25.5.2015 – Today is Monday and the LEOs mostly are at work or university. We are about to meet in the evening, which is great, because I have time to explore the city on my own and get some new insights of Portuguese lifestyle.
Because my apartment (See it on booking.com: Coimbra Vintage Loft Apartments) is situated directly in the old town part of Coimbra I can directly start with my journey of discovery. My goal: go up to that world famous university which is also protected by UNSECO and have a look down from the hill.
Leo Clube de Coimbra
Facebook-Page of the Club: https://www.facebook.com/LeosCoimbra
What I’ve instantly learnt in Portugal: Siesta is important, so after I came home from my short trip I had a nice rest in my fabulous bed. So I am ready to meet LEOs from Coimbra at their regular meeting-place, the Galeria Bar Santa Clara – a wonderful place on the other side of the river with a fantastic view over the town and the university. This cafe is mostly visited by students and young people and has also very lovely indoor-style. The room shown below is the room, where LEOs in Coimbra meet regularly. The ceiling is wonderful! If you are in Coimbra, you definitely should drop by. See more pictures on their website at http://galeriasantaclara.blogspot.pt/search/label/Fotografias
The institute – a LEO activity
After having coffee and getting to know each other Filipa and Gonçalo took me to an institution which takes care about kids and children, in this case girls. They are living there in small groups and getting everything they need for live. LEOs support these children by meeting them every week on Monday and give them support in studying. As far as I remember, each LEO has three kids he or she takes care of. So that means they build up a long time relationship with each other. For me, this is a very nice and effective way to help as well as a great activity.
I was stunned by the beauty of the building (which reminded me of a monastery) and the wonderful gardens they have. They also grow limes and oranges themselves and have a huge place to enjoy nature outside or go swimming in their pool.
Unfortunately the studying lessons were cancelled short before we came there, so I could not attend their activity, but I got a great insight into their life and also could meet some of the girls there. Thanks for the super tasty self made pizza you shared with me and the lime and oranges you gave me as a present!
In respect to the privacy of the kids, I did not take pictures of the kids.
After that visit we met another LEO, Pedro who joined us for dinner. Wow, another great day in Portugal as well as first LEO contact 🙂
As far as I got to know yet, LEOs in Portugal are very focused on helping and serving kids, which is also shown in the big national-wide activity in Tocha which will take place in a view days. More about that soon.
What do you think?
Let me know your opinion and comment this article below. What do you think about serving kids by supporting them on a weekly basis?