WAN D E RL
UST
1 The wish to travel far away and to many different places; 2 A strong impulse to explore the world.
Wanderlust is a personal project developed to document memories from a seven month experience abroad in Europe. It presents my point of view about places I’ve been as well as my story as a British student.
HI, I’M CAROL.
A girl that believes the world is too big and too small at the same time. Currently studying in Cambridge, born in Brazil, and lived in America and Canada. Curious about life, and passionate about the uniqueness of people. Needs to be surprised everyday and personally hold a belief in making a change in the world.
THE MISSED YEAR
December. 01, 2013 By Ligia Tosetto do Prado. Authors’ translation.
On February 11th 2013, almost 9 months ago, I departed on a flight with just one certain: the uncertain! I exchanged an almost complete degree and a guaranteed career for an exchange program adventure, in a place I’ve never been before, never heard of before and never ever thought I’d be in. Some people called this craziness, others called it bravery. I didn’t even try to put a name on it. What was until then just a dream became reality on my departure day. So, what now? My parents defined it as an “investment in my future” (but isn’t it present?). There are a lot of arguments that are compatible with this complex fact. One of them is to change the order of what society believes is correct. People would ask, “how come you won’t graduate within the correct time?”
The pessimists would call it “The Missed Year”. For them I honor this article. Actually, they were right: I lost a lot during this year. First of all, I missed another usual year of University, just thinking about what the world contains, since I only knew a small part of it. I missed another year of “what about if…?”. I missed another year wondering about being an exchange student. I missed another year of complaints. I missed a year of bothering my friends about my demonization and frustrations. I missed a year spending my time in a place, knowing that I belong somewhere else. I missed a graduation ceremony that would give me more unhappiness than satisfaction. Also, I lost myself around Europe and around the World. Went to Asia, just to feel the exotic atmosphere. Now I want to go back. Got lost in almost all the streets that I passed through, especially Barcelona! I got lost within the months, weeks and hours. However, I didn’t
get too lost because the seasons were clear enough to remind me that changes exist, as you would change. I lost buses, trains, and flights. Yes, I did. I even lost the feeling of losing. This has been emphasized since I moved to Croatia and now I still getting that feeling in every trip, talk, person, history that I would never experience if I had stayed back home. I lost my fear. And this was the most difficult thing to lose. Sometimes it comes back and begins spreading within me all over again but soon after, it’s expelled. I lost the fear about the road, the fear about the loneliness and the fear about the future. I lost the fear about living and about society statements. And this was such a wonderful thing to lose, because of the freedom within it. No, I didn’t hear that. I saw it. I saw that there are people in this world willing to do good things for other people or for the world in its entirety. This gave
me hope for my return back home. Oh, hope. But wait … hope is about gains. Yet this text is about loss, right? So let’s get back into focus. Oh, I also lost my need of being attached to things – even though I still am to some things, unfortunately. In fact, you are pushed to detach from things even before you depart for the unsure. And the case gets worse when you reach it. Firstly, because of money – you have to save it. Secondly, it is a matter of conscience. Material goods lose their significance and turns basically nothing into more than just… materials. Although it’s material, there is a lack of substance! It’s what my friend and trip partner, Jana Maurer, describes as “banana philosophy”. To either understand or agree with that, you must already have had the feeling that your “desire to know” was heavier than the backpack you’re carrying. It’s incredible how now you can easily shift from “have” to “know”.
This text is a stimulus for those who wonder about joining an exchange program but are afraid of its losses. I’ve always been a dreamer who doesn’t have enough notions to understand that some people might not want to travel or doesn’t have the resources to do so. I leave here, all my respect for peoples’ differences.
In the end, some people will question you: and what about the moments with your friends and family that you really lost? Ok, I have to admit that in these situations I literally lost. However, this made me understand what and especially whom I truly miss. I realized what is important to me, no matter where am I - such as love, friendship, brotherhood and moments, which by the way are built and renewed as the time goes by. Oops! This is, again, gains and not losses. Finally, I got to the end of my losses’ list: I lost the negative side of life. I lost this (terrible) habit of looking through pessimism, because after all, every loss has a gain. Last but not least, I lost the blindness of not believing I would be able to tell my own story. They were right, I lost a lot.
the w
rld
fascinates me
The world’s immensity allows us to never stop exploring it. No matter how much you travel, there will always be more things to discover. Our large home is packed with plentiful amount of small revelations that we should experience.
y p w l o s nt we . h oweve r,
the world is small enough for us to desire more.
