Traveling from Cyprus it is by it self a little problematic! Especially when it comes to long distance travel. And so I begin my 24 hour flight experience from Larnaca. - Athens is the first stop where I have to wait for 12 hours. Then Athens - Lisbon.stop.By bus Finally by bus I arrived in VIANA DO CASTELO. My new city...
A small cosy place near the Atlantic ocean. In Viana Do Castelo there is a marina, river, lakes, theater, cinema, university, train, buses, school of music, a great high tech library, a big gym but not an airport, The nearest airports are Porto and Vigo. Don't expect many activities - in daily life, because you will be disappointed, life is usually quiet, especially during the winter. It offers a great environment to meet more or less yourself...! But this opportunity is only available during the winter since summer it's a high season for Viana especially for Surfing or Kitesurfing lovers. It is full of music festivals and people.
People here are friendly and always welcome you with two kisses. OK! the kissing idea can be strange at the beginning only if you are not used to it, especially if it's not part of your culture, but along the way you are able to understand that it is a way for people to welcome you to PORTUGAL and show you their acceptances and welcome you.
There is a small variety of color people, religions food and activities. It is a quiet place to live so it helps if you are prepared before coming.
The weather seems to have bipolar tendencies. Now, during the month of November, it is mostly raining.There are powerful storms, the sound of which I love, but not a day goes by where I do not feel or see the warmth of the beautiful sun. You can walk through Viana in one day and of course don't forget to walk through the wonderful bridge which resides by the river Lima and the Atlantic sea. Viana is also is surrounded by mountains so wherever you will go you will have eye contact with the fairly impressive Catholic Church (Santuario de Santa Luzia) on top of the hill overlooking and a point of reference for the city.
Prices are pretty similar to those in Cyprus except for the gas, electricity and water. Gas is three times more -expensive than in CY (OMG).
The main reason I came here is the volunteering experience., The association that welcomed me to this new world is AJD - "Associação Juvenil de Deão". AJD is placed in the heart of a really sweet village named "Deão", 20mins by bus from Viana, located opposite a school and carrying a strong educational sensation. Imagine that the power - energy - faith and love the coordinators have placed to build such an association is beyond imagination.
Working here with the children is easy even if you do not have prior experience.
All you need is to act like one and have some of imagination so you can create with them a world where they can fit in.
Everyone is truly nice and polite and always ready to help you with anything. It felt like home from the very first moment, when i had the interview.
I hope this impressions of my Evs experience will last until the end of my journey.
In a subtle way I am hoping to leave my signature in their hearts and ways of living.
Andria Evagorou
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