Servas Africa & Youth Meeting in Uganda, August 2011

As far back as I can remember, I have had all these nice strangers coming to my house, sharing their lives and stories. My family has been in Servas as long as I can remember. As a matter of fact, my parents met through the organisation, when my mother did her Interrail trip and stayed at my grandmother's house in Oslo...the rest is history.

Although we had received dozens of travellers, it was only in the begining of this year, 2011, that in my first trip alone, I stayed with Servas in Argentina. The experience was amazing and spiritually enriching so I couldn't wait to repeat the experience.

When I knew about the Servas Youth & Africa Meeting in Uganda, I decided to attend it. This event took place in a Conference Center just outside Kampala and I got the chance to meet Servas from all over the world. I was extremely proud to represent Portugal and to communicate and interact about issues that concern the life of Servas all over the world. How Servas is expanding in some countries in Africa, as well as in Portugal, how important it is to have meetings and work towards achieving understanding and respect amongst the various nations, cultures, religions, etc...In Kampala I was very happy to stay with Sarah, a very nice woman who was a perfect host and helped me having a very nice first impression on Uganda.

It is my deepest belief that staying with a host gives you the oportunity to get to know better the country and also see things that no other tourist would ever see. In my case, I had the nice surprise of being invited to a wedding, went to a secret beach, to a secret party...

I am currently finishing my degree on Communication Nettwork in Lisbon, Portugal.

And from now on I also want to travel around the world and increase the number of young members in Portugal.

Carl Kristensen, 21 years old

IV ENCONTRO IBÉRICO, 29 DE ABRIL A 1 DE MAIO

Servas Spain and Servas Portugal have been holding the so-called Iberian Meeting every year, for the past 4 years. It usually takes place in the Douro region, because Douro is a river that crosses both countries and it has breathtaking views. In Douro there are the vinyards, the beautiful walking paths, the tasteful food and many nice places to enjoy

This year, it was Portugal's time to host the Iberian Meeting. We started preparing everything in the beggining of the year, choosing a nice spot, sending out invitations, preparing interestind activities, that would attract both young and not so young members -- it was some work involved but we wanted it to be a memorable event.

So, on the 29th April, 42 members met in the Foz Côa Youth Hostel, full of enthusiasm and positive energy. The welcoming dinner was a moment to get acquainted, followed by a small workshop where members from Spain would talk about what they knew about Portugal (food and customs) and vice-versa. It was a special moment where we had the opportunity to talk about "fado", the portuguese national song, or about "bacalhau", the dried cod-fish that can be prepared in more than a thousand ways...and also about spanish geographical regions, authors and painters like Cervantes and El Greco, among other subjects.

On saturday we visited the Museu de Foz Côa where we learned more about the region and its ancient rock engravings. During the afternoon it was time to walk around the countryside, on ancient roman paths and visit another museum that had interesting things to admire such as a medieval skeleton and very ancient artefacts.

After dinner we gathered in the conference room, at the Youth Hostel, and we discussed some of the Iberian Peninsula History (for example did you know that Portugal was founded in 1143??), by Maria José Serpa. Afterwards it was time for our most recent member, Alexandra Luis, talk about portuguese women that have become famous in various areas such as sports (Rosa Mota), arts (Paula Rêgo), literature and women's rights (the 3 Marias who wrote together the "Novas Cartas Portuguesas"), journalism (Cândida Pinto), and most of all about Carolina Beatriz Ângelo, the first portuguese woman ever to vote in 1911, although the universal suffrage was only a fact after 1974, in Portugal

Finally on sunday morning we had a nice chi-kung moment with Carmen from Spain and then we took a train to Peso da Régua, enjoying each others company and the incredibly beautiful landscape. Arriving at Peso da Régua it was time to have lunch and say good-bye, returning safe and sound to our homes.

I am now looking forward to the next meeting, that will be hold in Spain.

Spain and Portugal have become closer and these meetings are undoubtedly a perfect excuse to see new and old friends. That's what Servas is about, to connect people all over.

