6 MAY 2014 PORTUGAL - PORTO

Teresa were at the hotel to take us to City hall at 8.45 a.m. City Hall was within walking distance of the hotel. So we easily reached there on foot. Students were already there when we arrived. The Mayor welcomed us and made a speech giving details about the economical and social status of S. Joao da Madeira.

     Later we went on visiting ‘Estado Novo’ school. The young pupils were so cute and they were in class learning Chinese. The school building was a historical one, full of old memories. After that we went to another school which we are more used to. It was a primary school. The teachers greeted us friendly and gave a brief explanation of the system at the school. We also watched the fantastic dance performance of a group of talented students. It was really fascinating.

     The industrial heritage tour started with the hat museum. It was amazing to see and try the nice colourful hats. But initially we learned all stages of making a hat in a detailed way. After the interesting tour at the hat museum, we had a delicious lunch at the school canteen.

     Later on, the second destination of the industrial heritage tour was pencil factory. I can still remember the nice smell of the lead. We were welcomed by another great guide who explained us how to make pencils stage by stage. He even taught us the details of cheating.:)

     And then we reached the last destination- shoe factory that the ladies were looking forward to visiting. The guide at the shoe factory started the tour showing the different kinds of leather. Then we witnessed every stage of making a shoe. Seeing all types of shoes amazed the female teachers especially.

    After a short coffee break, we turned back to school. It seemed to us that there was a   festival at school because all the students were enjoying themselves either with the music played by a band or with different games. The parents had also gathered at school bringing some meals with them to offer us, which was very generous of them. We tasted the delicious meal prepared by the parents.    

     On the whole, the participation of the community was fantastic. Teachers, parents and students were all together having a great time. That night was the proof of being united.