The first week of the program went by like a blast! We were able to begin studying our "Aquatic Ecosystems and Sustainability" topic within the first few days (the group didn't fully arrive until Tuesday due to flight delays and cancellations). Being blessed with one of the best groups ever, we all got along quite easily and became friends relatively quickly (other than trying to get to known each other before the program through social media). The thing about being in a group of 29 students, there's only so much time to get to know one another, so definitely getting to know everybody WELL is a continuing challenge, but I've made a few friends and I've yet to get to know everybody more! Staying in dorms and hostels have definitely aided me into getting to know my peers since we would often have chats at night talking about our lives back in the US and how different everything was in each state. At one point, we gathered around and sang songs together as one of our group-mates, Anni, played the guitar.
Learning about my topic was definitely something I was looking forward to on this trip. Climate change is one of the most controversial topics currently due to the changes happening and how it can affect us in the future. While kayaking at River Vouga, I was able to learn about different types of testings that can be done in the water such as pH (water acidity test), nitrates (from agricultural runoffs), and the hardness (the amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in the water). I knew going into this program I would be learning about aquatic ecosystems and mainly environmental related information, but I never knew that it would be able to help me scientifically if I ever decided to switch fields.
Culturally, even though I had a good chunk of my time for learning about our topic, I still got a lot of time to experience the culture in Portugal. In Aveiro, I was given plenty of time to wander up and down the streets with my new friends. There, we were able to explore and eat some PASTEL DE NATAS (DELICIOUS CUSTARD TARTS). During our set meal times with the group, we were still able to try some traditional food like roasted chicken, bacalhau, and stewed squid. Even though it's only been a week and the food is AMAZING, a part of me still misses the home cooked simple meals I have at home with my parents. I've had an amazing first week and I can't wait to continue sharing my trip with you all!
-- Veronica Wu
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