By: Carla Kristensen

Pen-pals ou "amigos/as correspondentes"

Antes da era da Internet as pessoas tinham muito o hábito de mandar cartas pelo correio, folhas repletas de novidades, saudades, algumas linhas que eram sempre recebidas com alegria e curiosidade.

Agora usamos muito a internet e já não existe tanto aquela expectativa pela chegada do correio. No entanto nós, em Servas, queremos fazer renascer este velho hábito e propômos a troca de correspondência entre membros portugueses e outros de outros países. Será uma maneira de melhorar uma língua estrangeira que já esteja um pouco "enferrujada" e também de criar laços de amizade com alguém de outro país ou mesmo continente.

Caso esteja interessado/a em ter um/a pen-pal, escreva-nos e diga em que língua pretende escrever. Nós tratamos do resto.

IV Encontro Ibérico de Servas Portugal

Vai-se realizar nos dias 29, 30 de Abril e 1 de Maio de 2011, na bonita zona de Vila Nova de Foz Côa, o IV Encontro Ibérico Servas. Região de uma beleza quase indescritível, onde os rios Côa e Douro desenham um quadro pitoresco único, onde a vinha, a amendoeira e a oliveira são presença constante na paisagem, onde existe um legado patrimonial vasto que ´percorre todas as idades do ser humano, iremos passar alguns dias de confraternização e aprendizagem. Local: Pousada de Juventude de Foz Côa http://http//www.hihostels.com/dba/hostel047047.en.htm Temos à disposição do nosso grupo:

(ATENÇÃO: HOUVE ALTERAÇÕES)



• 1 apartamento com kitchnette p/ 4 pessoas: 53 e. por pessoa (já está reservado)




• 8 camas em camaratas fem : 48 e. p p (ocupadas)




• 9 quartos duplos com WC : 54 e. p p (ocupados)




• 4 quartos duplos sem WC : 50 e. p p (ocupados)

Estes valores incluem: 2 noites com pequeno-almoço, almoço e jantar de sábado e visita guiada a Freixo de Numão, com Museu. Não inclui ingresso no Museu do Côa, nem outras refeições a não ser as referidas em cima. PROGRAMA: ---6ª feira: ~ 17h- chegada, confraternização, jogos 20 h: jantar com comida trazida pelos próprios participantes+ mercado de trocas 21h : apresentação informal sobre Portugal, história, cultura, literatura, etc ---sábado: 8.30 h : peq-almoço 10h : Museu do Côa + foto de grupo 13h: almoço na Pousada 15h: Freixo de Numão-visita ao Museu da Casa Grande, centro histórico, ruínas romanas e muito mais, caminhada 20h: jantar na Pousada 21h : passeio nocturno à vila de Foz Côa ou outra actividade que seja proposta ---domingo: 8.30h: peq-almoço na Pousada +/- 10h: de carro até Peso da Régua (vistas deslumbrantes) ou em alternativa, quem quiser pode apanhar o comboio no Pocinho às 11.14h, que chega a Peso da Régua às 12.39h. +/-13h : almoço num restaurante no Peso da Régua FIM DO IV ENCONTRO IBÉRICO ~ Quem ficar nas camaratas tem que levar toalha de banho Ao fazer a sua inscrição/pagamento deve mandar um e-mail para portugal@servas.org indicando os nomes dos participantes, qual o tipo de alojamento e se deseja comida vegetariana ou menu infantil. As inscrições estão sujeitas à disponibilidade. Neste blog será actualizado diariamente o número de vagas ainda disponíveis. Em caso de dúvida, consultar a Secretária Nacional de Servas Portugal, ou qualquer outro membro da Direcção. Qualquer pagamento indevido será reembolsado. ATENÇÃO : Necessitamos saber se há alguém vegetariano, para sabermos quantas refeições vegetarianas encomendar. Obrigada!!! Hasta la vista!!!!! Até breve!!!!!! CARLA K.