Russia St. Petersburg Moscow Spain Madrid Seville Barcelona
Ireland Dublin
France Paris
Great Britan London Cambridge Oxford
Germany Berlin Hamburg
Denmark Copehagen
E UROP E Portugal Lisbon Coimbra Porto Italy Venice Rome Florence Pisa Rome
The Netherlands Amsterdam Belgium Brussels
Sweden Stockholm
St. Petersburg Stockholm
SWE
Moscow Copenhagen DEN
Hamburg Dublin
IRE
Cambridge Oxford
Amsterdam
Berlin
HOL
GER
London BRIT
Brussels
BEL
Paris FRA
Milan
Venice
Pisa Florence
Porto Coimbra
Barcelona Madrid SP
Lisbon PT
Seville
Rome ITA
RUS
p l ane fe rr y t rain co ac h round trip one-way trip
St. Petersburg Stockholm SWE
Moscow Copenhagen DEN
Hamburg Dublin
IRE
Cambridge Oxford
Amsterdam
Berlin
HOL
GER
London BRIT
Brussels
BEL
Paris FRA
Milan
Venice
Pisa Florence
Porto Coimbra
Barcelona Madrid SP
Lisbon PT
Seville
Rome ITA
RUS
London is fantastic. I wish that all the people that I love could have the opportunity to visit it. Every corner offers you a surprise, as well as a piece of the world. The must-see attractions are incredible, indeed. However, there is still much more to be discovered – which will never make you tired about the city. The people are also super. Different styles and personalities are sharing the same pavement. There is inspiration everywhere. Of course, London revolves around a rushed lifestyle, which can be a negative point for those who prefer calm cities – but this is not my situation. So put some boots on, take your umbrella and let’s go!
LO N D O N Country England Habitants 8.3 million Area 1,572 km 2 Average Price £££ Founded in 43 AD Start of trip September, 2013 Duration Visited frequently Company Mari e Ju; Luiza; João Pedro; Mom and Dad Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
1
1
2
2
C A M BR I D G E Country England Habitants 123,900 Area 115.6 km 2 Average Price ££ Founded in ~ 12th century Start of trip September, 2013 Duration Lived for 1 year Company Honestly? Too many to describe! But every single is kept in my memory Recommend? Yes
Chances of revisit? No
What makes me fascinated about Cambridge is its simplicity and calmness. The countryside atmosphere and the ultra helpful people make Cambridge a wonderful place to live. Yet, it’s close to the craziness of London. Also, it’s an effervescent place, full of history and future. You could be walking down the street and meet the next Nobel Prize winner, who just graduated in Cambridge University.
Berlin is a duality between insanity and seriousness. Whether your tastes run to posh or punk, you can see them in Berlin. All the history behind the country is mainly hidden at the capital. Wonderful museums and buildings show all the sides of Germany’s past. Yet the city breathes youth. Known as the craziest
BER L I N
nightlife in Europe, Berlin has huge clubs and nights that never end. When it comes to fashion, art, design, and music, the German capital is also the city to watch. Its cultural vibe can be easily seen throughout loads of graffiti on the streets.
Country Germany Habitants 3.5 million Area 891.8 km 2 Average Price €€ Founded in 1237 Start of trip October, 2013 Duration 3 days Company Camila e André Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
3
3
4
4
Oxford is Cambridge’s rival in England. Both are driven by student population and have the most famous universities in the country. However, Oxford seems more posh through my perspective. The roads are wider and the constructions are bigger. Also, it is OX F O R D Country England Habitants 150,200 Area 45.59 km 2 Average Price ££ Founded in 912 AD Start of trip November, 2013 Duration 1 day Company Deborah, Luiza, Marina and Monica Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
more conservative. Yet, its museums and buildings are more interesting, especially in arts terms. If you are looking for a quite place during the day and a exciting student night life, this is definitely a place to check out.
Brussels is a kind of city that exceeds your expectations. It may not be love at first sight, but as you walk through the streets and start to pay attention to the details, it will win your heart. Flemish and French play together with Art Nouveau architecture legacy to create a really pleasant atmosphere. Besides all of this soundingly boring background, Brussels is really inspiring through its graffiti as well. The main square is a master-piece itself and must be admired with a waffle. Do not forget to try some mussels with chips and the famous Belgium chocolate!
