A few months ago, Lisbon was foreign to me. The narrow, disoriented streets were confusing, the names and languages of my peers were incomprehensible, and the possibilities of the semester were unknown. Now, as I await my arrival back in Los Angeles, I cannot help but to reflect on everything that I have seen, tasted, heard, thought and experienced.
My Beginnings
The first days in Lisbon consisted of me arriving home at 7am from my first night club experience, getting lost in what I now know is Santos, and eagerly trying to make friends with everyone around me at Nova orientations. I had no idea that I would later be able to provide directions, spit some Portuguese phrases and call a bunch of international students my family.
My Hostel BA Family
On my first night, I arrived as "the American girl" with my two oversized and overweight bags trying to find my way. Julie later told me that they thought I was going to be the stereotypical LA biatch, bringing more things to Lisbon than they had after living there for a year.
Anyways, my first week at the residence was a doozy because I felt like I was intruding on a big group of friends who has already shared so many experiences and so much love for each other. Additionally, having been the only resident who didn't speak a second language well, I was at a disadvantage in trying to communicate with my new roommates. Plus, my insecurities made me unsure what exactly they were saying in their native tongue (ya, I'm talking about you, Niza!). :]
It wasn't until a week later though that I started to feel at home. Since then, I have better improved my Spanish, enjoyed countless group dinners, shared many unforgettable memories, and picked up some horrible phrases in English that will definitely carry over into the States. Every day, I wonder what my semester would have been like if I didn't live at Hostel BA - the prime location, the stupid things we've done and said, and the lifelong friendships we have formed have all contributed to the best five months of my life. It was a blessing and an honor to live with so many incredible individuals from all over the world! Thank you to all of my flat mates for showering me with endless love and being my home away from home!
My Erasmus Family
With this group, we all clicked immediately. I don't know how of why, but after our first welcome activities, I knew that my fellow exchange students from Nova were going to be a part of the amazing friendships I would leave Lisbon with. Our crazy nights at Erasmus corner, our adventures in Madeira, and our outings throughout Portugal have proven nothing short of "awesome". I have learned so much from each of my Erasmus friends, especially being one of the youngest. Before coming out to Europe, I couldn't locate the countries on the map (I will admit it! Egocentrism, sorry about it). Now, I can tell you about the politics in France, the taxes in Norway, the education in Denmark, and the lifestyle in Spain. I can honestly say that I learned more outside the classroom than I did during my time in Lisbon.
Now, I don't know if all Erasmus groups are this spunky and close-knit, or if we were an exception, but I am happy that I ended up spending the semester with these incredible individuals. I cannot wait to visit them in their home countries and see how successful they will be in the future. Thank you to my Erasmus Lisboa family for a semester of adventure, travel, stupidity, laughter and love!
Meu Amgios de Portugal
One of my goals for Erasmus this semester was to immerse myself in the Portuguese culture. So often, past students would tell me they never met locals, learned the language, or even experienced the traditions of their host country. As much as I sought out every opportunity to "do as the Portuguese do," my new friends made it easy for me to truly be a part of Lisbon. Tandem partners, coffee dates, group assignments, Portugal football family BBQs, birthday parties, Fortuna Competitions, drinks at the miradouro, Lisbon music festivals and even nights out with all of their friends gave me the chance to experience what makes Portugal beautiful and unique. I've said it before and I'll say it again - the Portuguese are the kindest people in the world. The pride for their country is contagious - I think these explains why I'm so proud to have studied here! Thank you to all of my Portuguese friends (especially Carlos, Tomas, and Pipa) for your friendship, guidance, and showing me everything that Lisbon has to offer!
My Favorite City
So why did I decide to come to Portual? Was it the surf culture? The San Francisco vibe? The cheap prices? The mesmerizing language? Criso Rei? The attractive locals? The history? The football teams? The sunny weather?
Sure, all of these things played a factor in my decision to study in Portugal this semester. But the main reason I can was for the intimacy and authenticity of Lisbon. As Missy described to me, "Portugal is a gem," meaning that it is a country that is still undiscovered but possesses so many wonderful qualities that make it noteworthy. I love that through the economic crisis and the evolution of society, the traditions and the optimism of Portugal continue to thrive.
As I traveled this semester to each country, I couldn't help wondering what my experience would have been like anywhere else. I am a firm believer that we all were appropriately placed in our study abroad locations and that I was absolutely meant to come to Portugal. It was a perfect match!
I will miss the old men drinking a beer at the Quiosque at noon, old women yelling across the streets from their balconies as they pin dry their clothes, beggars hackling me for my money, the smell of bacalhau in every corner, cheap drinks at my favorite bars, the upbeat Portuguese music, eating dinner at 22h and the love that fills the streets of Lisbon.
Before I left for exchange, my mom had only one rule for me: Don't fall in love! She jokes about this because she was afraid some Portuguese man would sweep me off my feet and I would never come home.
I hate to break it to you, Mom, but I did fall in love. Lisbon stole my heart.
My flight is nearing the end and I'm almost to LAX. I'm not sure what I will feel when I see the downtown skyline or the traffic that delays me from my Mexican feast tonight. But I cannot wait to run into the arms of my family - Buster included! Thank you again to all of my new friends for making this the best semester of my life! The experiences we shared here will forever hold a place in my heart. You all contributed to my erasmus in a unique way, and I wouldn't have this semester any differently! Just remember that you always have a place to stay in California :]
... And that concludes my semester in Lisboa.
A bele vida <3
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