lodge, in Gaia. Absolutely fantastic!
Our Farewell Picnic!
Final thoughts and... And an invitation!
All in all, this week has been a wonderful chance to get closer to the students and see them interact in Portuguese language in real situations! An invaluable opportunity for them to learn new words and immerse in Portuguese culture. One week may seem very little, however so much can be done and attained in this period of time! I witnessed my beginner students feeling more confident when speaking to the locals, even if what they were saying was entirely correct, their attitude is what counted. The locals were surprised and amused to find out we were a big group of Portuguese language enthusiasts and in some occasions, even the shiest students attempted to say "hello" to them.
If you liked what you saw in here and would like to participate in our next excursion (September 2023), please drop me a line.
Thanks for reading !