5
BR U S S E L S
Country Belgium Habitants 1.1 million Area 161.4 km 2
Average Price â‚Źâ‚Ź Founded in ~ 10th century Start of trip December, 2013 Duration 3 days Company Amanda Camargo
Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? No
5
6
6
Amsterdam is the perfect place to visit with a group of friends. Great fun, wonderful museums, beautiful parks, and a city full of charming channels. If the popularity of the coffee shops and the Red Light District do not excite you, do not be deluded – this city amst e r dam
has much more to offer. Rent a bike and explore! Once you blink your eyes, you will realize your time in here is already
Country The Netherlands Habitants 779,808 Area 219 km 2 Average Price €€ Founded in 1275 Start of trip December, 2013 Duration 3 days Company Amanda Camargo Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
over and you can’t wait until you come back.
Paris is Paris. It is charming and exuberant, indeed. A place where you can do nice (and expensive) shopping, have intellectual discussions in the millions of cafe tables on the street or enjoy a romantic atmosphere along the Seine. However, it needs to be said that the city is a little bit uncared for. The landscape is plain and all building have the same beige tone – including the river Seine, which I doubt it was once alive. This is not a place to go if you are looking for bright colours. And as everybody says, be prepared to find rude people that won’t speak English.
7 PA R I S
Country France Habitants 2.2 million Area 105.4 km 2
Average Price €€€ Founded in 250 BC
Start of trip December, 2013 Duration 3 days Company Mom and Dad Recommend? No Chances of revisit? No
7
8
8
B A RCE L O N A
Country Spain Habitants 1.6 million Area 101.9 km 2 Average Price €€ Founded in 100 BC Start of trip December, 2014 Duration 3 days Company Mom and Dad Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
Barcelona is amazing. Gaudi’s works decorates the city in an incredible way and gives it one of the most authentic atmospheres of Europe. Barcelona has been breaking ground in art, architecture, and style since the 19th century. The city is also the capital of Catalonia, a region with its own language, character and history – many Catalans think of their home as a separate country. The traditions of this culture give the city an even more interesting approach. However, if you are not looking for a really packed place, avoid the summer.
Venice is wet. So, check out the forecast and avoid rainy days – unless you want to feel like you are being bathed. Yet, it is lovely. The romantic atmosphere of the gondolas and the cities narrow streets are perfect for a honeymoon trip. Expect to get lost in the tiny canals, this is normal. The public transportation system is something that must be checked, as well as the interesting bridges and the gorgeous marble constructions.
9
V E N I CE
Country Italy
Habitants 270,843 Area 414.6 km 2
Average Price €€€ Founded in 421 AD
Start of trip January, 2014
Duration 2 days Company Mom and Dad
Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
9
10
0
LISBON Country Portugal Habitants 474,697 Area 84.8 km 2
Average Price € Founded in ~ 12th century Start of trip January, 2014 Duration 2 days Company Deborah, Monica and Marina Recommend? Yes
Chances of revisit? No
Be prepared, you might not like my opinion about Lisbon. It reminds me of a European version of cities back in the old times of Brazil. However, people are interesting in their one way. Everything that we, Brazilians, heard about our “brothers” (or should I say owners?), is true. Dumb ideas and funny situations really happen. Yet, Lisbon has its beauty and charm. The cable cars, the million kinds of different tiles, and the brick roads are memorable. Prepare your legs, though. The city has a lot of stairs and hills.
Surprisingly, Coimbra is more than just its famous University. Of course, the building is a must-see, especially because of its library. Go see the sunset and enjoy a beautiful landscape of the city. Other attractions are available, but don’t expect too much of beauty. The peaceful atmosphere makes you believe that you’re the only tourist in the city. Yet, the nightlife is quite interesting due to the amount of students. Grab a cheap beer and chat on the street!
1
C O I M BR A
Country Portugal Habitants 101,069 Area 316.8 km 2
Average Price € Founded in 1064
Start of trip January, 2014
Duration 2 days Company Deborah, Monica and
Marina Recommend? No Chances of revisit? No
11
12
2
P O R TO Country Portugal Habitants 207,673 Area 41.42 km 2
Average Price â‚Ź Founded in 1123 Start of trip January, 2014 Duration 2 days Company Deborah, Marina and Monica Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
The riverside is the most beautiful part of the city. There, you can enjoy the view of the wine caves as well as bathing during warm summers. But please, don’t just stand there. Explore around! If you squint you might be able to make out the open windows, the narrow lanes and staircases zigzagging to nowhere. Discovering the other side of the river is also a must-see. Taste all the possible port wines and get to know francesinha, an unforgettable dish.