Assembleia Geral de Servas Portugal

Nos termos do nº1 do artº 15º dos Estaturos de Servas Portugal - Portas Abertas convoca-se a Assembleia Geral Ordinária desta Associação para reunir no dia 20 de Novembro de 2010 (sábado) em Vila Nova de Gaia (morada consta da convocatória), com a seguinte Ordem de Trabalhos:
1- Apreciação e aprovação do relatório e contas.
2- Apreciação e aprovação do relatório de actividades
3- Alteração da sede de Servas Portugal
4- Alteração dos representantes para a movimentação da conta bancária
5- Propostas para o IV Encontro Ibérico
6- Outros assuntos de interesse para a Associação.
Nos termos dos nºs 1 e 2 do artº 16º dos Estatutos desta Associação, se à hora marcada não estiver presente metade dos associados efectivos fica desde já convocada nova Assembleia Geral, a realizar meia hora mais tarde, às 16.30 horas, no mesmo local e com a mesma ordem de trabalhos, com qualquer número de associados presentes.
Agradece-se a confirmação de presença para portugal@servas.org

III Encontro Ibérico - Hinojosa del Duero

Ainda não decorreram assim tantos anos, que já se tenha tornado tradição, todavia o Encontro Ibérico, que reúne membros Servas de Portugal e Espanha, está-se a tornar um momento importante na vida dos seus participantes.
A 1ª edição teve lugar em 2008, em Alburquerque (Espanha) num bonito castelo convertido em Pousada. A 2ª edição foi na Serra da Estrela (Portugal) em 2009, na Pousada de Juventude. A sua 3ª edição aconteceu este ano em 30 de Abril e 1 e 2 de Maio de 2010, em Hinojosa del Duero (Espanha).
Resolvi ir até ao Porto, de comboio, de onde apanhei boleia com a Amélia e a Angélica. Decisão acertada pois, além de poupar dinheiro, fui em muita boa companhia; divertidas como estavamos a viagem decorreu rapidamente.Atravessada a fronteira, chegamos sem qualquer problema à aldeia, que nos surpreendeu pela extrema calma e beleza da paisagem circundante. Fomos as primeiras a chegar e fomos recebidas pelos organizadores, Rufino e esposa, que nos fizeram uma breve visita guiada ao pequeno hotel onde pernoitariamos. Explicaram-nos que o hotel estava reservado para o nosso grupo, a cozinha estava à nossa disposição, o pequeno-almoço seria preparado por nós (grupo todo) e depois teriamos que arrumar e limpar tudo. Como eramos os unicos hóspedes, estavamos como em nossa casa. Que maravilha!!!
Seguiu-se a chegada de outros participantes, alguns já conhecidos de encontros anteriores, pelo que aproveitamos para contar as novidades e conhecer caras novas.
Passadas umas horas fomos todos para o Restaurante ao fundo da rua, onde pudemos apreciar comida espanhola.
No dia seguinte acordamos cedo e após o pequeno-almoço seguimos para o que seria um dia intenso de caminhadas. Parte dos trajectos feitos de carro, parte feita a pé, por entre caminhos de terra alcançamos miradouros fenomenais, alguns conseguiram superar o cansaço e apreciaram a cascata sobre o rio de las Uces, admiramos o inselnberg "La Peña", alguns até tiveram a "ousadia" de o escalar!!!
Por entre tanto esforço físico, com pausas para comer e descansar, o mais bonito de se ver era a partilha desta experiência e a alegria que reinava.
Após várias caminhadas e lugares bonitos, regressamos a Hinojosa e jantamos no mesmo restaurante. Após o jantar alguns foram confraternizar para um bar perto, outros ficaram a conversar tranquilamente na sala do hotel.
No dia seguinte fomos de carro, para além da fronteira, visitar Castelo Rodrigo e Barca d'Alva, com a sua estação de comboios tristemente abandonada e vandalizada.
Nós, os portugueses, depedimo-nos nesta altura dos nossos amigos espanhois e demos assim por terminado esta fantástico fim de semana, num almoço algures a caminho do Porto.
Resta-me desejar que chegue depressa o próximo Encontro Ibérico, cá estaremos, em Portugal, prontos para proporcionar alguns dias de agradável camaradagem, em pleno espírito Servas: somos todos amigos e o mundo é a nossa casa!

