On the morning of July 15, twenty undergraduates of class of 2016 from the Law School of Beijing Normal University arrived at Lisbon Airport in Portugal under the leadership of Teacher Karla and Teacher HE Jing. After that, we transferred to Coimbra and started the 21-day summer exchange program in Coimbra University in this city.
First meeting, Coimbra
When the bus finally arrived in Coimbra, everyone’s face was covered with excitement and joy. Looking out of the car window, the houses were colorful, the streets were undulating, and the sky was clear and blue. Our first impression of this small city was formed. What surprised us most was that although it was Sunday, the shops along the streets were closed and few people were walking. Only a few people were sitting outside the restaurant, enjoying the food and talking.
Later, we paid a visit to Coimbra University under the guidance of the school staff.
Cultural journey, time travel
From the second day, our classes at Coimbra University officially began. Although we felt a little tired after four hours of Portuguese study every day, Teacher Cristina's lessons were interesting and full of valuable knowledge, and everyone gained a lot, which not only helped us make up for the loopholes in previous knowledge points, but also made us learn a lot of new knowledge. Then, Professor Ana Raquel Moniz and Professor Mestre Marta Costa from the Law School of Coimbra University introduced the Portuguese constitution and the history of Portuguese legal system. Thus we had a deeper understanding of the legal system and context here.
Coimbra University (Universidade de Coimbra), founded by Diniz I in 1290, is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the lberiail Peninsula and one of the oldest universities in the world. Its long history makes it one of the most influential centers in education, politics and society in Portugal. As the center of the whole city, it promotes the cultural life of the city. Old “republic” (autonomous student apartment) and colorful traditional celebrations are preserved. Among them, the “Ribbon Burning Festival”, the most famous traditional event, is held every May to celebrate the end of a long student life by burning ribbons in the symbolic color of each college; other traditional events include the “Canning Festival” to celebrate the return to campus, the Coimbra concert, etc. Coimbra University celebrates its anniversary on March 1.
Diniz I not only founded the Coimbra University, but also had a great influence on the development of the Portuguese language. He once decreed that all official documents should be written in Portuguese instead of Latin which had been commonly used. This policy promoted the use and perfection of the Portuguese language.
Joao III (1502—1557) was the monarch of the Avis Dynasty of Portugal. In order to cultivate missionary talents, he permanently moved University of Lisbon which had moved several times to Coimbra in 1537, hired a large number of qualified teachers from all over Europe, reformed the education system and increased the subsidies for teachers.
Near the mountain and by the river, the wonders of natural beauty are boundless.
In the quiet and harmonious Coimbra, white clouds of various shapes are always hanging in the blue sky on a clear day. A random shot of the blue sky is a picture. Houses with white walls and red roofs and each college building that has a long history are human landscapes worth appreciating. Rio Mondego flows quietly through the small town, shimmering in the sunlight. Looking across the river to see the university, the houses lie along the hillside with red roofs stacked.
Although not wide, the streets are clean and tidy. Although not tall, the buildings give people a warm feeling. People can enjoy the tranquility here which can’t be founded in the large cities. Time seems to move very slowly under the blue sky and white clouds.
Delicious food is beautiful enough to feast the eyes.
On ordinary days, there are few pedestrians in the streets. People usually like to sit outside the shops and drink coffee in the afternoon. There is a sense of leisure everywhere. Coffee is perhaps the most common and representative food here.
Students' general impression of the food here is salty or sweet. Bacalhau is always salty and often appears at the counter of the canteen; Francesinha is bread wrapped with ham, pork and bacon. There is salty and sweet sauce on top of the bread. Though it makes us fat, we can’t stop eating it. A variety of desserts are also worth a try, including the unique Pastel DE Nata, Arroz Doce made from rice and served in the canteen, and various kinds of breads in the shop counter, which greatly meet our needs for desserts.
Sweet Memories
At the weekend, the teacher from college of arts led us to Porto. There, students went to the chateau and tasted Porto wine which was produced in Porto. Porto wine consists of Branco, Tawny, Ruby, Vintage, etc. What we tasted was Branco and Tawny. Compared with the grape produced in other places, Porto wine is sweeter and higher alcoholic strength. After a taste, we were immersed in the sweet taste.
With soft wind, light cloud, red tile, blue sky, romantic and amorous Porto, quiet and tranquil Coimbra, the story of Portugal continued. After class, let's slowly go along the old house, winding path and splendid flowers.