The wide calles of Madrid Makes it worthy to be deemed a capital. And as a capital, there is plenty places where you can enjoy the nightlife – which I personally wish I could have explored more of. Order tapas, sangria and surprise yourself with the waiters’ skills on lifting a cider bottle and pouring the drink into the glass below. For the day, stop at El Convento de Corpus Christi and buy the biscuits from cloistered nuns. The experience is more remarkable than the taste. Must check on Casa Sofia as well, which displays ‘Guerra do Paraguay’ from Picasso.
1
M ad r id
Country Spain Habitants 3.2 million Area 605.8 km 2
Average Price €€ Founded in 200 BC
Start of trip January, 2014
Duration 3 days Company Deborah, Marina and
Monica
Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
13
14
4
Sevilla definitely surprised me. Small yet full of details. A mix of traditional and modern architecture, decorated with the beautiful gardens of Reales Alcázares and shaded by the orange tree patio within the city’s cathedral. Walking around is super easy and pleasant. Cross the s e vill e Country Spain Habitants 702,355 Area 140 km 2 Average Price €€ Founded in 49 BC Start of trip January, 2014 Duration 2 days Company Deborah, Marina and Monica Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
bridge and explore Triana neighbourhood. The Market there is a great option for cheap (and fresh) food!
Chaotic. Excuse me couples who are in love and think Rome is romantic. The city is dirty, the traffic is crazy and the guys that keep selling you souvenirs on the streets are annoying. However, it is super interesting to walk in the buildings you once learned back in your history classes. The panoramic elevator of Vittorio Emanuelle II Monument is the best view of the city. Do a stop on the gelato place nearby a coffee store close to the Pantheon and separate a full day to check out the Vatican - if you’re blessed (or just well-planned), you might see the pope.
1
ROME
Country Italy Habitants 2.7 million Area 1.2 km 2
Average Price €€€ Founded in 753 BC
Start of trip January, 2014
Duration 4 days Company Deborah, Marina, Monica and Luiza
Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? No
15
16
6
F L O RE N CE Country Italy Habitants 370,092 Area 102.4 km 2 Average Price â‚Źâ‚Ź Founded in 80 BC Start of trip January, 2014 Duration 3 days Company Deborah, Marina, Monica, Luiza and Giovanna Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
Firenze is the closest I have been to what I thought Italy would look like. A paradise for the art lovers, it is the house of David from Michelangelo, and the Birth of Venus from Botticelli. Go into the Duomo and do a free tour with the old lady that stands on there. She is the most passionate citizen of Firenze, for sure. If you are fit, go ahead and climb the endless tower. After the visit, eat the biggest calzone ever at Mr. Pizza nearby. Cross the bridge and finish the day at Piazzale Michelangelo, the walk there is worth the sunset.
Pisa is enough for three, maybe four hours. There is nothing much to do apart from the Tower, and the other buildings that are nearby it. Once you exit the Train Station, follow the flow and you will, eventually, end up at the bottom of the Tower. If wanted, you can climb the stairs up the tower yet the tickets’ price is not proportional to the tower’s hight. Once leaving the city, seat down by the river walls and enjoy the view. Great place to have a beer with friends!
1
PISA
Country Italy Habitants 85,517 Area 185.3 km 2
Average Price € Founded in 500 BC
Start of trip January, 2014
Duration 3 hours Company Deborah, Marina, Monica and Luiza
Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? No
17
18
8
MILAN Country Italy Habitants 1.3 million Area 181.8 km 2 Average Price €€€ Founded in 400 BC Start of trip February, 2014 Duration 3 days Company Deborah, Marina, Monica, Luiza, Neto and Júlia Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
Milan is all about the architecture, the fancy (and fashion) design, and the nightlife – which can be resumed with spritzs. At least they do this all very well. The Piazza Duomo is as beautiful as the brandy stores and the women shoes. For a more underground scenario – if that is possible in Milan – go to Navigli, order a beer and enjoy it with a slice of pizza while seated beside the canal.