An adventure in Italy, with a very happy ending

My family is part of Servas since 1998. At that time I was 10 years old and since then we received many Servas from all over the world in our house in Viana do Castelo, a little town in the north of Portugal. I feel lucky to have grown in a house where having dinner with Servas guests was a usual thing, we made so many new friends and I remember very well most of them. I even remember once a few years ago that we had two guests at the same time! Lawrence from Australia and Benjamin from Israel, that was an interesting cultural triangle because both had fantastic life stories to tell. I also remember very well Christopher from Virginia, US. He was cycling around Europe for months and he stayed with us for a couple of days, 7 or 8 years ago. Although he was a shy person we spend a good time together and because of him I want to do the same as he was doing, travel with my bycicle for a long period. I guess I just have to find the courage to do that.
Four years ago I went to college and moved to Lisbon, where I am now, not as a Servas host anymore. I have to say that I miss having Servas guests!

Me and my family only travelled two times with Servas cause I have two younger brothers and it's not easy to find someone with space for five persons...
Well but this is precisely the reason why I'm writting, I had my first Servas experience alone last month and it was all unplanned.

I went to visit the design fair week at Milano and I arrived on 13th April (tuesday) planning to stay until 18th (sunday). What I wasn't planning was the eruption of a volcano in Iceland, three days after i arrived in Milano. At the beginning nobody was really worried but after a few days there was a massive ash cloud all over central Europe, thousands of flights were cancelled and airports closed. With no exception my flight back to Portugal was cancelled and delayed for one week.

I left the airport and went back to the city center alone, with no money left to stay in a hotel for one more week and with no idea where to go. I went to the train station and there was a big confusion with police and people trying to get in trains with no ticket, cause all the tickets were sold out for days. The day was passing and I was starting to feel desperate to find a place to sleep before it was night, worst case I was preparing myself to sleep in the airport. So I called my parents to explain my situation and ask what to do. Both immediately said - "Servas!" and I said that I didn't have any papers or Servas ID with me and that would be difficult to find someone able to receive me in the same day.
I was wrong. At the end of the afternoon, after a couple of phone calls I was in Maria Soresina's house. She received me with arms wide open and we talk about many interesting things. She introduced Servas in Italy and in the seventies she was the vice-president of Servas Italia. So she had a hand full of interesting stories about Servas, India and Dante Alighierithe, author that she is writting the third book about. At some point I was saying that I already knew everything about Milano since I was there for more than one week. She suddenly made a big smile and asked me: Do you know Venice?? - No!, I said. She picked the phone and called Mario Burlando, a Servas friend of her from Venice. And so it was, the day after I was leaving Milano by train to visit Venice and stay with Mario and his family. They also received me very well and told me all the good things to see in the city. It was an amazing and unexpected three days stay where I had time to walk around Venice and think how lucky I was to beeing in that situation. At the same time there was people sleeping in the airports and train stations, newspapers with pictures of all this chaos and I was enjoying a sunny day in Venice eating my gelato.
I left Venice to go to Milano friday morning and stopped halfway to see Verona, where I spent the whole afternoon and walked through other beatifull Italian city. At the end of the day I arrived in Milano and stayed at Maria Soresina's home, with a big smile she recieved me again for dinner.
The next morning I left to the airport and took my flight to Lisbon as planned with any constraint or even waiting line.

As I told Maria, I will always be gratefull for the existence of volcanoes.
I would like to thank Maria Soresina, Mario Burlando and his family for having me and wish them the good luck.


As Goethe once said,

"The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers and cities; but to know someone here and there who thinks and feels with us, and though distant, is close to us in spirit - this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden."

"Die Welt ist so leer, wenn man nur Berge, Flüsse und Städte darin denkt, aber hie und da jemand zu wissen, der mit uns übereinstimmt, mit dem wir auch stillschweigend fortleben, das macht uns dieses Erdenrund erst zu einem bewohnten Garten."

"Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre," in Goethes Sämmtliche Werke, vol. 7 (Stuttgart: J. G. Cotta, 1874), p. 520.

Thank you,
Duarte Lima