Tourist Sites

Following my parent’s path, I decided to choose Portugal for my scholarship. I applied to the famous in Portugal University of Coimbra and after four weeks of submitting my application, I was a happy Socrates Erasmus student. Even though it’s been long years since this experience, I still miss this worry-free time of my life.

I have to admit I was lucky. I arrived to Coimbra in October, after all other students have already attended a monthly course of Portuguese. So everything I would normally have to arrange myself, was already waiting for me thanks to my good friend who found us an apartment and subscribed us both to academic courses.

Our apartment in Portugal was a student-standard place with all the basics we needed to survive. We didn’t complain until the winter came and we suddenly noticed that there was a huge gap between our balcony doors and the floor which let the cold wind into our room. In Portugal, just like in Netherlands, they do not believe in central heating systems. Even though most of people suffer from rheumatism and cough, central heating is considered needless. Blankets, thick quilts and fireplaces are some of the local solutions for surviving winter in cold apartments.
From the very first day and my first walk around the city center, I couldn’t believe I was going to live there for another six months. Nestled about 200 kilometers north of Lisbon and only 40 km from the coastline, Coimbra gained its fame as the “Portugal’s Student City”. About 23,000 of its population are students who come to this charming city to study in its historic University and to enjoy its unique ambiance.

The University of Coimbra dates back to 1930 and is among Europe’s oldest and most prestigious schools. It was truly a pleasure to walk its ancient halls everyday and see its historic fountains ornamented with azulejos (famous porcelain tiles). Unfortunately I didn’t make it to any of Coimbra’s popular student festivals, Festa das Latas ( The Tin Can Parade) that takes place in the beginning of scholar year and Queima das Fitas (The Burning of Ribbons) which is celebrated at the end of the second semester in May. Both have great traditions and include costume parades and week-long celebrations.

Coimbra is also full of historic cathedrals, beautiful lush parks and enchanting cafes. In my memories I see Coimbra through its narrow and steep cobblestone streets, laundry hanging on every balcony, thousands of cats, lemon trees, steep and long staircases, smell of a fresh Galao (café latte) and history on every corner.

My favorite activity in Coimbra was simply walking through its narrow streets and watching the red sunset light on its old city walls. As for the places, this is my top list:

- Se Velha (Old Cathedral). It’s definitely one of the most beautiful buildings you will find in Coimbra that dates back to 1139. I used to go inside when I was passing by and sit for a bit. Very peaceful.

- Clock tower of the University of Coimbra with its renowed library, the Biblioteca Joanina and the former royal palace. (Coimbra used to be the capital of Portugal). There is a beautiful square, which we used to cross when coming back from our classes.

- Rua Ferreira Borges. It’s the main street of Coimbra full of clothing stores, cafes and little shops with women accessories (our favorite!)

- Portugal dos Pequenitos (Little Ones’ Portugal) is Coimbra’s theme park that displays miniature versions of Portuguese houses and monuments, all from the former colonies of the country such as Macau, Angola or Brazil.

- University’s Botanical Garden – a lush park with palm trees and ponds, our favorite place to relax after classes.

To be continued…

Country of the Happiest People in the World

When I look at the travel brochures and sites offering exotic trips to South America, I see Brazil, Argentina and Peru. Almost none of them mentions Colombia. As a person who has lived in Colombia for two years, I can only say one thing - people don’t know what they are missing.

When asked about Colombia, people usually refer to stereotypes that have been spread by media years ago. Not many people know, however, that this image has been gradually changing over the past decade creating the new Colombia, the country of the happiest people in the world, who are opened for tourists and wanting to share their rich cultural heritage.

Natural Diversity

Nestled in the North Western tip of South America, Colombia is the only country of this continent that has access to both, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is also blessed with extremely diverse topography and has everything a traveler can imagine. From the magnificent sugary white beaches of both, the Pacific and Caribbean coasts to enchanting colonial villages and breathtaking greenery of its mountains, in Colombia we will find it all.

Adventure Travel

One of the things that fascinated me about Colombia is that how sophisticated is its offer for adventurous travelers. Those who like adrenaline, can choose among paragliding, rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking, to name just a few. Companies like Somos Aventureros organize expeditions for fearless adventurers who enjoy extreme sports.

People of Colombia

Those of you, who have met a Colombian person before, must know that Colombians are extremely easy to make friends with. Not only are they friendly and easy-going, but they also love to educate people about their country. Whenever they are abroad, they always have “Colombian goods” with them such as original handmade jewelry, little bracelets with Colombian flag and typical sweets which they give you as a souvenir. As a result my room is already filled with little ceramic “chivas” (typical Colombian colorful bus) and handmade bags (mochillas).

Must sees

Even though I’ve lived in Colombia for two years, it wasn’t enough to explore all this beautiful country has to offer. These are the places that should be on everyone’s must-see list when traveling to Colombia:

Colombian Coast

Some of the finest beach vacation rentals and resorts of Colombia are located on the Caribbean coast. Such cities as Santa Marta, Cartagena and Barranquilla lure tourists with their tropical settings, live events and colonial architecture. Perhaps one of the places that captivated my heart the most was Cartagena. This ancient walled fortress city offers a fascinating Old Town, exquisite Caribbean restaurants and unique atmosphere. Visit to nearby Islas del Rosario is a must. It is an archipelago of 25 small coral islands that recently have been declared a national park, where tourists can enjoy snorkeling, diving and traditional Colombian dishes.

For most of Europeans, Mallorca or Egypt are the closest “exotic” destinations to travel too. That’s why I think Colombians are lucky, as about 300 miles north of their Caribbean coast they have the islands of San Andres and Providence. No need to go to Hawaii. Long white beaches and excellent mouthwatering seafood can be found right on those Colombian islands.

The Coffee Zone

Stretched among three Colombian regions of Quindio, Risaralda and Caldas is the famous Coffee region (Eje Cafetero) which is a true dreamland for every photographer (at least me). Located about 100 miles west of Bogota, the coffee region is recognized as a source of the best coffee in the world. It lures tourists with beautiful, green rolling hills, venerable coffee farms and shimmering coffee bushes. It’s here you can taste the best aromatic coffee in the world, visit charming towns such as Montenegro and Salento and stay at one of the amazing colonial, privately owned “fincas” (farms).

The Tayrona National Park

Located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, The Tayrona National Park is considered one of the wildest and most beautiful corners of South America. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the majestic Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta, Tayrona Park is roughly 58 square miles and has one of the most diverse biological coastal zones of the Americas. While walking through the park you can see titi monkeys, red squirrels, collared peccaries, jaguars and about 200 species of birds including toucans and red woodpeckers. The white mountain tops of Sierra Nevada combined with palm beaches and footpaths through the jungle make this place truly unique and worth visiting.

Bogota

Bogota, Colombia’s capital, will always remain one of my favorite cities in the world. Located at 2,640 meters (8,661 feet), Bogota is a modern city surrounded by green rolling hills and filled with countless attractions. Colonial architecture, some of the best salsa parties in the world, fascinating museums and beautiful verdant parks make Bogota what it is. The city focused on people, the city that offers a huge variety of activities and events to attend. It’s just impossible to be bored in Bogota!

Personally, Bogota reminds me just a little of my favorite New York. Maybe it’s because of its yellow cabs and city map divided on Avenues and Streets. Maybe it’s also about its amazing variety and contrast. Or maybe it’s simply the sentiment I have for both of them.