Hamburg is the perfect place for you to celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary. However, this opinion is biased since the company and the mood of this trip was completely different than my usual ones. Do not waste time on the Alsterhouse. Cross the Elb Tunnel and go visit the Harbour instead. Take a boat tour along the Elba to know where it is and check the architecture of Chile Hause.
1
HAMBURG
Country Germany
Habitants 1.8 million Area 755 km 2
Average Price â‚Źâ‚Ź Founded in 200 AD
Start of trip February, 2014 Duration 3 days Company Aunt Rosana and
Uncle Edson
Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? No
19
20
0
DUBLIN Country Ireland Habitants 527,612 Area 115 km 2
Average Price €€ Founded in 140 AD Start of trip March, 2014 Duration 4 days Company Deborah, Luiza and Giovanna Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? Yes
Slàinte for St Patricks! No doubt, the best possible time to visit Dublin. Even though it is a big festival, it is very well organized and filled with activities for everyone. Just chill out with your friends, while listening to folk Irish music and drinking a pint of Guinness. That was already enough for me. The Guinness Brewery is a must-see, specially the part where you enjoy a beer in their panoramic bar. Wear green, die your hair ginger and drink enough to understand the Irish accent. Good luck!
Definitely a city to explore walking, or riding. And if you do so, no worries on locking your bike, no one will touch it. The National Library has an interesting architecture, great exhibitions (I personally saw one of the Gutenberg Bibles) and offers a nice river view. If you go for the Little Mermaid, do not expect something big so you will not be disappointed. For a crazier approach, cross the Inderhaven and explore a hippie vibe, aka a piece of Amsterdam in Denmark. You can also go nuts – and poor – at Tivoli, the world second oldest thematic park.
2
CO P E N H AG E N
Country Denmark Habitants 559,440 Area 88.25 km 2
Average Price kr kr kr kr
Founded in 1167
Start of trip April, 2014 Duration 3 days Company Alex Kharouk
Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? No
21
22
2
S TO C K H O L M Country Sweden Habitants 789,024 Area 6,519 km 2 Average Price kr kr kr kr kr Founded in 1200 Start of trip April, 2014 Duration 3 days Company Alex Kharouk Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? No
The Royal Family is not the only one to feel royal in Stockholm. The quality of life is so great that locals and tourists blend with the royalty. It is a city to raise your child, to develop a life and also to enjoy your retirement. Go for a walk on the bankside, and explore the islands and museums within it. Vasa Museum is very interesting, in particular. For lunch, stop by a street food place and order a Tunbrodsrulle. If you want to go fancy, check the street market Ă–stermalmshallen. Buy a metro pass and surprise yourself with the wonderful stations, that are underneath you.
Absolutely gorgeous. The city is filled out with impressive and colourful constructions that definitely invite you to walk around. Bring a scarf for your head – you will need it to go in the churches. The Church of the Savior on Blood is a must-see and also a kind of miniature of the Moscow’s Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Stop by the bar Bag for Pregnant Spy and have a drink while reading coded messages delivered on napkins. For dinner, have a stroganoff and if you have spare time, go for the State Hermitage Museum, the second biggest collection of art in the world.
2
S t. P e t e r s b u r g
Country Russia Habitants 4.88 million Area 1,439 km 2
Average Price py6
Founded in 1703
Start of trip April, 2014 Duration 4 days Company Alex Kharouk
Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? No
23
24
4
The Red Square is the most beautiful part of the city and one of the most impressive square’s I have ever seen. The colours and rounded shapes of the Saint Basil’s Cathedral, in contrast with the massive squared red construction of the State Historical Museum, M OS COW
set a great atmosphere to be enjoyed. For a creepy experience, go into Lenis Mausoleum and check out his
Country Russia Habitants 11.5 million Area 2,510 km 2 Average Price py6 Founded in 1147 Start of trip April, 2014 Duration 3 days Company Alex Kharouk Recommend? Yes Chances of revisit? No
body, which is laying there since 1924. Buy tickets to the Bolshoi Theatre and enjoy the night with borsch soup and loads of vodka.
All content was produced and designed by Carolina Pizatto, in May 2014. The images were collected from the author’s catalogue and were also contributed by Alex Kharouk, Luan Campos and Fernanda Pompermayer. This is an academic work and has no commercial use.